Russia is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking cancer vaccine for its citizens, free of charge, starting in early 2025. The announcement was made by Andrey Kaprin, Chief Oncologist at the Russian Ministry of Health and a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The innovative vaccine, developed from weakened tumor cells, aims to boost the immune system’s ability to identify and eliminate cancer cells. The technology incorporates a specific sequence of messenger RNA that instructs cells to produce a protein, which the immune system targets as foreign. This approach enhances the body’s natural defenses to combat cancer, explained Aleksander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Centre.
Kaprin emphasized that while cancer treatment drugs are often prohibitively expensive, this vaccine is designed to be accessible to all Russians. Artificial intelligence plays a critical role in its development, analyzing tumor parameters to create personalized treatment blueprints.
The vaccine’s preclinical trials, completed in September, demonstrated promising results. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the development as a scientific breakthrough, noting that initial tests on animals reduced tumor sizes by up to 80%.
This innovative treatment marks a significant stride in oncology, offering hope to cancer patients while positioning Russia as a leader in advanced medical technology.