The Russian Ministry of Health has authorized clinical trials of a Sputnik V vaccine variant with a modified composition. The information comes from registries and reports confirming the approval of the trial, as cited by RIA News. The registration indicates that the study’s objective is to assess the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of the vector-based vaccine in adult volunteers. The focus is on preventing COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Gam-COVID-Vac virus with a redesigned antigenic profile, and the research is planned to run through the end of 2024 with a cohort of about one hundred volunteers participating in the study.
In addition to the adult trial, the Ministry of Health has sanctioned clinical testing of an updated coronavirus vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Those trials are expected to wrap up at the same time, providing data to guide future vaccination strategies for younger populations as new variants emerge and vaccines are adapted accordingly.
During the summer, Tatyana Semenova, the deputy head of the Ministry, indicated that in the autumn several updated vaccines produced by the Gamaleya Center could become available for vaccination in Russia. The modifications are intended to address newly identified strains of the virus and to maintain robust protection across age groups as the virus evolves over time.
It is important to note that there have been past claims circulating about vaccines and autism, including statements related to the measles vaccine. These claims have not been supported by credible scientific evidence. The current trials underscore the ongoing effort to monitor safety and efficacy as new formulations are tested in diverse populations and with evolving viral variants. The overarching goal is to ensure that updated vaccines continue to offer reliable protection against COVID-19 while maintaining a strong safety profile for all participants involved in the trials.