Cancer Vaccine Announced: Putin Confirms Free Distribution in Russia by 2025, Aiming to Save Millions
The world is grappling with the deadly disease of cancer. In a major development, Russia has made a claim that brings hope to millions globally. Russia announced that it has developed a cancer vaccine, which will be provided free of cost to all its citizens. On Monday (December 16), the Russian Ministry of Health declared that the vaccine will be available to cancer patients in Russia starting in 2025. According to the Russian state news agency TASS, Andrei Kaprin, General Director of the Radiology Medical Research Center under the Ministry of Health, shared details about the vaccine on a Russian radio channel.
Russia’s Breakthrough in mRNA Cancer Vaccine Development
Director Andrei stated that Russia has developed its own mRNA-based cancer vaccine, considered one of the greatest discoveries of the century. Clinical trials have shown that the vaccine can help halt tumor growth.
The Vaccine Can Prevent Cancer Spread
Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow, previously told TASS that the vaccine can stop tumors from growing and prevent the spread of cancer. The vaccine will be used to treat cancer patients and may also be administered to the general population as a preventive measure. This vaccine is claimed to be effective for all types of cancer patients.
Global Race for Cancer Vaccines
While Russia has made its announcement, other countries are also working on developing cancer vaccines. The Russian Ministry of Health, along with the National Medical Research Radiological Center and the Gamaleya National Research Center, confirmed the news. However, it remains unclear which types of cancer the vaccine will target or its overall efficacy. Scientists believe that specific vaccines can be developed to target particular types of cancer.
Rising Cancer Cases in Russia
Like the rest of the world, cancer cases are on the rise in Russia. In 2022, more than 635,000 cancer cases were reported, with breast and lung cancer being the most common types.
Existing Cancer Vaccines in the Market
In 2023, the UK government signed an agreement with a German biotechnology company to develop personalized cancer treatments. Pharmaceutical companies like Moderna and Merck are also working on skin cancer vaccines. Existing vaccines, such as the one against human papillomavirus (HPV), already help prevent cervical cancer.
Putin’s Earlier Statement on Cancer Vaccine Development
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously mentioned that scientists in his country were actively working on developing a cancer vaccine. He shared this information during the Moscow Forum on Future Technology.
Human Trials of a Cancer Drug in the U.S.
In September 2023, the U.S. began human trials for a cancer drug named AOH1996. Scientists believe the drug can completely eliminate cancerous tumors without harming healthy cells.
The Story Behind AOH1996
The drug’s name was inspired by Anna Olivia Healey, born in 1996, who suffered from neuroblastoma, a type of cancer in children. Anna passed away in 2005 at the age of nine. Neuroblastoma affects the adrenal glands and can spread to the abdomen, chest, and neck. The drug was named to honor her memory.
Cancer in India: A Growing Concern
In India, 1.413 million new cancer cases were reported in 2022, with 722,000 among women and 691,000 among men. Cancer claimed 916,000 lives in the same year.
Projected Rise in Cancer Cases in India
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) predicts a 12% increase in cancer cases over the next five years. One of the most significant challenges is the rising incidence of cancer among younger individuals. A study published in the journal Nature highlights that lifestyle factors are the leading cause of early-onset cancer in India.
