Moscow: Russia has officially registered a new locally developed drug against smallpox, named Neokh-14. Anna Popova, head of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Wellbeing, announced the registration and highlighted the drug's efficacy in treating infections caused by smallpox, as well as monkeypox and cowpox.

According to Emirates News Agency, Neokh-14 was developed at the State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology 'Vector'. This center operates under the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection. The development of this drug is part of Russia's efforts to address concerns about the spread of smallpox, a viral disease declared eradicated by the World Health Organisation in 1980, following recent monkeypox outbreaks in several countries.

In light of these outbreaks, Russia has been intensifying efforts to develop new drugs and vaccines to counter any potential resurgence of the smallpox virus. The registration of Neokh-14 marks a significant step in these efforts.