Francesco Vaia, the director of
Rome's Spallanzani infectious-diseases hospital, said Tuesday
that his institute was close to a deal for research involving
Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.
"We are about to sign a memorandum of understanding with
Moscow's Gamaleya centre, which developed Sputnik V, for an
exchange of biological material and researchers," Vaia told an
Italian-Russian round table devoted to Sputnik V.
"I am very proud because this a a first for Europe.
"Science is neutral. It must be distant from geopolitical
interests.
"We and the Gamaleya have put the need to have vaccines that
work to the fore.
"We have seen great willingness to cooperate and be transparent
in our Gamaleya colleagues".
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Adienne recently
reached an agreement to produce Sputnik V in Italy, one of
several deal to produce the vaccine outside Russia.
"Italy is a priority for us within the scenario of relations
with the European Union," said RDIF Director Vladimir Prima.
"It is the country that we have the most active dialogue with
for support to register Sputnik V."
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
