Nanolek is taking part in the Russian Industrialist International Forum and Exhibition, held in St. Petersburg from October 22 to 24. At the stand of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the company is showcasing Cegardex, Russia’s first vaccine for the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Nanolek presented Cegardex, Russia’s first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, to Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. The presentation took place during the Minister’s tour of the Russian Industrialist International Forum and Exhibition, held in St. Petersburg from October 22 to 24. The vaccine is on display at the Ministry’s stand.

Valentin Dodonov, Director for Government Affairs and Market Access at Nanolek, briefed the Minister on the project’s implementation, the establishment of domestic production, and plans for its further development.

Cegardex is Russia’s first domestically produced HPV vaccine. It was developed jointly with NPK Combiotech. Full-cycle manufacturing has been established at NANOLEK’s Biomedical Complex in the Kirov Region, from antigen production through to the finished dosage form.

“Total investment in the HPV vaccine manufacturing project amounts to RUB 7.5 billion, including RUB 950 million in preferential financing from the Industrial Development Fund. We are already seeing tangible results: the first 30,000 doses have been released for distribution in Russia, and we plan to produce 600,000 doses by the end of the year. In 2027, expansion of production capacity will enable us to manufacture more than 3 million doses annually.

Our priority is to meet the needs of the Russian market. Beyond that, we see strong prospects for exports. The Russian vaccine has already attracted interest from countries in the Eurasian Economic Union and Africa, as well as Mongolia and Nicaragua,” said Valentin Dodonov.

Establishing domestic HPV vaccine production marks an important step toward strengthening the technological independence of Russia’s pharmaceutical industry. The project enables the production of a complex biotechnology-based medicine in Russia and creates manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for vaccination.

Human papillomavirus is the leading cause of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women of reproductive age. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer.

Cegardex is a quadrivalent vaccine designed to prevent diseases caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. The vaccine is approved for use in children and adults aged 9 to 45.