Cancer treatment has seen a massive breakthrough in recent years thanks to immunotherapy, yet many tumors still learn to “cheat” our immune system and become invisible to it. Latvian scientists have stepped up to this challenge!
Within the framework of the National Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI) BioPhoT platform, work is underway on an ambitious project called “IC-VAX”, aimed at creating a next-generation cancer vaccine prototype.
What is IC-VAX and how does it work? The main idea of the project is to develop a therapeutic vaccine capable of blocking the so-called immune checkpoints. Tumor cells often use these “checkpoints” as a shield so that immune cells (T-cells) fail to detect and destroy them.
Why is this project so significant? Traditional chemotherapy affects the entire body, whereas this approach is targeted and personalized. The project team is working not only on the molecular design of the vaccine but also on efficient delivery systems to ensure the vaccine works exactly where it is needed.
From the lab to a real product If this vaccine technology is put into practice, we will transition from “luxury medicine” to democratic medicine. This means more equal treatment opportunities for a wider range of patients.
We are proud of the work of our scientists!
We invite you to watch a video about the project.
Information published 08.07.2026