Russia's Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine is highly effective in fighting off and neutralising the aggressive coronavirus variant first discovered in Brazil, according to Russia's Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and a study conducted by researchers in Argentina.

“The study confirmed that the immunity developed in people vaccinated with 'Sputnik V' neutralises the Brazilian strain after having received two doses, and even after the first,” the RDIF said in a statement.

According to the Argentine study, viewed by Reuters and cited by RDIF, 85.5 per cent of individuals developed antibodies against the Covid-19 variant on day 14 following the first dose of the vaccine. That rate rose to nearly 100pc by day 42, after an individual had received both doses.