Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) has announced that preclinical trials for its mRNA-based cancer vaccine EnteroMix have been completed. The announcement was made by Veronika Skvortsova, head of the FMBA at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Tass reported.
“The research lasted several years. The last three years were regulated preclinical studies. The vaccine is ready for use; we are waiting for permission," she said in an interview with a local newspaper.
She said that studies have proven that the vaccine is safe for use with repeated administration and effectiveness. According to her, researchers observed that there was a reduction in the size and growth of tumours. It also showed an increase in patient survival rates.
The vaccine will be first used with colorectal cancer. They are also developing vaccines in an advanced stage for glioblastoma and melanoma, including ocular melanoma.
“At the same time, we have a vaccine in an advanced stage for two more locations. This is glioblastoma - one of the most malignant tumours, the trans-barrier tumours of which are located behind the blood-brain barrier in the structure of the brain, as well as special types of melanoma. Not only skin cancer, but also melanoma of the eye membranes. A very terrible, rapidly progressing disease. Therefore, these locations will be next," she said.
How effective is the EnteroMix vaccine?
EnteroMix, an experimental vaccine, was celebrated for being extremely efficient in dealing with one of the deadliest diseases in the world. According to a News18 report, the Phase I clinical trials had 48 volunteers who participated. No serious side effects were reported, and patients tolerated the treatment well.
Unlike regular cancer treatments like Chemotherapy and radiation, EnteroMix works by targeting and eliminating cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue. EnteroMix combines four harmless viruses that have been re-engineered to hunt down cancer cells and train the body’s immune system to fight back. The vaccine is personalised and tailormade for each patient.
While Phase I trials were a success, experts say that larger Phase II and III trials are required to truly validate the vaccine's efficacy across larger patient populations.
The drug was developed by the Russian Ministry of Health’s National Medical Research Radiological Centre in collaboration with the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology (EIMB) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).
With clinical trials completed, EnteroMix now needs approval from the Russian Ministry of Health.