Russia has developed a cancer vaccine that has successfully passed preclinical trials, demonstrating both safety and high efficacy, according to Veronika Skvortsova, head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA). She made the announcement at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Tass reported.
“The research took several years, with the past three focused on mandatory preclinical studies. The vaccine is now ready for use, pending official approval,” Skvortsova said.
Preclinical findings showed the vaccine was safe even with repeated doses and delivered significant results in shrinking tumours and slowing progression by 60–80%, depending on cancer type. Survival rates also improved among test subjects.
The first target for rollout will be colorectal cancer, while additional vaccines for glioblastoma and melanoma—including ocular melanoma—are advancing through development.
The announcement came during the 10th Eastern Economic Forum, held in Vladivostok from September 3–6, which hosted over 8,400 participants from 75 countries under the theme “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity.”
Cancer vaccines differ from traditional infectious disease vaccines. Instead of preventing illness from germs, they train the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. Some, such as those for prostate and bladder cancers, are already in use, while others—including this Russian breakthrough—are still emerging. Preventive vaccines like the HPV shot also help protect against cancer-causing infections.
