Sputnik V is starting its trial in India soon. I attended a webinar about the vaccine trial.The following were the talking points-
It is one of the three vaccines currently with the efficacy of over 90%.
The use of two vectors is a unique technology of the Gamaleya centre, making Sputnik V different from other vaccines.
Sputnik V uses two vectors in their vaccines. This boosts immune response and provides long-lasting immunity with an added element of safety.
The interim results of the phase 3 Gam-COVID-Vac trial show that the vaccine is 91·6% efficacious against COVID-19 (from day 21 after the first dose, the day of receiving second dose – From the analysis of data on 19,866 volunteers.
Sputnik V is the world’s first registered vaccine based on a well-studied human adenoviral vector-based platform. Sputnik V is now registered in 24 countries.
But what is the Sputnik V
It’s Russia’s contribution to fighting the COVID 19 .
Sputnik V is an Adenoviral based vaccine. Its targeted SARS COV-2 Sputnik V uses a weakened virus to deliver small parts of the pathogen (COVID19) to stimulate an immune response in the person getting the vaccine.
How does the Sputnik V work?
It is a vector vaccine where the adenovirus acts as the vector. The adenovirus gene is removed from the virus vector. The COVID 19 gene is inserted. When it enters the host’s immune system, the host cells start the synthesis of new Coronavirus envelope proteins—Thats how the immune system is primed to fight a future potential enemy.
The Sputnik V’s interesting part is that the first dose and second dose of the vaccine has two different adenoviral vectors with a gene coding the S protein of Coronavirus. When this vector gets inside a human cell, this genetic material of COVID 19 makes the cell synthesize S protein. This S protein is responsible for the immune response to begin. The use of two vectors is an exciting technology of the Russian vaccine.
When is the second dose of vaccine needed?
It’s needed after twenty-one days.
What is adenovirus?
Adenovirus is a type of viruses causing human acute viral respiratory infection. It can affect the eyes, urinary and nervous system too. But in the vaccine since the adenoviral genetic material; is removed, it cannot cause disease.
Results from the Lancet article briefly:
The article in lancet has reported Sputnik V being 91.6 % efficacious.
Robust humoral and good cellular immune response in all age group.
This vaccine-like the Covishield and Covaxin are suitable for storage and transportation in India. It requires storage at 2-8 degrees celsius.
Going forward we would like to know about the clinical trials of COVID 19 Vaccine combo of Sputnik V and the Oxford Astra Zeneca
The world needs safe, effective vaccines which are affordable. The more we know , the more informed the consent for vaccination will be. We await results of the duration of protection and other data as India continues its vaccine drive.
World’s first clinical trials of Covid-19 vaccine combination of Sputnik V and the Oxford–AstraZeneca begin soon. According to this Reuters report, Dr. Reddy’s laboratory in India conducts a small human trial of this vaccine supported by the Russian Direct investment fund. India may approve this vaccine in the following weeks.
Update:
As of today the 12th of April 2021 the Sputnik V has been cleared by Indian authorities .
Reference:
Safety and efficacy of an rAd26 and rAd5 vector-based heterologous prime-boost COVID-19 vaccine: an interim analysis of a randomized controlled phase 3 trial in Russia
Denis Y Logunov, DSc *
Inna V Dolzhikova, PhD *
Dmitry V Shcheblyakov, PhD
Amir I Tukhvatulin, PhD
Olga V Zubkova, PhD
Alina S Dzharullaeva, MSc
et al. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00234-8/fulltext
My experience with COVID Vaccine