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The educational program includes theoretical and practical sessions taught by leading specialists in molecular biology, genetics, gene and protein engineering, biotechnology, bioinformatics, virology, microbiology, and epidemiology.
mRNA technologies are based on the use of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to create pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines.
In Russia, this scientific and practical field is developing comprehensively. In February 2025, at the direction of the President of the Russian Federation, a Scientific and Technological Center for the Development of mRNA Technologies was established. It brings together 17 leading Russian research organizations working jointly on creating domestic mRNA drugs.
In August, the Russian Ministry of Health approved a plan for experimental application of an individualized mRNA-based "cancer vaccine." The technology allows high concentrations of target antigens (proteins or peptides) encoded in mRNA to accumulate in cells, forming a targeted immune response.
The first phase of the study will involve 60 patients with melanoma, with the range of conditions to be expanded later. Clinical trial participants will receive the drug this year at two cancer centers, `the P.A. Herzen Moscow Cancer Research Institute and the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology.
Currently, more than 120 mRNA vaccines targeting various cancer types are at different stages of development worldwide. The most advanced so far is mRNA-4157 (a joint project of Moderna and Merck). It is currently in Phase III international clinical trials for melanoma treatment. According to published data, the drug showed a 44% reduction in recurrence risk and sustained three-year survival after immunotherapy compared to monotherapy.
Source: RIA