Russia Poised to Launch First Personalized mRNA cancer Vaccine Human Trials
Moscow – In a potential breakthrough for cancer treatment, Russia’s Gamaleya National Epidemiology and Microbiology Research Center has announced that human clinical trials for the world’s first personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine are slated to begin within the coming months. The innovative vaccine leverages artificial intelligence and a patient’s unique genetic makeup to target malignant tumors.
The vaccine represents a significant leap forward in personalized medicine. Unlike conventional cancer treatments, this approach utilizes mRNA technology to create a vaccine specifically tailored to each patient’s cancer. This personalized vaccine is designed to train the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy tumor-specific proteins, known as antigens, through the activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes.
Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya Center, revealed to RIA Novosti that initial trials will be conducted at two leading oncology institutions in Moscow and the Blokhin Cancer Center.Gamaleya will oversee vaccine production, while participating clinics will manage patient experimentation. “We are preparing to start experimental treatment using a neoantigen-based cancer vaccine in a group of melanoma patients,” Gintsburg stated, emphasizing the vaccine’s “fully personalized” nature – meaning each dose is uniquely produced for an individual and cannot be used for another.
Progress of the vaccine commenced in mid-2022, capitalizing on the advancements in mRNA technology. The process, from tumor analysis aided by artificial intelligence to the production of the personalized vaccine, is anticipated to take approximately one week, according to Gintsburg. Early results from animal experiments and limited human trials have been promising.
The Russian government has established a specialized regulatory framework to accommodate the unique characteristics of this personalized cancer vaccine. Gintsburg noted that his team is collaborating closely with health authorities to navigate these new guidelines.
Initially focused on melanoma patients, the potential applications of this technology extend beyond this specific cancer type. With an estimated 4 million cancer patients in Russia and approximately 625,000 new cases diagnosed annually, the successful implementation of this vaccine could dramatically alter the country’s public health strategy. The innovation has already garnered international attention, with numerous foreign medical institutions expressing interest in collaborative opportunities, as confirmed by Gintsburg.
Source: Newspaper Oxygen
