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 be 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. Another challenge is the limited number of qualified facilities in the country capable of producing and supplying the vaccine, such as the Blokhin Cancer Center and the Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnology in Moscow.
The Russian Federal Medical and Biological Agency’s Mr. Vasily Lazarev stated that it may take up to a year to address all legal procedures and documentation issues. Once these hurdles are overcome, the vaccine technology may attract domestic private investors, 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 was targeted or how it works. 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 strengthening our natural defenses against disease. Despite recent advances in this field, challenges remain before we can fully realize their potential as an effective tool for preventing or treating cancer.
