Russia to start clinical trials of AI-developed melanoma vaccine

Russia is set to begin clinical trials this September or October for the world’s first melanoma vaccine developed using artificial intelligence (AI), officials said.

Produced by the Gamaleya National Research Center, the vaccine uses AI to create personalized medicine based on the mRNA of each patient’s unique tumor mutations.

“In accordance with the plan approved by the Health Ministry, we are preparing to begin experimental treatment using the cancer vaccine based on neoantigens in a group of melanoma patients,” Gamaleya Director Alexander Gintsburg told RIA Novosti.

Andrey Kaprin, head of the Radiology Medical Research Center, said the vaccine aims to treat cancer patients rather than merely prevent tumor formation.

The trials will take place at the Hertsen Research Institute and are fully funded by the state. Each dose costs about 300,000 rubles (approximately 2,869 USD) but will be provided free of charge to patients.

According to the World Health Organization, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, causing nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. In Russia, about 4 million people currently live with cancer, with approximately 625,000 new cases diagnosed annually, according to the country’s Health Ministry.