Rus "Joint Vaccine Combination Trial with AstraZeneca... Maximizing Immune Effect"

Sputnik V and AstraZeneca Vaccine Combination Trial
Both Use Adenovirus Vectors... "Clinical Trials to Begin Soon"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which led the development of Russia's novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine Sputnik V, announced that it has signed a contract to jointly conduct clinical trials for combined vaccination with AstraZeneca. Both vaccines are based on adenovirus vectors, the most widely used carriers in vaccine production, and it is expected that the combined vaccination clinical trials will help maximize immune efficacy.

According to TASS news agency on the 21st (local time), Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of RDIF, stated in a released statement, "The clinical trials for combined vaccination will be conducted by combining the adenovirus type 26 vector in AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vaccines," adding, "Clinical trials are planned soon in several countries in the Middle East and the former Soviet Union region." He further said, "We believe that the combination of the two vaccines will maximize immune efficacy."

RDIF and AstraZeneca held a signing ceremony via video conference on the same day, which was reportedly attended by President Vladimir Putin, the Russian state Gamaleya Institute that developed Sputnik V, and representatives from Al-Pharm, a major Russian pharmaceutical company. At the signing ceremony, President Putin expressed gratitude, saying, "Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, showed active efforts to achieve a very important goal for humanity."

Both Sputnik V and AstraZeneca vaccines are based on adenovirus vectors, which are the most commonly used in vaccines. Sputnik V uses two vectors, adenovirus type 26 and type 5, while AstraZeneca is known to use only the type 5 vector. According to TASS, RDIF had previously proposed clinical trials combining Sputnik V with AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine last month to enhance efficacy, and AstraZeneca recently accepted this proposal.

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