The development of a cancer vaccine is currently facing legal and production capacity challenges, which are delaying its release. If these issues can be resolved, the vaccine may become available in three years. According to the Russian Medical and Biological Agency, the use of antigens with altered composition in vaccines does not meet current regulations.
One of the biggest challenges is the limited number of qualified facilities in the country capable of producing and supplying the vaccine. Facilities such as the Blokhin Cancer Center and the Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnology in Moscow are currently working on developing this technology.
Mr. Vasily Lazarev from the Russian Federal Medical and Biological Agency stated that it may take up to a year to address all legal procedures and documentation issues. Once these hurdles are overcome, he believes that domestic private investors will be attracted to this technology, enabling Russia to launch a cancer vaccine within three years. In the meantime, the Russian Federal Agency for Health and Biology is proposing to permit the production and use of drugs with modified ingredients starting in September, with strict control by the patent-holding organization.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously announced that his country’s scientists are close to developing a cancer vaccine, but did not provide specific details on which type of cancer they were targeting or how it worked. Internationally, there are five potential candidates being tested for cancer vaccines, including mRNA-4157 developed by Merck and Moderna, which has been recognized for use in adjuvant treatment of melanoma patients. Cancer vaccines are considered important immunotherapy tools that can help prevent and improve outcomes in cancer treatment by boosting the body’s natural defenses against disease.
