Thread by @miamalan

[Thread]. 1. Want to use a hamburger to figure out if you can trust research data?

@Bhekisisa_MG's #JoAisha (the inseparable @vandykjoan/@A_AbdoolKarim) has done exactly this in their 4-part #SputnikSeries.

Hint: When burger ingredients join forces, each 1's role = amplified.

2. The burger patty

Ground beef is the star of the traditional burger. Its scientific equal = raw data scientists collect.

But you can’t just slap mince onto a burger. You need a binder before you can call it a patty.

In research, a study protocol (rule book) = the binder.

3. What is the #SputnikV jab?
- It's a viral vector jab (like the #JnJ jab, it uses an adenovirus to sneak an unharmful form of the #COVID virus into your body)
- You get 2 doses (they're not the same)
- Sputnik is under review by Sahpra

More here: bit.ly/3gCbOXj

4. How does #Spunik's burger patty (raw research data and study protocol) measure up?

Not great.

Neither the preclinical data, raw data of the trial, nor the study protocol were made public. Study participants were also not diverse (mainly white): bit.ly/3gCbOXj

5. The basting

You can upgrade your burger with some basting, for extra flavour and moisture.

Similarly, the peer-review process enhances the credibility of a clinical trial, doubly so if the paper is published in a prestigious academic journal: bit.ly/3jhxjyj

6. How good is #Sputnik’s basting?

Not too tasty. The jab was approved in Russia before there was data from trials on how well the vaccine worked.

When results were eventually reported in The Lancet, scientists questioned the peer review process: bit.ly/3jhxjyj

7. The lettuce

Nobody likes a soggy burger bun. So, reach for a crispy lettuce leaf to help the burger keep its structural integrity + to keep the basting under control.

Enter medicines regulators, who review raw data + clinical trials to determine if a jab = safe/effective.

8. How crispy is the #Sputnik burger’s lettuce?

Wilted at best.

Sputnik has been approved in 60+ countries, but none have reputable regulators like the FDA/EMA, that SA relies on.

WHO hasn’t made a decision on the jab due to lacking data.

Read why: bit.ly/3B9zkmm

9. The burger bun

Burger buns represent the public’s safety + trust in medicines.

If a burger is not assembled correctly/missing an ingredient, you risk the whole thing falling to pieces in your hands.

Likewise, all parts of the burger = NB to the trustworthiness of research.

10. The burger bun (continued)

All ingredients of the burger rely on the integrity of individual researchers. If you use bad meat to make your patty then the entire burger is compromised. Wilted lettuce doesn’t do the burger any favours either.

11. What about the Sputnik burger buns?

A bit mouldy.

An independent survey showed 60% of Russian people are unwilling to get the jab.

The lack of transparency in Sputnik's research process = likely undermined the public + scientists' trust: bit.ly/3BenI1p