BESHENKOVICHI, 13 July (BelTA) – Belarusian and Cuban scientists are busy researching medications based on peptide vaccines for the sake of immunotherapy of malignant tumors, BelTA learned from Yevgeny Shlyakhtunov, Associate Professor at the Oncology Chair of the Vitebsk State Medical University, Candidate of Medical Sciences, an employee of the R&D and manufacturing complex Nativita.
Yevgeny Shlyakhtunov said: “We cooperate with two Cuban centers. Both are involved in the development of peptide vaccines for treating a number of diseases, most of which are malignant tumors. We are trying to bolster the immune system, which is suppressed during the tumor process.”
The scientist explained that any malignant tumors cause immune deficiency, this is why the body cannot beat the disease on its own. In order to beef up the immune system, peptide vaccines are being developed. They are made of molecules of the tumor itself and of other substances, which have a specific effect on immune cells in human body, resulting in immunity against specific tumors.
Belarus is now interested in ten joint R&D projects. Most of them are oncological medications. They are designed to treat breast cancer, skin cancer, non-small cells lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. A number of products are designed to treat and prevent repeats of heart attacks. There are plans to begin joint research in 2018.
The international R&D and manufacturing complex Nativita was opened in Beshenkovichi, Vitebsk Oblast on 13 July. It is modern high-technology facility designed and built with assistance of consultants from the European Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Special isolating technologies will secure the high quality of the merchandise and the safety of the personnel and the environment.
The Nativita complex will be able to make medications as tablets, capsules, and liquids in compliance with the European standard GMP. The pharmaceutical enterprise is primarily designed to research and make innovative medications for treating oncological diseases. Its facility where solid cytostatic drugs are made using insulators from the Italian company Nicomac is unique in Belarus.
