Russia announced the development of an mRNA vaccine against cancer, which will be made available free of charge to patients in the country. According to the general director of the National Center for Radiological Research of the Russian Ministry of Health, Andrey Kaprin, the launch for general use is scheduled for the beginning of 2025. The information was released by the state agency TASS this week.
The development is the result of joint efforts between research centers, including the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology. According to Alexander Gintsburg, director of Gamaleya, the vaccine’s preclinical tests have already demonstrated its effectiveness in suppressing the development of tumors and potentially controlling metastases.
The mRNA approach uses individual genetic analysis to create personalized vaccines that program the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. This method analyzes the mutational profile of the tumor (neoantigens) and designs targeted vaccines, allowing specific combat against each type of tumor.
Furthermore, the country is studying an oncolytic vaccine front called EnteroMix, developed in collaboration with the Engelhardt Institute. It uses a set of four non-pathogenic viruses capable of destroying malignant cells and, at the same time, activating the patient’s anti-tumor immunity. According to the National Center for Radiological Research, preclinical studies of EnteroMix have now been completed, confirming its safety and efficacy.
Russian scientists report that clinical trials and patient recruitment for the initial phases of EnteroMix will begin between late 2024 and early 2025. Meanwhile, the mRNA vaccine is moving toward final efficacy trials and is expected to be released to the public in 2025.
