The Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry (SB RAS) is preparing to start production of Russia’s first smallpox drug “NIOX-14”. The drug, developed jointly with the Vector State Research Center, is scheduled to be released in March 2025. The institute has already created an experimental pharmaceutical facility; all that remains is to obtain the necessary licenses, which are expected in December 2024 – January 2025. Representatives of the institute reported this at the Technoprom-2024 forum.
The project for creating a pilot site is being implemented within the framework of the Engineering Center of the Scientific Research Institute of Organic Chemistry of the SB RAS with the support of an industrial partner. Investments in the project amounted to about 30 million rubles. A representative of the institute emphasized that NIOKH-14 not only effectively fights viruses, but also provides full protection against the disease, enhancing the effect of the smallpox vaccine.
The developers of the drug, including the chief researcher of the Vector Center, Sergei Shchelkunov, stated that NIOKH-14 is aimed at combating orthopoxviruses. It prevents the emergence of new viral particles, which prevents the development of infection. Previously, not a single drug for the treatment and prevention of smallpox was produced in Russia, which makes the release of NIOKH-14 a significant step in medical science.
Source: Ferra
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