On February 13, 2026, as part of the 27th Congress of Pediatricians of Russia with international participation “Current Issues in Pediatrics,” Nanolek held the symposium “Shield of Future Generations’ Health: The First Russian HPV Vaccine,” dedicated to the launch of Russia’s first domestically developed vaccine for the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection — Cegardex.
The symposium brought together leading experts in pediatrics, gynecology, and preventive medicine. The discussion focused on the role of vaccination in protecting adolescent health, modern strategies for preventing HPV-associated diseases, and the clinical trial results of the domestically developed vaccine*.
The symposium was chaired by Leyla Namazova-Baranova, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and President of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia, who emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination:
“The opportunities that have emerged today in the prevention of oncological diseases through HPV vaccination cannot be overestimated. Parents must understand that vaccination is not only protection against infectious diseases — it changes the trajectory of an entire life.”
Elena Uvarova, MD, PhD, Professor, Chief External Specialist in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, spoke about the strategic importance of vaccination during adolescence:
“Global experience clearly demonstrates that the prevention of HPV-associated diseases, particularly cervical cancer, is achieved through vaccination. HPV vaccination is most effective before potential exposure to the infection. This is why adolescence is the optimal period for building long-term protection and reducing the risk of HPV-related diseases. Moreover, not only girls but also boys should be vaccinated. It is equally important to complete the full vaccination course. For adolescents aged 9–13, this consists of just two doses. Therefore, pediatricians play a special role in preventing this infection.”
Irina Feldblyum, MD, PhD, Professor, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Head of Department at Perm State Medical University, presented the clinical trial results of Ceguardex:
“The clinical study** of Cegardex involving healthy boys and girls aged 9–17 years was conducted at five clinical centers across the Russian Federation. This study followed an earlier clinical trial involving healthy volunteers aged 18–45 years. The results of both studies demonstrate that the vaccine is well tolerated, has a favorable safety profile, and shows efficacy not inferior to the comparator — a foreign-produced quadrivalent vaccine.”
Alexey Ekimov, Director of the Research and Production Center for Pharmaceutical Development at Nanolek, spoke about the quality and manufacturing aspects of the vaccine:
“The development of the first Russian HPV vaccine is the result of many years of meticulous work, stringent quality control, and adherence to international standards at every stage of production. The first commercial batches are already in manufacturing and will enter the civilian market in the second half of this year.”
Experts emphasized that the introduction of the first domestically produced full-cycle HPV vaccine in Russia represents a significant milestone in the development of the national immunization system, strengthening pharmaceutical sovereignty, increasing vaccine accessibility for the population, and reducing the incidence and mortality of HPV-associated diseases in the country.
*https://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/Grls_View_v2.aspx?routingGuid=28c34cae-5bcb-4795-9417-1264be63b56f
**A multicenter, randomized, comparative, parallel-group study evaluating the immunogenicity, tolerability, and safety of a recombinant quadrivalent (types 6, 11, 16, 18) human papillomavirus vaccine in children aged 9–17 years. The study was conducted from February 2024 to August 2025. Unpublished data. Planned publication date – 2026.