Russia Sputnik vaccine ‘likely’ to struggle fighting South African variant like other jabs

Sputnik: Expert discusses effectiveness against South Africa strain Sign up for now and never miss the top politics stories again SUBSCRIBE  When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.     When asked about Sputnik and how it can tackle the South African variant, Professor Clarke pointed out that there was little data on its effectiveness so far.  He said: “But I suspect that it will have the same problems as most of if not all of the vaccines because it targets the same molecule on the surface of the virus - which virtually all of the others do. “So I strongly suspect that it will have the same problems, we don’t know that yet, but in the same way we can reengineer other vaccines its producers will be able to reengineer Sputnik V.” The South African variant contains a mutation called E484K which edits the proteins of the virus so it can attack human cells easier.     This makes it more difficult for the immune system to identify and attack and has caused efficacy issues for vaccines rolled out in South Africa.  Scientists found there were different efficacy rates of the same vaccines used in South Africa and other countries with some concluding the new variant/mutation is to blame. Professor Clarke added that while the UK’s vaccination programme was a success story the important thing is to push for a global vaccination effort rather than being first.  The virologist pointed out that new mutations would be constantly appearing which could prove difficult for vaccination programmes to keep a lid on.   EU vaccine strategy 'a recipe for disaster' says MEP  Virus monitoring group NERVTAG recently announced that a new Bristol coronavirus variant was “a cause for concern” since it contains the E484K mutation.  Professor Clarke also discussed the geopolitical impact of Sputnik amid the issues within the EU and their programme.  The Reading lecturer argued that while the US may be opposed to a vaccine power grab from Russia it would be difficult to publically denounce Sputnik's use when lives are on the line.  America has been a strongly opposed to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline being built between Russia and Germany over fears it would increase the Eastern superpower's influence.    Trending   He added that while there was scepticism against the Russian vaccine at the beginning due to the lack of proper trials, the doubt is unfounded as the nation has a strong history of vaccination programmes.  Hungary became the first EU nation to approve the use of the Russian Sputnik jab as many more across the world begin to use it.  Iran, Egypt, Argentina and more already import the vaccine with the    Professor Clarke explained it was unlikely to see Sputnik used in the UK because of AstraZeneca’s already successf