This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Russia Completes Human Trials for COVID-19 Vaccine ¶
On July 13, 2020, Russia announced that it had successfully completed human trials for a COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Oxford University. This achievement makes Russia the first country to finish human trials for a COVID-19 vaccine.
According to Elena Smolyarchuk, a researcher at the Russian Center for Clinical Research on Medications at Sechenow University, the test-patients were set to be discharged soon, indicating the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.
As reported by Forbes, there was no indication of when the vaccine would enter commercial production, but this development brings hope in the fight against the virus.
Over 21 vaccines are currently under trial worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation. Russia's achievement is a significant step forward in the global effort to combat COVID-19.
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, who facilitated the virtual launch of the vaccine trial, weighed in on the historic moment by saying that a vaccine would go a long way in saving lives.
