Russia has produced the first batch of its new vaccine for COVID-19, the Interfax news agency quoted the health ministry as saying on Saturday, hours after the ministry reported the start of manufacturing. Some scientists said they fear that with this fast regulatory approval Moscow may be putting national prestige before safety amid the global race to develop a vaccine against the disease. Such trials are usually considered essential precursors for a vaccine to secure regulatory approval. The vaccine has been named "Sputnik V" in homage to the world`s first satellite launched by the Soviet Union. Moscow's Gamaleya Institute, which developed the vaccine, said previously that Russia would be producing about 5 million doses a month by December-January, Interfax said.

Source: dna August 15, 2020 11:26 UTC