Russia sees no impediments to WHO approval of the Sputnik V vaccine

According to Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, all barriers to registering Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine with the World Health Organization (WHO) have been removed, and only some paperwork remains to be completed.

The WHO and the European Medicines Agency are reviewing the Sputnik V shot, which is widely used in Russia and approved for use in over 70 countries (EMA). Their approval could pave the way for the shot to enter new markets, particularly in Europe.

Murashko has met WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva.

“Russia’s position on promotion and registration of the Sputnik V vaccine was heard, we have removed all the questions for today,” Murashko was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

He said that the company which is dealing with Sputnik V registration at WHO only “has to sign a few documents, submit a few additional papers”.

The WHO could not be immediately reached for comment.

The WHO said in July its review of how Russia produces the Sputnik V vaccine had found some issues with the filling of vials at one plant. The manufacturer said it had since addressed all of the WHO’s concerns.