EpiVacCorona

EpiVacCorona is a peptide-based vaccine against COVID-19 developed by the Vector Institute in Russia. It was authorized for emergency use in Russia in October 2020, following Phase I and II trials. As of March 2021, Phase III trials are ongoing.

Development

The Vector Institute, also known as the State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology, began development of EpiVacCorona in early 2020, following the global outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The vaccine is based on synthetic peptide antigens of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, conjugated to a carrier protein and administered with an adjuvant.

Clinical Trials

EpiVacCorona underwent Phase I and II clinical trials in 2020. The trials involved a total of 100 participants and reportedly showed the vaccine to be safe and effective. However, the results have not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, leading to calls for greater transparency.

Phase III trials began in November 2020 and are expected to involve 3,000 participants. Preliminary results are expected in early 2021.

Efficacy

The Vector Institute has claimed that EpiVacCorona is 100% effective, based on the results of the Phase I and II trials. However, these claims have been met with skepticism due to the lack of published data.

Authorization

EpiVacCorona was granted emergency use authorization in Russia in October 2020, making it the second COVID-19 vaccine to be authorized in the country, after Sputnik V.

See Also

• COVID-19 vaccine
• Sputnik V
• COVID-19 pandemic in Russia