The developers of the Russian Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines are developing a new intranasal vaccine against the coronavirus. Preclinical studies of this vaccine are currently underway and will be completed by December 20. Researchers have already announced a competition for volunteers to participate in the first two phases of its clinical trials.

These vaccines are currently being tested on 18 rhesus monkeys, as well as in specialized laboratories. This is a test of general and specific toxicity and pharmacological activity of this drug. The pharmacokinetics of the drug are also being studied.

According to the Pharmaceutical Bulletin, clinical trials shall asses the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. They are performed on healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55. In addition, researchers will study the immunogenicity of this vaccine; that is, its ability to elicit an immune response.

The new vaccine is based on the virus-like particles or VLPs, which means that it does not contain the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the VLPs only mimic the coronavirus, but, at the same time, the human immune system responds to them.

The new vaccine planned to be administered in two ways: the new intranasal and the classic injection. The intranasal vaccine is planned to be administered given three times, and the injection—three times.