"On the Sputnik — yes this week we're supposed to go to do inspections in Russia starting on March 7, and these inspections where postponed for a later date. So the assessment with inspections have been affected because of the situation, and even the situation regarding flights options, and also the financial. It was related to support the credit cards and some more operational issues. This is being discussed with the Russian applicant and new dates will be set as soon as possible," Simao said.
Earlier it was reported that inspections by World Health Organization experts to assess the production of Russian vaccine Sputnik V, scheduled for March, will depend on the permission of the UN security service and the development of the situation in the region.
The WHO previously said that the inspections needed to certify Sputnik V for emergency use were due in March. After that, according to WHO practice, it would be necessary to study the received data and make a decision on the certification of the vaccine.
Russia submitted primary documents for certification of the drug in late 2020. The WHO has not yet approved Sputnik V.