Researchers at the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine in Novosibirsk are preparing to launch clinical trials of a new anti-cancer drug designed to treat brain tumours, developed from a genetically modified smallpox vaccine virus. The trials are expected to begin in 2026.
Earlier this year, the same drug completed Phase I clinical trials targeting breast cancer, conducted in four medical centres in two stages. Results showed tumour stabilisation in 50% of patients by day 60 after a single injection, and in 80% of patients by day 82 with multiple administrations.
The medication belongs to the class of oncolytic viruses — engineered viruses that no longer cause infectious symptoms but contain genes that stimulate anti-tumour immunity. These viruses selectively invade and destroy cancer cells, while simultaneously activating the patient’s immune system to combat the disease.
Photo: freepik.com