By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, Nov 30:
Dispelling fears about the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), on Monday claimed that the vaccines “Sputnik V” and “Sputnik Light” will neutralise Omicron since they have the highest efficacy versus other mutations.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO RDIF said that based on existing protocols of immediately developing vaccine versions for variants of concern, the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, has already begun developing the new version of Sputnik adapted to Omicron. The new version can be made available for mass production within 45 days. We will make available the new version of Sputnik by February 20,2022 Dmitriev wrote on official handle of Sputnik V. Ten crore doses are expected to be made available to India by ensuing February.
“Sputnik V” and “Sputnik Light” the Russian vaccines have already been granted approval by the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI). The Hyderabad based Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has partnered with RDIF for the Sputnik vaccine supplies in India. “Sputnik Light” vaccine is based on human adenovirus serotype 26, which is the first component of the “Sputnik V” vaccine.
Kirill Dmitriev, has recently said that they were expecting to launch the “Sputnik Light” in India in the next couple of weeks. “Sputnik Light” will be a one shot vaccine unlike the earlier two dose “Sputnik V” vaccine launched earlier in India.
In another development AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said that “The new variant of coronavirus reportedly has got more than 30 mutations at the spike protein region and therefore has the potential of developing immunoescape mechanisms. As most vaccines work by forming antibodies against the spike protein, many mutations at the spike protein region may lead to a decreased efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. The presence of spike protein facilitates a virus’ entry into the host cell and is responsible for making it transmissible and causing infection. As such the efficacy of vaccines needs to be evaluated critically.
In the meanwhile Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope told media on Monday that there was no imminent threat of Omicron to Maharashtra. However, in view of probable contagion a list of 13 countries has been prepared and the people coming from these countries will be quarantined at Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur airports. The incoming passengers should be tested negative for RT-PCR 48 hours before they undertake journey.
Tope said that the instructions have been given to increase the number of laboratories for genome sequencing in the state. Besides the speed of vaccination will be increased to ensure that everyone receives the second jab as soon as possible. An awareness campaign will be launched for this, he added.
