Cuba's lung cancer vaccine may come to US
Cuban vaccine for lung cancer Cimavax, developed nearly 25 years ago, could be brought to the US.
During New York governor’s Andrew Cuomo’s visit to Havana in April, the New York Roswell Park Cancer Institute finalised an agreement with Cuba’s Center for Molecular Immunology in order to develop a lung cancer vaccine and begin clinical trials in the US.
The vaccine was designed to stop tumour growth, but was not designed to cure cancer or put patients in remission.
The chance to evaluate a vaccine like this is a very exciting prospect
“The chance to evaluate a vaccine like this is a very exciting prospect,” said Candace Johnson, chief executive of Roswell Park.
This move is part of a broader diplomatic effort to bring both nations together after the 55-years trade embargo the US imposed to the Cuban nation.
"They've had to do more with less, so they've had to be even more innovative with how they approach things," Johnson said.
The Roswell Park Cancer Institute hoped to win the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration for a first study phase that will last from six to eight months.
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