Studies clash on Russia's Sputnik efficacy against Omicron variant

J&J and Sinopharm vaccines have no neutralising activity against variant

The developer of Russia’s Sputnik V said Friday that its vaccine provides the best protection against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, disputing a Western study which found the vaccine produced no antibodies against the new variant.

The Gamaleya Institute and the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which bankrolled Sputnik V and its one-shot version called Sputnik Light, said in a statement that a preliminary laboratory study showed Sputnik V had “the best virus neutralisation results against omicron in comparison with other vaccines”. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Sputnik V efficiency against omicron earlier on Friday.