Race against cancer: Russia and the development of vaccines and immunomodulatory drugs

Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases of the 21st century, claiming millions of lives worldwide every year. According to a World Health Organisation analysis report based on data fr om the International Agency for Research on Can cer (IARC), there were 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer deaths worldwide in 2022. WHO’s predictive models suggest that approximately one in f ive people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and the disease will kill one in nine men and one in twelve women (Filloy, F., 2025). In the context of this epidemiological situation, the Russian government understands the need for a comprehensive approach to the cancer problem – not only as a medical problem but also as a factor directly affecting labour productivity, social stability and, in strategic terms, national security. The loss of working-age human resources due to cancer has a direct devastating impact on the nation’s economic potential and its ability to sustain technological and defence develop ment. By investing in advanced medical technologies, Russia seeks not only to save human lives but also to increase the productivity of its population while also reduc ing budget expenditures related to the treatment of chronic diseases. Addressing the Future Technologies Forum about a year ago (on 14 February 2024), Russian President Vladimir Putin made a resonant statement: “We are close to creating so-called oncovaccines (cancer vaccines) and new-generation immu nomodulatory drugs. And I expect that very soon they will be effectively used as individual therapy methods” (Putin, V., 2024). This announcement provoked a strong international response and attracted the attention of millions of people. Although cancer vaccines, or oncovaccines, already exist and are available in the medical armoury, it is the intensity of scientific research and dynamic progress demonstrated by Russia in this field that aroused the keen interest of the global community. It is important to emphasise that the vaccine that is being developed is not a universal drug and must be adapted to the individual treatment protocol of each specific patient. Russian scientists are working intensively, applying advanced biotechnology techniques, and this is a potential breakthrough in the therapy of patients already diagnosed with cancer. During the research for this paper, it was found that although there are preventive vaccines in use against certain types of cancer, in particular hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, Rus sian research has focused on personalised therapeutic approaches and specific types of oncology, including melanoma, lung cancer, a range of gastrointestinal oncopathologies and, with a high probability, kidney cancer (Kosorukov, 2024). It should be pointed out that the development of such a class of vaccines is not exclusively Russian know-how – British and American pharmaceutical corpo rations are also actively working in this area. However, the fundamental difference in the Russian concept is the intention to provide free access to vaccination as part of the government’s policy of universal health coverage. “Creating a Russian mRNA vaccine to treat cancer will cost the state 300,000 roubles per person, but it should be free for the patient,” said Andrey Kaprin, chief oncologist at the Russian Ministry of Health. This approach correlates with one of the most important demo graphic problems faced by Russia today – the persistently low birth rate. The military conflict in which Russia is engaged (and which, according to some analysts, is approaching its final phase) has had a significant negative impact on the country’s demographic indicators. Another pressing factor affecting the demo graphic situation is the widespread practice of abortion, which further exacerbates problems related to the reproduction of the population. A systematic decline in population poses a strategic threat to national security since, in the absence of sufficient demographic potential, the social basis for the economic, defence and socio-cultural development of the state inevitably shrinks. In this regard, the development and implementation of advanced technologies to combat cancer and significantly improve the quality of life of the population has become a strategic priority for the Russian government. National security issues are traditionally high on the domestic and foreign pol icy agenda of any country. However, as leading security analysts rightly point out, the conceptual content of this notion is highly subjective and varies depending on specific national conditions (Buzan, B., y Weaver, O., 1998). Demographic degradation poses no less significant, albeit implicit, hidden threat to Russia’s national security than traditional military challenges from the Western bloc countries. The reduction of the economically active population directly leads to a decline in the country’s production potential. Possessing a vast territory and significant reserves of natural resources, Russia is largely dependent on a sufficient working-age popu lation, without which it is impossible to ensure sustainable economic development. Vadim Bezverbny, a leading Russian expert in demography, pointed out the disappointing character of long-term forecasts that suggest that Russia’s popula tion may decline by 6.2 million people by 2050. In an interview with the Eurasian Information Agency, Bezverbny said: “Based on the data collected from January to October this year, we have to recognise that we are close to a historic low in birth rates. It is highly probable that the birth rate in 2024 will be the lowest in the last 30 years” (La República, 2024). It is worth noting that Russia’s aspirations in this area go beyond a purely national context. The country is actively developing international cooperation with Nicaragua1 and Cuba,2 with which it has concluded interstate agreements to jointly develop nuclear medicine and exchange medical specialists. Such partner ship initiatives not only strengthen Russia’s international standing but also provide access to additional scientific and technological competences that synergistically enhance Russia’s potential in the prevention and treatment of oncology. The robust government support that has stimulated research breakthroughs and scientific achievements in recent months also deserves objective recognition. According to the media, this work will continue throughout the current calendar year, focusing on perfecting the vaccine and ensuring its maximum clinical effi cacy. All this will make it possible to improve the life of the Russian people and increase their average life expectancy to 60 or more years. The development of this innovative vaccine is not only a significant medical breakthrough but also part of a comprehensive strategy to cope with the demo graphic and national security challenges faced by Russia today. Therefore, this approach clearly demonstrates the fundamental importance of technological innovations and strategic investments in public health as fundamental elements needed to ensure the country’s sustainable development. Moreover, this initiative not only meets the current health needs of the population, but also perfectly fits into the architecture of a multilevel strategy to strengthen national security and improve the quality of life. Development in this high-tech area is of paramount importance not only for Russian society but also for the global medical community as a whole. Although a number of other countries are already implementing parallel research programmes in this sphere, diversified scientific approaches and increased investment in this area can dramatically expand the therapeutic potential of cancer vaccines. Emerg ing scientific and technological competition between nations and research centres is creating opportunities to consistently reduce the cost of innovative treatments and make them more affordable to patients. Moreover, the involvement of a wide range of countries in this process will facilitate the creation of a global special ised infrastructure and a pool of highly qualified professionals, which together will ensure easier access to advanced medical technologies. A cross-sectoral, collaborative approach to this challenge has the potential to significantly accelerate the development of vaccines against different types of can cer, optimise treatment protocols and reduce critical waiting times for patients. In today’s world, wh ere cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, consoli dating research and resources will not only be a significant scientific breakthrough but will also bring hope to the millions of people battling cancer. Notably, inter national competition and cross-border cooperation in this area are not mutually exclusive processes; on the contrary, they can effectively complement each other to accelerate meaningful results on a global scale.