Armenia has produced the first batch of the coronavirus Sputnik Light vaccine.

Manufactured by the local Liqvor company, with Russian technology, the vaccine will be used as a booster shot.

Negotiations are underway to export it to other countries.

"It is very gratifying that the pharmaceutical production in the Republic of Armenia is taking a big step, a very big step forward, to give new types of products, both technological, professional and in all respects," Minister of Health Anahi announced at the plant today with Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan,  

The vaccine was produced in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Economy and the Russian Sovereign Wealth Investment Fund.

Liqvor Director General Sergey Matyosyan said that it is ready to be put into circulation, adding that 70% of the drugs produced by their company are exported to Eurasia, Central Asia and the Middle East.

"We are doing full production, not bottling, but processing the substance we receive from the Russian side," said Matosyan. 

Minister Kerobyan added that negotiations are already underway with the Middle East and several African countries to sell Armenian-made vaccines.

"There are no export agreements yet, but there are discussions with a number of countries," said Kerobyan, noting that he does not want to reveal a secret, but that Armenia will see a profit.

He said the vaccine meets all established criteria and is ready to enter the market. 

"The development of the pharmaceutical sector will be the focus of the Ministry of Economy due to the deep cooperation with such companies," said V. Kerobyan.

Avanesyan said citizens will get them the booster at no charge, like the other vaccines.

Armenia will continue to import other coronavirus vaccines.

"Our citizens can apply to get the Sputnik Light version as the booster dose," Avanesyan said.

The government will start to purchase the booster vaccines soon and it will be available at local polyclinics.  

Top photo: Vladislav Vodnev / © Sputnik