Kazakhstan to begin clinical trials of homegrown blood cancer therapy by 2026
CAR-T therapy developed by Kazakh scientists offers potential cure with minimal side effects, set for regional first
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — A breakthrough blood cancer treatment developed by Kazakh scientists is expected to enter clinical trials by 2026, positioning the country as a regional leader in advanced oncology therapies.
According to Silk Way TV, volunteers will soon be recruited for trials of the new drug, which is based on CAR-T cell therapy—a cutting-edge immunotherapy that modifies the patient’s own cells to identify and destroy cancer without harming healthy tissue. The treatment is designed to preserve the immune system and limit side effects, offering hope of a full recovery within weeks.
“When using CAR-T cell therapy, the mechanism selectively targets cancer cells, significantly reducing side effects,” said Vyacheslav Ogay, Acting General Director of the National Center for Biotechnology. “Compared to traditional drug therapy, this approach offers the possibility of a complete cure within a month. The strongest effects are typically seen around two weeks after infusion.”
The therapy is being developed at Kazakhstan’s National Center for Biotechnology, which holds more than 230 patents for its innovations. The center’s work has attracted global interest, with delegations from the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Eurasian Patent Office, and scientific representatives from China, Morocco, Indonesia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan visiting to explore potential partnerships.
“We were particularly interested in oncohematology. Progress in this field translates directly into lives saved,” said Grigory Ivliev, President of the Eurasian Patent Office. “That a center in Kazakhstan is carrying out such world-class work is a strong signal for closer cooperation. These breakthroughs must be accelerated—not just nationally, but regionally and globally.”
If successful, Kazakhstan will become the first country in Central Asia to treat cancer and blood-related disorders using genetically modified immune cells—potentially transforming cancer care across the region.
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