Russia completes 1st phase of COVID-19 vaccine trials
Two groups of 18 volunteers were discharged after taking part in 28-day clinical trial
(Web Desk) - Two Russian medical research centers completed the first phase of COVID-19 candidate vaccine trials on Wednesday.
Two groups of 18 volunteers were discharged from hospitals after separately taking part in 28-day clinical trials in the First Moscow State Medical University and the Main Military Clinical Burdenko Hospital.
Before being released, they had a medical checkup and passed a blood test to study the development of an immune response to the novel coronavirus, the officials of both medical establishments told reporters.
The preliminary findings show that the vaccines are safe and well-tolerated, no serious complaints, complications or adverse reactions were registered during the trials.
On the 42nd day after the first vaccination, the volunteers will have to return to the hospital for a day to undergo a final medical examination and diagnosis.
Meanwhile, scientists of the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology based in the city of Novosibirsk managed to develop antibodies neutralizing the virus, Olga Dorokhova, secretary of institute s working group, said.
Further development of the study will allow scientists to create means of specific therapy and prevention of COVID-19 disease. The results will also serve for studying the immune response to coronavirus and will be in demand when improving vaccines.
