RDIF says Slovak SIDC tested Sputnik V in uncertified laboratory

MOSCOW, Apr 8 (PRIME) -- Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) CEO Kirill Dmitriev has discussed with Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Igor Matovic the fact that Slovakia’s State Institute of Drug Control (SIDC) sent the Sputnik V vaccine for tests to a laboratory that was not part of E.U.’s Official Medicines Control Laboratory network, the fund said on Thursday.

“Unfortunately, in violation of the existing contract and in an act of sabotage the State Institute of Drug Control ensured that Sputnik V was tested in a laboratory which is not part of the EU’s Official Medicines Control Laboratory network even though the OMCL laboratories were available,” the fund said in a statement published on the vaccine’s Twitter account.

“SIDC has launched a disinformation campaign against Sputnik V and plans additional provocations. A SIDC statement that the batch of Sputnik V delivered to Slovakia does not have the same characteristics as the vaccine described in The Lancet is fake news.”

All batches of Sputnik V are of the same quality and they pass serious quality control at the Gamaleya Institute. The RDIF has requested Slovakia’s government to send the vaccine to a laboratory that was certified by the E.U., and to return it due to multiple contract violations so that the vaccine can be used in other countries.

“RDIF remains committed to assisting the people of Slovakia with vaccination by Sputnik V. … Vaccines should save lives and should not be used in geopolitical and internal political fighting. Together we are stronger,” the fund said.

End %%md/jst%%