Russia has officially announced that a domestically developed personalized mRNA cancer vaccine is ready for clinical use and will be distributed free of charge to cancer patients. The vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center, targets tumor-specific neoantigens tailored to each patient’s genetic profile and is expected to launch treatment for patients starting in September-October 2025.
The cancer vaccine has shown promising results in preclinical trials, particularly targeting colorectal cancer with tumor size reduction rates between 60% and 80%, and increased survival rates. Further development is underway for vaccines targeting other cancer types, including glioblastoma and melanoma. The vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and attack malignant cells, including metastatic tumors, using AI algorithms to rapidly create individualized mRNA blueprints.
The Russian government plans to fund the vaccine, covering production costs estimated at about 300,000 rubles (approximately USD 2,800) per dose, providing it at no cost to Russian cancer patients. This development marks a significant advancement in cancer treatment and personalized medicine within Russia, potentially benefiting millions of patients diagnosed annually.
This rollout follows specialized regulatory approval expected in summer 2025 and builds on Russia’s expertise in mRNA vaccine technology, highlighted by the Gamaleya Center’s previous work on COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccine signals a new era in oncology by offering a tailored immunotherapy approach for over 300 known types of cancer based on tumor histology and phenotype.
In summary, Russia’s announcement of a free, personalized cancer vaccine ready for clinical use by late 2025 represents a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy leveraging cutting-edge mRNA and AI-driven technology with promising efficacy in early trials
