Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russian scientists are on the verge of creating cancer vaccines, potentially offering new treatment methods for patients. Speaking at a Moscow forum on future technologies, Putin stated that they are close to developing “cancer vaccines and immunomodulatory drugs of a new generation” and expressed hope for their effective use in individual therapy. However, he did not provide specifics regarding the targeted types of cancer or the methods involved.
Several countries and companies globally are actively engaged in cancer vaccine research. In the UK, an agreement with BioNTech aims to launch clinical trials for personalized cancer treatments. Pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Merck & Co are also working on an experimental cancer vaccine that has shown promising results in reducing recurrence or death from melanoma.
While there are already licensed vaccines targeting viruses linked to cancers, such as HPV and hepatitis B, Russia’s potential breakthrough in cancer vaccine development adds a new dimension to ongoing global efforts in the field. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia successfully developed and distributed the Sputnik V vaccine, with President Putin publicly endorsing its efficacy and safety by personally taking the vaccine.
