Should people be given immediate help with the less tested vaccine against corona epidemic or should the vaccine be given after complete reassurance ignoring the number of deaths? The Russian vaccine has sparked this debate.
Russia's Corona vaccine is also seen piercing the international power game. On August 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia had become the primary nation to build up an immunization/vaccines against the Covid-19. The immunization or vaccine is named Sputnik-5. Putin also claimed that two injections of the vaccine had been given to one of his own daughters and that the results had been good.
Prior to Putin's announcement, many experts were critical of Moscow's hasty stance. After the official announcement of the registration of the vaccine, the criticism became more vocal.
Germany, which has a very effective strategy against the corona virus, has also expressed concern over Putin's claims. On Wednesday, German Health Minister Jens Spann said, "Based on what we know, it has not been adequately tested." "It's not a race to come first, it's a safe vaccine," Span said.
As indicated by the German Health Minister, "A huge number of individuals can be dangerous to be inoculated too early in such a case that it is refuted, individuals will lose trust in vaccination."
Vaccine called Sputnik-5 being tested
Russia has tested the vaccine against corona on human cells, monkeys and humans in the first and second phase trials. During this test, Russian authorities claimed that the drug was effective. But the third phase clinical trial of the vaccine has not yet been completed.
Russia registered the vaccine
The Moscow-based Association of Clinical Trials Organization (ACTCO) also demanded from the Russian Ministry of Health that the vaccine not be approved until the Phase-3 trial. Svetlana Javidova, executive director of ACTCO, told the Russian website Medportal that the vaccine had been tested on 76 people in the first and second phases. It is not possible to say that the drug is effective after testing on so few people.
What is Phase-3 Trial ?
The Phase-3 trial is considered the most important for the registration of any drug or vaccine. In this phase the results of Phase One and Two and all the effects of the drug are tested in detail. The more people on the Phase-3 trial and the longer the duration, the more accurate the results. The drug is usually tested on 1,000 to 3,000 people at this stage. People taking the test have different ages, habits and medical history. Participants are given medication after regular checkups. Tests are repeated every day after medication. And then the medicine is given.
Next to Phase-3
In the Phase-3 examination, on the off chance that the drug or vaccine is passed, at that point the fourth stage comes, in which the drugs is tried on a great many individuals and its symptoms are assessed. During this time side effects are noticed which were not obvious in the first three stages. The side effects that are written on the paper inside the packet of medicine or vaccines come to light at this stage.
Vaccines or injections are allowed to be marketed only if good results are obtained from pre-clinical trials to Phase-4. According to pharmaceutical companies, 90 per cent of vaccines do not reach the market due to lack of permission.
Many dimensions of protest
The World Health Organization, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada are opposing the Russian vaccine, citing medical reasons. But the protest is not just for medical reasons. This epidemic which has claimed the lives of around eight lakh people all over the world is also a big market. Every country is involved in making vaccines. The one whose vaccine will be the most reliable and will arrive on time will supply it to the whole world.
According to U.S. media, if the Russian vaccine is successful, it will strengthen Russia's geopolitical dominance. The Cold War Soviet Union used to export cheap drugs to many countries of the world.
According to the Gamaleya Institute, which develops the vaccine in Russia, it has received orders for one billion doses from 20 countries. The institute also says plans to develop the vaccine in Brazil, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Cuba are being considered.
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