Prominent Russian business leaders and politicians have gained early access to an experimental COVID-19 vaccine, according to Bloomberg. The vaccinations reportedly began in April.
As the world grapples with one of its worst pandemics, nations are racing to develop vaccines, viewing them as a key geopolitical edge. Countries like Russia and China are accelerating experimental treatments.
For instance, China's military was cleared this month to use an experimental vaccine from CanSino Biologics, which has not yet completed phase 3 clinical trials.
Russia is no exception. Bloomberg reports that elites, including top executives, billionaires, and officials, have received shots from Moscow's state-funded Gamaleya Institute since April.
This volunteer program is legal in Russia, involving several hundred people. Bloomberg contacted dozens, who spoke anonymously. One executive reported no side effects, while others experienced mild fever and muscle aches.
Some executives declined due to health concerns or medical advice warning of at least a year needed to assess risks.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who recovered from COVID-19 in May, said he didn't know recipients' names and denied reports about President Vladimir Putin. "It probably wouldn't be a good idea to use an uncertified vaccine on the head of state," he stated.
The Gamaleya vaccine has completed phases 1 and 2. Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund funding the institute, said phase 3 trials start August 3, involving thousands in Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for months-long safety and efficacy checks.
Thus, early recipients since April lack certainty on effectiveness. "Those who take it do so at their own risk," said Sergey Netesov, former Vector virology center executive in Novosibirsk.
Russia has reported over 782,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 12,500 deaths to date.
