RDIF head calls Sputnik V most exported drug in Russia's history

MOSCOW. Aug 11 (Interfax) - The Sputnik V two-component coronavirus vaccine is the most exported drug in the history of Russia, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) General Director Kirill Dmitriev said,

"Over two years that have passed since the moment of its registration, the Sputnik V vaccine has become the most exported drug in the history of Russia and has rightly established itself as one of the world's most efficacious and safe instruments to contain the novel coronavirus," the RDIF press service quoted Dmitriev as saying on Thursday.

The drug safety has been proven by the results of over 50 clinical trials and the use of Sputnik V in national vaccination programs in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, he said.

"Seeking to scale up production, the RDIF has applied efforts to create the first-ever international network of manufacturing partners and to localize the Russian vaccine production at 27 sites in 18 states," Dmitriev said.

The Sputnik Light single-component vaccine has been developed at the RDIF's initiative, he said.

"The Fund initiated and funded joint research with other leading vaccine manufacturers to create 'vaccine cocktails' based on Sputnik Light. Sputnik Light is a universal booster for other vaccines, which provides better protection from the Omicron variant and other mutations," Dmitriev said.

The RDIF is the primary investor in the development and production of the Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines. Sputnik V is approved for use in 71 countries with a total population exceeding 4 billion, while more than 30 countries have approved Sputnik Light.