Tests of Russia's COVID-19 vaccine based on virus-like particles to begin in 3 weeks

Clinical tests of a coronavirus vaccine based on virus-like particles are expected to begin in three weeks and the results are likely to be ready by autumn, director of the Gamaleya Center Alexander Gintsburg said.

"The health ministry understands the importance of this research and has allocated funds. We plan to begin in three weeks. I hope we will have certain results by autumn," TASS cited Gintsburg as saying.

On Wednesday, the Russian health ministry issues a license for phases one and two of the corresponding clinical tests in volunteers aged from 18 to 55.

According to earlier reports, the tests involving 600 volunteers are planned to be organized at seven medical establishments in St. Petersburg, Kirov, Perm, the Novosibirsk, Moscow, and the Moscow region.