DISINFO: Sputnik V is close to approval by EMA
SUMMARY
Some very encouraging and important steps have taken place lately in the negotiations for the approval of the Sputnik V vaccine by the EMA but the talks continue to be politicised.
RESPONSE
This report is part of a recurrent disinformation narrative around Sputnik V and its title is misleading.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has certified four vaccines so far. The rolling review of Sputnik V was launched on 4 March 2021 and there has been no newer announcement on the EMA website.
There is also no evidence of the EU or its regulatory bodies' bias against the Russian vaccine. EMA and EU leaders have publicly stated they would welcome Sputnik V if it meets the applied standards for vaccines. EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke said she hoped the Sputnik V vaccine would be approved. This is the reason that the EMA is conducting a rolling review including a visit to Russian facilities.
There is no anti-Russian political or commercial aspect in the way the EMA is dealing with the Sputnik V vaccine. The EMA is committed to applying the same regulatory approach and scientific rigor to all vaccine applications that meet European requirements for safety, efficacy and quality and is in dialogue with more than 50 vaccine developers from across the globe.
Read also related stories: EU prepares new smear campaign against Russia, accuses it of anti-vax activities, The head of the EMA stated that she would seek to ban Russian vaccine, EMA's delay in approving Sputnik V is political; Registration of Sputnik V in the EU is voluntarily delayed for political or economic reasons; The West criticises the Russian vaccine because their companies will lose billions of dollars.