Russian Health Minister: "Western Criticism of COVID-19 Vaccines Unfair... Due to Competitive Spirit"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Russian health authorities have rebutted concerns about the efficacy and safety of their domestically developed novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, which was the first in the world to be registered, calling such criticisms baseless.

According to Bloomberg on the 12th (local time), Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health, said at a briefing that "foreign colleagues, feeling competitive pressure from the Russian product, are expressing opinions that we see as completely unfair."

Earlier, on the 11th, President Vladimir Putin announced the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine "Sputnik V," developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology under the Russian Ministry of Health. Russia is the first country to officially approve the use of this vaccine.

However, since the vaccine was approved without undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials and the results of Phase 2 trials have not been disclosed, governments and experts worldwide have expressed concerns about serious side effects. Alex Azar, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, pointed out, "Being first is not important; transparent data is necessary," and Jens Spahn, German Minister of Health, also stated, "I am very skeptical. It could be dangerous." The World Health Organization (WHO) said, "We are discussing the prequalification of the vaccine with Russia" and emphasized the need for a detailed review of clinical trial data.

However, Minister Murashko countered, saying, "The Russian vaccine has secured a certain level of clinical knowledge and data," and announced that mass vaccinations would begin within this month before the completion of clinical trials. He added, "Vaccinations for healthcare workers and other high-risk groups will start within two weeks, and from October, more people will have access."

Meanwhile, the vaccine completed Phase 1 clinical trials in mid-last month with 76 volunteers. It is reported that Phase 2 clinical trials have also been conducted, but the results have not been made public. Russian health authorities have stated plans to conduct Phase 3 clinical trials involving thousands of participants.

Currently, among global pharmaceutical companies, Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca are conducting Phase 3 clinical trials for their COVID-19 vaccine candidates.