Second Russian Covid-19 Vaccine Candidate Shows Promising Results In Early Trials: Report

This Coronavirus vaccine is different from the one dubbed 'Sputnik V' which was officially announced by Russia earlier this month.

Photo: Getty Images (Representative Image)

Moscow: Russia's Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology is developing a Coronavirus vaccine which is reported to be safe in early human tests.  This vaccine candidate is different from the one Russia announced globally, dubbed the 'Sputnik V'. The second one is being called 'EpiVacCorona' and  Russia's Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing informed that the volunteers who received the first shot of the vaccine have not reported any side effects. The early trials of EpiVacCorona will be concluded in September. "All inoculated volunteers are feeling well. To date, the first vaccination was administered to 57 volunteers, while 43 received a placebo," the agency stated. TASS news agency reported the development quoting the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing and informed that the vaccine produces an immune response after double administration with an interval of 14-21 days. As per the report, as of now, only one volunteer has been given the vaccine twice. Earlier this month, Russia approved 'Sputnik V' as presented it as the world's first Covid-19 vaccine. The claims made are being put under a scanner and more information is being sought by experts before reaching a global consensus. Reportedly, the country is now planning a large-scale trial involving 40,000 people for its first and official vaccine. (With Agency Inputs) WATCH | Maharashtra: Ganesh Utsav begins with restrictions amid Covid crisis