“Everyone survived”: Science minister reports results of Kazakhstani drug trials

Tengrinews.kz — Clinical trials for a domestically developed cancer drug are ongoing in Kazakhstan. According to Sayasat Nurbek, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, the first phase of human trials has concluded with encouraging preliminary results: all study participants survived, and a reduction in tumor size was recorded in some patients.

During a government meeting, Sayasat Nurbek explained that the drug’s development involves several mandatory stages to verify safety and efficacy. The Minister specified that the trials are being conducted at oncology centers in Astana, Almaty, and Karaganda.

"We have moved to the second stage of human clinical trials. Developing any medication is a highly complex process involving 6 to 7 stages. We have completed animal testing and the first phase of human trials. We are now entering the second phase, which determines the actual dosage required to achieve maximum effect," the Minister told reporters.

Addressing questions about interim findings, Nurbek noted that the first phase was conducted on patients with advanced forms of cancer.

"We have already reported the initial results. The study was conducted on severe oncological cases," he said.

The Minister also shared preliminary figures from the second phase.

"Everyone survived. Tumor reduction was recorded in approximately 30 percent of cases," Nurbek stated.

He emphasized that the trials are ongoing and that the authorities plan to present more detailed data at a later date.

"I expect that around September, we will hold a separate briefing on the results of the clinical trials held at the oncology centers in Karaganda, Almaty, and Astana. It might happen even sooner, once we have concrete results," the Minister noted.

Nurbek added that they plan to begin the drug registration process by the end of the year.

Context

In November 2025, Kazakhstan had already reported the transition to a decisive stage of clinical trials for the domestic anti-cancer drug. Developer Dos Sarbasov stated that preclinical animal studies had been successfully completed prior to this.

In the new phase, the treatment approach was adjusted: the drug is now administered before standard chemotherapy to assess its direct impact on tumors and metastases, as well as patient tolerance.

On March 31, it was announced thatclinical trials on patients had begun for the domestic cancer drug DVC.

The trials were conducted at the National Scientific Oncology Center, which is concurrently implementing modern treatment methods, including AI-driven adaptive radiotherapy. According to the center, more than 80 percent of patients have already completed treatment, and specialists have assessed the results positively.

The creation of the first domestic anti-cancer drug was first announced in early 2024. Sayasat Nurbek later provided updates on the progress of the trials and their promising results.