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Coronavirus pandemic

EU can authorize Russia’s Sputnik V jab not earlier than in May, official says

On March 4, the European Medicines Agency reported that the rolling review of the Russian jab had begun

© Alexander Ryumin/TASS

ROME, March 15. /TASS/. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) can approve Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine no sooner than in May, EMA official Marco Cavaleri told Sole 24 Ore radio Monday.

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Swedish scientists believe Sputnik V can be more efficient than other COVID-19 vaccines

"Sputnik V is a vaccine worthy of universal interest. We are glad to cooperate with the producer company, let’s see if we can use the shot in Europe. However, we should review the production standards," he said. "I think that we will not be ready [to give an answer] before the end of April."

When asked if the authorization can be secured in May, the EMA representative said, "I think so."

On March 4, the EMA reported that the rolling review of the Russian jab had begun. The EU regulator stressed that specialists would check that the vaccine is up to par with EU standards of efficacy, safety and quality. Sputnik V ranks among the top three vaccines globally in the number of national use authorizations. Currently, the Russian shot has been registered in more than 50 countries around the world with the total population of over 1.3 billion people.

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Top Chinese diplomat calls for creating conditions for talks on Ukraine

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Kiev confirms pulling back US-made Abrams tanks due to vulnerability to Russian UAVs

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Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani called for a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza

Houthi leader says group attacked more than 100 ships in Red, Arabian seas so far

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Kiev violates diplomatic relations convention by recruiting mercenaries abroad — diplomat

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All-Belarusian People's Assembly adopts new military doctrine, security concept

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West again tried to obstruct international security meeting in Russia — security official

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TASS has put together the highlights of Shoigu's speech

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Maria Zakharova stressed that "the level of nuclear risks have risen dramatically as a result of the West’s destructive policy, which is fraught with a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers"

North Korea to take part in SPIEF — Embassy in Russia

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Kremlin vows to resolve situation with Turkish Airlines refusing service to Russians

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SCO expects Belarus to join the organization very soon — Shoigu

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Russia needs to boost production of goods based on domestic technologies — Putin

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