COVID-19: Russia beats vaccine race, conducts first human trial

Russia has conducted its first human trial of the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes the first nation to achieve the feat.

Confirming the development, the Chief researcher and head of the Center for Clinical Research on Medication at the Sechenov University, Elena Smolyarchuk, told newsmen on Sunday that the vaccine had proven effective as the human trials would be discharged soon.

“The research has been completed and it proved the vaccine is safe. The volunteers will be discharged on July 15 and July 20″ Smolyarchuk had said

As of June 18, Russia had developed two forms of potential Coronavirus vaccines; a solution and a powdered formula both for intramuscular administration.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Russia records 8,946 new infections in 24 hours

Results showed that a total of 38 human volunteers, who were adminstered a single vaccine type each showed that they were developing immunity to the virus.

While, at least 21 vaccines are currently undergoing trials according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Russia is yet to announce a time for mass production.

Meanwhile, the country has recorded 732,547 Covid-19 cases and 11,422 deaths so far and is fourth worldwide with the highest number of cases after India, Brazil and the United States according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.

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