Sputnik V has demonstrated 3-7 times less of a reduction in virus neutralizing activity against Omicron as compared to data from other vaccine producers.  The preliminary laboratory studies by Gamaleya Center’s showed that Sputnik V demonstrates high virus neutralizing activity (VNA) against the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant and is expected to provide strong defense against severe disease and hospitalization. The study was  conducted using sera with a longer period after vaccination (more than 6 months after vaccination) as an indicator of Sputnik V’s long-lasting protection, in contrast with short studied periods for other vaccines producers (12-27 days for Pfizer-BioNTech and 28 days for Moderna). Sputnik V elicits strong and long-lasting T-cell response, as 80 percent of epitopes in the spike protein are not affected by the mutations in the Omicron variant. It is also expected to provide long-lasting protection against severe disease by Omicron. Sputnik V’s long-lasting T-cell immunity contributes to the 80 percent efficacy against Delta on months 6-8 compared with efficacy of less than 29 percent demonstrated by certain mRNA vaccines after 6 months. 

The study results also showed that Sputnik Light as a booster significantly increases virus neutralizing activity against Omicron based on sera 2-3 months after revaccination. Virus neutralizing activity against Omicron 2-3 months after a Sputnik Light booster in this preliminary laboratory study is higher than VNA against the wild-type virus 6 months after Sputnik V vaccination, stated a release from Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).