Russia authorizes one-dose Sputnik Light vs. Covid-19

MANILA – Russia has authorized a single-dose vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) called Sputnik Light, a potential way to increase the global vaccine supply as several countries face massive outbreaks.

“The Sputnik Light vaccine significantly reduces the possibility of severe cases leading to hospitalization, with only one injection needed. The single-dose regimen solves the challenge of immunizing large groups in a shorter time, which is especially important during the acute phase of the spread of coronavirus, achieving herd immunity faster,” Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) chief executive officer Kirill Dmitriev said Thursday.

The RDIF said the single-shot jab is 79.4 percent effective against SARS-CoV-2, based on data taken 28 days after the injection was administered between Dec. 5, 2020 and April 15, 2021.

It added that Sputnik Light “has proven effective against all new strains of coronavirus, as demonstrated by the Gamaleya Center during laboratory tests.”

The vaccine has undergone Phases 1 and 2 clinical trials with the interim result for the Phase 3 study expected this month, involving about 7,000 people from Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, and others nations.

The Sputnik Light vaccine, based on a human adenoviral vector platform, also costs less than USD10 and is compatible with standard refrigerator temperature of between 2°C and 8°C.

According to RDIF, Sputnik Light will be exported to other countries to help increase the rate of vaccinations in the face of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants but the two-dose Sputnik V will remain as the main source of vaccination in Russia.