Russian vaccine against “light” coronavirus: doubts of Argentine experts



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In the midst of the race to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus, new “light” alternatives or the possibility of applying a single dose are emerging. Either way, it would be an opportunity to gain protection and reach more people.

The proposal was made by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. “One of the options we have is to create the so-called “ light ” vaccine from the Gamaleya center. That is, a single injection will be given which works for a shorter period of time and has a reduced level of protection but still achieves an effectiveness of 85% despite this. can apply to tens of millions“of people, he affirmed according to the editions of the official agency Sputnik.

Information about the Satellite V-light It was ratified by the Managing Director of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kiril Dmitriev, who explained that this version will ensure different levels of protection depending on individual characteristics, but its effectiveness can reach 85%.

“This vaccine can primarily target foreign markets where there are strong epidemiological foci, and we are seeing significant demand for this vaccine and approach from several foreign countries,” said Dmitriev.

Consulted by Bugle, infectologist Roberto Debbag, vice-president of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectology (SLIPE), was energetic. “For the moment, there is no scientific seriousness on this subjectHe commented.

The Sputnik V vaccine uses two types of adenoviral vectors.  Reuters photo.

The Sputnik V vaccine uses two types of adenoviral vectors. Reuters photo.

“The truth that we don’t know anything about the two-dose Sputnik V vaccine, let alone can we predict anything from a first dose. And above all because the vaccine vectors are two different adenoviruses: one is adenovirus 5 and the other adenovirus 26 ”, adds Debbag.

The official Sputnik V website explains that “in order to ensure long-lasting immunity”, two different types of adenoviral vectors (rAd26 and rAd5) are used for the first and second doses of the vaccine, “thus enhancing its immunizing effect”. Then you should see which one contains the “light” version.

For his part, the infectologist Pablo Bonvehí, member of the committee which advises the president on issues related to Covid-19, considers that the issue must be evaluated from a scientific point of view, with data that supports this proposition.

“Obviously, it is best to get protection, efficacy and safety with a single dose and facilitates all logistics and the costs of immunization programs, ”he says. And he adds that “it is not uncommon” that with the scientific evidence obtained, they can simplify the diagrams, something that happened, for example, with the vaccine against HPV and hepatitis A.

With a single dose, the Pfizer vaccine offers 82% protective efficacy.  AFP photo.

With a single dose, Pfizer’s vaccine is 82% effective in terms of protection. AFP photo.

The infectologist – who is the scientific director of the Fundación Vacunar – considers that the time and the impact of the pandemic if you want have very fast results – “Which makes sense,” he supposes – but we need to have the backing of scientific evidence that allows us to use a dose.

In this sense – concludes Bonvehí – we should see the results of the Sputnik V vaccine find out if post-dose efficacy supports this strategy.

On the other hand, a note published this Friday in New York Times highlights the existence of data – not yet confirmed in clinical studies – which raise the possibility apply a single dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. They believe this strategy would provide protection and serve to immunize more people.

One hypothesis is that a single dose of the vaccine would also provide protection.  Photo AP.

One hypothesis is that a single dose of the vaccine would also provide protection. Photo AP.

“The two vaccines are supposed to be given in two doses, a first and a booster, 21 days apart for Pfizer and 28 days apart for Moderna. However, in data provided to the FDA (US regulator), there are hints of a tantalizing possibility: that even a single dose can provide high levels of protection against disease, ”they write.

“The Pfizer stuff is published with solidity“, explains Argentinian Debbag. He explains that studies show that after the first dose, there is a decrease in the incidence of Covid-19 in people already vaccinated with a 82% efficiency. “This means that after a first dose, the vaccine begins to be effective,” he emphasizes.

“Of course, a second dose is necessary, one which strengthens the antibodies and is prolonged over time. But given the shortage that can arise in the vaccine world, perhaps a dose is a first way control in certain sectors of the population or in certain countries, ”adds Debbag.

With regard to Moderna – continues the infectious scientist – a document which was presented Thursday to the FDA shows that it has a lower effectiveness after the first dose and also that there is a decreased transmissibility in the vaccinated person, which he points out as “a supplement”.

One dose of Moderna vaccine causes a decrease in transmissibility in the person vaccinated.  AFP photo.

One dose of Moderna vaccine causes a decrease in transmissibility in the person vaccinated. AFP photo.

“So with Moderna and Pfizer, I think patients who get a dose start to have a decreased likelihood of getting an infection. With Sputnik he has no academic rigorDebbag concludes.

For his part, the former president of the Argentinian Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI), Lautaro De Vedia, believes that – both what has been raised with the Russian vaccine and those of Pfizer and Modern – “are interesting hypotheses“, but they must be demonstrated in scientific studies with comparative groups, as is done in all clinical research.

“These are assumptions at the moment. In any case, these doses can not be managed except in the context of a clinical study ”, underlines De Vedia. And he points out that “this is how medicine is: studies of drugs and vaccines take time.”

In addition, the American article indicates that this concept (single dose) would not apply to the elderly, because in them it costs more to develop immunity. The infectologist De Vedia admits that “this is in principle the case”.

“Your immune response would be less powerful (than that of the elderly) they should receive a reinforcement vaccine. In principle, this is so. Then we will have to look at each situation in the clinical studies, to see what happens, ”concludes De Vedia.

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