If Sinovac vaccine shows effectiveness of less than 70%, there’ll be no contract – Stepanov

But we set higher efficiency requirements. Therefore, in the contract with this vaccine manufacturer, we state: the effectiveness of the product at the time of delivery must be confirmed in a placebo-controlled clinical trial, which achieved an efficiency of at least 70%, reducing incidence in the study group compared to the control group. Publications from the manufacturer should confirm the proper analysis, including intermediate results of clinical trials. That is, we wrote it down in the agreement from the very beginning; it was our requirement. We raised the efficiency threshold, that it should be higher than what's allowed in other countries," Stepanov said.

Regarding the results of clinical trials of the Sinovac Biotech vaccine in Brazil, released on Tuesday, Stepanov also stressed that the manufacturer must first publish the final findings of the research.

"These clinical trials have been conducted in various countries around the world, and we should see a generalized report being published. This is an international practice, and the entire world draws on the official data," Stepanov said.

Regarding the funds that the state will pay for the vaccine, Stepanov explains that if the vaccine doesn't meet the efficiency requirements of at least 70% and this agreement doesn't work, the manufacturer will reimburse the funds in full.

Minister added that COVID-19 vaccination would begin on time in February. The Ministry of Health expects to sign agreements with other manufacturers in the coming days.

As reported, on December 12, the results of clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine by the Chinese company Sinovac Biotech in Brazil were announced, according to which the effectiveness of their vaccine is 50.4%.

Indonesia has claimed 65% efficacy of the Sinovac coronavirus vaccine.