Russia Is to Begin Internationally Testing the Coronavirus Vaccine

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Philippines will take part in tests Russia plans to begin international clinical trials of its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, which it has already approved for use. The tests will involve Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines, while Brazil and India are also in talks to provide volunteers, said Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund supporting the vaccine. According to him, testing in Russia and abroad will meet international standards. Dmitriev added that this study will be one of the largest in the world. Tests will take place in parallel with the vaccination of workers at risk. Russia has been criticized for its haste to register and administer the vaccine developed by the Moscow Gamaleya Institute in cooperation with the Welfare Fund and the Ministry of Defense, and for the lack of transparency in vaccine data. However, Dmitriev assured that a large Western edition will publish the scientific work on the vaccine. He declined to specify the title of the publication for fear of "political pressure".