Sputnik V is developed by Gamaleya Research Institute, which is a part of Russia’s health ministry. As per the scientific journal named The Lancet, the vaccine has an efficacy of nearly 91% and is a two-dose vaccine. It is the most expensive jab worth Rs 1,145 after Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, which is Rs 1,410 at private hospitals.
It has been made from adenoviruses, a type of virus that leads to colds in bodies. It is structured so that it cannot replicate itself, but the gene of the spike protein can be observed by the cell and copied into a molecule known as messenger RNA, or mRNA. Sputnik V undertakes the SARS-CoV-2’s genetic commands to form the spike protein and keeps the details in the double-stranded DNA.
Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy’s Lab (DRL) in India has begun its process in the country for distribution. Private hospitals in India have started preparing for its arrival as it is likely to be administered to patients at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in the national capital this month.
The first dose of Sputnik V was administered in Hyderabad after a nod from the Central Drugs Laboratory, which held numerous tests on the vaccine’s quality and stability.
The laboratory has only received 1,50,000 doses of Sputnik V from Russia, while other stocks will come soon. As per the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) deal, India would receive approximately 250 million doses, which will be adequate to inoculate 125 million people.
Study co-author Denis Logunov, from Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russia, said, “Stopping the COVID-19 pandemic requires the introduction of different vaccines based on different mechanisms of action to cover diverse global health demands. Our vaccine, along with other SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, helps to diversify the world SARS-CoV-2 vaccine pipeline.”
The Russian candidate has another variant known as Sputnik Light, which benefits from being administered in a single dose. It could accelerate the pace of vaccination drive in countries such as India. In May, it was sanctioned for emergency use in Russia with an efficacy rate of 79.4%. The talks are on for its approval in India. It functions similarly to Sputnik V and undertakes recombinant human adenovirus to ferry the code for spike proteins. It could be priced at nearly $10 (Rs 730) in India whenever approved.
It requires a temperature range of minus 18° celsius to keep it intact and safe. The vaccine freezer plays a vital role. Rockwell Industries, a cold chain appliance manufacturer, issues its statement, which discussed its agreement with Dr Reddy’s labs to offer its World Health Organisation effectiveness, safety certification, and quality performance.
“Our technology ensures that Sputnik V’s storage management at vaccine centres meets the stringent refrigeration standards set forth by Sputnik V’s manufacturers,” said Ashok Gupta, Managing Director of Rockwell Industries.
The data suggests that its side effects comprise flu-like illness, fatigue, headache or injection-site reactions.
