First blood cancer patient successfully treated with Russian drug

The first patient with oncologic blood disease has been successfully treated with the domestic drug Utzhefra. This was reported in the National Medical Research Center (NMRC) of Hematology of the Ministry of Health of Russia on January 21.

"The first patient - participant of the clinical trial - is a 59-year-old woman, she received "Utzhefra" on December 12 and 13 (2024. - Ed.) with two doses. After the introduction of "Utzhefra" the patient had no serious complications", - "RIA Novosti" quotes "RIA Novosti" the words of the main researcher, head of the department of cellular and immune therapy NMIC of hematology of the Ministry of Health of Russia Olga Aleshina.

It is noted that after a week of observation in the intensive care unit, the patient was transferred to the hematology department, where she was later observed in a day hospital. The study confirmed a complete response to therapy and the safety of the drug, the center specified.

A total of 60 patients will take part in the study. During the year after the drug administration, they will be periodically examined, blood tests will be taken, and instrumental studies will be conducted to determine the status of the underlying disease and control of remission.

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Earlier, on November 25, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the creation of a cancer vaccine in Russia a breakthrough. On December 16, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said that there is a request from other countries for a Russian oncovaccine. He added that in 2025, the Russian Federation will start using the drug in clinical units.

On December 17, the selection of candidates to participate in research on the oncovaccine being developed in Russia began.

On December 14 last year, Andrey Kaprin, an oncologist at the Russian Health Ministry and director general of the NMIC of Radiology, said that the drug will be free for all Russian citizens. In addition, he noted that the oncovaccine showed high efficiency in preclinical trials.