Gunzburg allowed the adaptation of "Sputnik V" under a new strain of coronavirus

Specialists of the Center Gamaleya, if necessary, can adapt the Sputnik V vaccine to a new strain of CORONAVIRUS B.1.1.529, which was found in southern Africa. This was stated to RBC by the HEAD of the center Alexander Gintsburg.

“When we get the South African strain, we will see how the blood serum with antibodies obtained from the Sputnik V vaccination will neutralize it. For this experiment, we take a strain and serum, make a dilution and see where the virus multiplies and where it doesn’t, thus determining the virus-neutralizing dilution. We compare it with the original Wuhan strain and see how the indicators change,” Gunzburg said. According to the specialist, if the indicators change tenfold towards a decrease in serum activity, a replacement of the strain in the vaccine will be required.

“The technology can be adapted quite quickly, but whether it is necessary to do this, we will answer after experimental work,” the head of the center said. According to Gunzburg, this is not a very time-consuming process, but regulatory changes will be needed, specialists will have to prove to the experts of the Ministry of HEALTH that “the replacement will not cause harm and will bring benefits.”

Gunzburg pointed out that in this case it would be necessary to conduct studies that would last several months. He noted that the specialists worked out a system with the replacement of the strain and conducting shortened studies on the example of the influenza vaccine.