Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that scientists in the country are nearing the development of a cancer vaccine, which could soon be available for patients.
Speaking on February 14 at a forum in Moscow focused on future technologies, he stated: “we have come very close to creating a cancer vaccine and a new generation of immunomodulatory drugs.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking on February 14. (Photo: Reuters).
“I hope that they will soon be used effectively as personalized therapy methods,” he added.
The Russian leader did not disclose which type of cancer this vaccine would target or how it would work.
Currently, several countries and companies are researching cancer vaccines. Last year, the UK government signed an agreement with BioNTech (based in Germany) to initiate clinical trials offering “personalized cancer treatment methods,” aiming to reach 10,000 patients by 2030.
Pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Merck & Co are developing an experimental cancer vaccine, with mid-stage research indicating a 50% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death from melanoma—the most dangerous skin cancer—after three years of treatment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are currently six licensed vaccines against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes various cancers including cervical cancer, as well as a vaccine against hepatitis B (HBV), which can lead to liver cancer.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia developed the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus and sold it to many countries. President Putin stated that he has received the Sputnik V vaccine.
