Russian scientists will begin trials of the coronavirus vaccine in the next two weeks. The country's Health Minister told local media on Saturday (May 30).
Kremlin officials say Russian researchers are working on about 50 different vaccines.
"Tests are continuing and we plan to start clinical trials in the next two weeks," Health Minister Mikhail Murashkore told Tass news agency.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers around the world are working hard to treat and develop vaccines for the virus that has killed about 364,000 people around the globe. About 10 vaccines are currently being tested on humans.
Experts estimate that it will take about 12 to 18 months to bring a safe and effective vaccine in market.
The Siberian Vector Institute, a Russian state-run organization, is now working on a vaccine.
Rinat Maksutov, the institute's director general, said on Saturday (May 30) that he expects the clinical trial to be ended in mid-September. Maksutov said trials of the vaccine on animals have been successful.
In Russia, 181 people died of coronavirus infection in 24 hours on Saturday (May 30). The previous day's death toll was 232. The total death toll so far stands at 4555.
According to official data, a total of 3 lakh 97 thousand 575 people have been infected with coronavirus in Russia so far.
President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday (May 26) that the epicenter of the coronavirus in Russia had reached its worst in Moscow. Strict lockdown will be relaxed here in few days.