Russia has announced that its mRNA-based cancer vaccine, named Enteromix, is ready for clinical use and will be provided free of charge to all patients starting in late 2025.
The announcement, made by the Russian Ministry of Health and the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA), marks a significant step forward in personalized cancer treatment.
The vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology in collaboration with other leading research institutions, has shown promising results in pre-clinical trials, particularly in suppressing tumor growth and preventing metastases in colorectal cancer and melanoma.
According to FMBA head Veronika Skvortsova, the vaccine is tailored to individual patients by targeting tumor-specific neoantigens, leveraging advanced mRNA technology and artificial intelligence to create personalized therapies in as little as an hour.
“This is not a universal vaccine but a personalized treatment designed for each patient’s unique cancer profile,” said Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya Center.
“It activates the immune system to recognize and destroy malignant cells, offering hope for effective, individualized therapy.”
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko emphasized that the vaccine’s development was fully funded by the state, ensuring no financial burden on patients.
Each dose, estimated to cost around 300,000 rubles (approximately $2,900), will be subsidized by the government, making it accessible to all eligible citizens.
“This is a humanitarian effort to provide cutting-edge care without barriers,” Murashko stated.
The vaccine is set to begin clinical trials on patients with melanoma and small cell lung cancer, with plans to expand to other cancer types pending further validation.
While the initiative has generated optimism, international experts caution that full clinical trials are needed to confirm the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the development as a “new generation” of cancer treatment, expressing hope that it will soon be a cornerstone of global oncology.
The rollout, initially projected for early 2025 but now scheduled for late 2025, positions Russia as a pioneer in accessible, state-sponsored cancer care, though questions remain about the vaccine’s scalability and long-term impact
