MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences plans to apply to the World Health Organization for prequalification of its CoviVac vaccine against the coronavirus, Center’s Director General Aydar Ishmukhametov said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Saturday.

"We are the only ones in Russia who have prequalification - this is a right to sell our products through the WHO channels. <...> We are a rather serious partner for the WHO, having gained a reputation over the years. <...> In this situation, we definitely can and we are going to take the same route of prequalification of this product (the CoviVac vaccine - TASS) this time," he said.

Earlier, in an interview with TASS, the Center’s director talked about the intention to file paperwork with the WHO for prequalification of the new preparation which will pave the way for the vaccine to the global market.

The WHO program on prequalification of pharmaceuticals ensures compliance of preparations supplied by purchasing organizations with global standards of quality, safety and efficacy.