AstraZeneca Combines Sputnik V Components For COVID Vaccine

JAKARTA - British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca agreed to combine the vector for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Russia, Sputnik V, with its vaccine components in clinical trials using two separate inoculations, Russia said Friday, December 11.

The agency that funded the development of Sputnik V, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), and the Russian Gamaleya Institute research institute in late November offered AstraZeneca to use one of two components of the Russian vaccine in its clinical trials.

"AstraZeneca has received a submission from RDIF and will begin clinical trials of its vaccine in combination with the human adenovirus vector type Ad26 used in Sputnik V at the end of 2020," said RDIF in a statement received by Antara, Saturday, December 12, in Jakarta.

"This study will provide an opportunity for AstraZeneca scientists to examine the possibility of increasing the efficacy (efficacy, red) of their vaccine through the application of this combination approach," wrote RDIF.

The Russian Gamaleya Institute uses two vectors for Sputnik V, Ad26 and Ad5, for two separate inoculations (techniques for inserting the virus into the human body) - the so-called RDIF "provides a stronger and longer-term immune response than a one-component vaccine for both. inoculation".

"This unique example of cooperation between scientists from different countries to jointly fight the coronavirus will play a decisive role in achieving the final victory over this pandemic globally," said Kirill Dmitriev, RDIF Executive Chair.

Furthermore, Dmitriev said that his party is ready to develop this cooperation in the future and start joint production after the new vaccine shows efficacy in clinical trials.

Antara confirmed further about the technical details in clinical trials with the use of this combination vector, but RDIF said that detailed information would be announced next week.