Prime Highlight
- Russian scientists have developed Enteromix, a new mRNA-based cancer vaccine, now ready for clinical use.
- The vaccine has shown 60–80% effectiveness in shrinking or slowing tumors and improved survival rates in preclinical trials.
Key Facts
- Enteromix will initially target colorectal cancer, with vaccines for glioblastoma, melanoma, and ocular melanoma in advanced development.
- The vaccine underwent several years of research and three years of preclinical trials, demonstrating safety even with repeated doses.
Background
Russian scientists have developed a new cancer vaccine, Enteromix, now ready for clinical use, according to the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA). The announcement was made by FMBA head Veronika Skvortsova at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
Enteromix is done on the mRNA technology, which is also used in COVID-19 vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccines, it teaches the body’s cells to produce proteins that trigger an immune response against cancer cells. Skvortsova said the vaccine underwent several years of research, including three years of mandatory preclinical trials. These trials demonstrated that Enteromix is safe, even with repeated doses, and highly effective, shrinking or slowing tumor growth by 60–80%, depending on cancer type.
The vaccine also showed improved survival rates in test subjects. Colorectal cancer will be the first target for Enteromix, while vaccines for glioblastoma, melanoma, and ocular melanoma are in advanced stages of development.
Skvortsova told the forum that vaccines have the potential to enhance immunity against cancer. “The research took several years, and the vaccine is now prepared for use while awaiting regulatory approval,” she added.
Researchers worldwide continue to explore cancer vaccines that boost the body’s natural defenses. Some existing vaccines already treat prostate or bladder cancers, while others, like the HPV vaccine, prevent cancers caused by infections. Enteromix is another significant advance towards leveraging mRNA in a fight against cancer.
