Russian Health Ministry says clinical trials of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus have begun in the country, joining the global race to develop a safe COVID-19 vaccine.

Two forms of the vaccine developed by the Moscow-based Gamaleya research institute liquid and powder for injections will be tested on two groups of volunteers, 38 people each, the statement said. The participants will be isolated in two Moscow hospitals.

According to Russia’s leading news agency TASS, the two groups of volunteers - military and civilians - have been selected to test the safety and efficacy of the experimental coronavirus vaccine. Director of Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology professor Alexander Gintsburg said that the trials will take about 1.5 months. The participants, who will receive the jab two times with a 21-day interval, will be isolated in two Moscow hospitals.

Professor Gintsburg had earlier said that mass vaccination against the novel coronavirus may begin in Russia this fall, although the process might take up to nine months.

The experimental vaccine has already been tested on small and large animals. At least seven research facilities are currently working on coronavirus vaccines, according to Russian media.

Source: timesnownews, medicalxpress.com