AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vaccines’ combination show high immunogenicity, says RDIF

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), AstraZeneca and R-Pharm have announced preliminary results on immunogenicity of combined use of the AstraZeneca vaccine and the first component of the Sputnik V vaccine (Sputnik Light vaccine based on human adenovirus serotype 26) from the clinical trial of vaccines’ combination in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In a statement, RDIF said that the heterogeneous boosting approach (“vaccine cocktail” using human adenovirus serotype 26 as the first component and human adenovirus serotype 5 as the second component) was at the core of Sputnik V. With this approach proving successful in creating a longer and more durable immunity against the coronavirus, RDIF took the lead in initiating partnerships with other vaccine producers to conduct joint studies of a combination of the first component of Sputnik V with foreign vaccines.

It also said that the first partnership of this kind was concluded in December 2020 in the presence of the Vladimir Putin, President, Russia. RDIF, the Gamaleya Center, AstraZeneca and R-Pharm signed a Memorandum of Intent aimed at cooperation in conducting a joint clinical trial of safety and immunogenicity of a combination of AstraZeneca vaccine and the first component of Sputnik V.

Clinical trials in Azerbaijan began in February 2021. Till date, 64 volunteers have been vaccinated; and the enrollment of volunteers is ongoing. Preliminary data from the first 20 participants show antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein (S-protein) elicited in 100 per cent of cases, the statement notified.

The interim analysis of data has previously demonstrated a high safety profile for the combined use of the vaccines with no serious adverse events or cases of coronavirus infection after vaccination, it added.

Further, according to the statement, clinical trials of a combination of vaccines are being carried out in several countries as part of a global programme. Volunteers are being vaccinated in the UAE and Argentina, while regulatory approval to conduct trials has been granted in Russia and Belarus.