Russia Looks to Launch New Cancer Vaccine

M.A. Dworkin

Moscow - Russia has reported that its cancer vaccine “Enteromix” has completed preclinical trials - demonstrating both safety and high efficacy. 

Veronika Skvortsova, head of the Russian Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA), made the announcement about the vaccine recently at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, according to Russian news agency TASS. 

“The research spanned several years, with the last three dedicated to mandatory preclinical studies,” Ms. Skvortsova said. “The vaccine is now ready for use; we are waiting for official approval.”

Ms. Skvortsova emphasized that preclinical results confirmed the vaccine’s safety, even with repeated administration, and significant effectiveness.

The initial target for the vaccine will be colorectal cancer. But “promising progress” has also been made in developing vaccines for the aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma and specific types of melanoma, including ocular melanoma.  The vaccine is designed to be used with advanced stages of cancer development and not as a preventive against the disease.

The first-ever mRNA-based cancer vaccine could very well amount to a breakthrough in cancer treatment. Developed through extensive research and cutting-edge technology, including AI-driven development, whereby artificial neural networks were used to streamline the creation process, enabling faster production of personalized doses, the landmark move is set to revolutionize cancer treatment. It will be provided free of charge to patients, signaling hope for millions worldwide.

The vaccine leverages messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which instructs the body’s cells to produce proteins that mimic cancer cells. These proteins trigger an immune response, training the body to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments, mRNA-based approaches offer targeted therapy, minimizing side effects. The vaccine can be customized to individual patients, ensuring higher effectiveness. 

One of the most striking aspects of Russia’s cancer vaccine is the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI). AI algorithms optimize the vaccine design process, reducing the time required to create personalized doses from months to hours. This breakthrough not only accelerates vaccine delivery but also sets a new standard in medical innovation. 

Researchers observed reductions in tumor size and slowed tumor progression - ranging from 60 to 80 percent - depending on disease characteristics. Studies also indicated increased survival rates attributable to the vaccine.

Preclinical trials have yielded highly encouraging results. Scientists reported reduced tumor growth and minimized chances of metastasis. These outcomes have fueled optimism as the vaccine progresses into clinical testing phases, setting the stage for large-scale human trials. 

There is a certain amount of skepticism from the scientific community with the Russian claims. Concerns over the quality of the collected data and the stage of the vaccine’s development have been voiced. But not knowing all the specifics of the vaccine’s history has thrown certain criticism into a sour grapes bin. 

“If this is truly preclinical results, it’s amazing,” said James Pinato, a clinician scientist at Imperial College London, who raised questions about the Russian claims. “It’s another one of those potential results that could then lead to a drug in the future…Either way, if we are in  late stages of preclinical or early stage clinical testing, these claims are quite strong for us to be able to say that this is truly a game changer.” 

Mr. Pinato emphasized he is basing his observations over limited material available. While he acknowledged the Russian system will have different regulations compared to other regions, he added: “I really do not have enough information and I think the claims are quite big for what they say.”

Russia’s Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology - the creators of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine - announced that it will begin human clinical trials of the world’s first personalized mRNA based melanoma vaccine within the next few months. 

Alexander Gintsburg, Director at the Gamaleya Center, confirmed they will start experimental administration as early as October 2025 in collaboration with leading Russian oncology institutions.