Belarus to hold additional tests of Russian coronavirus vaccine before using it

According to the minister, Russia has already completed the trials: “We conducted all the tests. They were successful and the vaccine was registered in Russia in August. It is the world's first registered coronavirus vaccine.”

“We are completing negotiations on a protocol of clinical trials in the territory of Belarus and on the number of volunteers who will be involved. We are ready to provide Russia's study protocols, absolutely all the materials,” the Russian minister said.

Mikhail Murashko explained: “Belarus will conduct its own clinical trials. They will be followed by multicenter research trials (clinical trials conducted at several clinics simultaneously using a single method and program, which makes it possible to reduce the time needed for collecting the necessary data). Multicenter trials will be held in Russia and Belarus taking into account the research findings. After that Belarus will make a decision on the registration of the vaccine.”

He went on saying that at present the two countries are actively collaborating at the level of expert organizations. “I hope that in the next three to four weeks we will come to a final agreement,” Mikhail Murashko said.

According to the Russian minister, “there is certain progress within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Commission; our specialists are maintaining very close contacts”.

The minister noted that Russia is now conducting post-registration observations in order to obtain new data on safety. According to him, mobile applications can be used to track the health status of people who have received the vaccine.

“We hope that the vaccine will be used in the near future,” Mikhail Murashko said.