Russia to begin trials of mRNA cancer vaccine against melanoma

MOSCOW - Russian scientists are ready to launch clinical trials of personalized mRNA cancer vaccines targeting melanoma within the next six weeks, according to media reports on Tuesday.

Alexander Gintsburg, head of the Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, told TASS news agency that the necessary documents had already been submitted to the Russian Health Ministry pending approval.

The first batches of the vaccine will be produced once approval is granted, Gintsburg said, adding that patient groups have already been selected and their genetic data have been mapped for fully personalized treatment.

Preclinical studies have shown that the vaccine can effectively suppress tumor growth and the possibility of metastases. The next mRNA vaccines will be developed for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, TASS reported.