Cuban vaccine against lung cancer CIMAvax-EGF

By María Josefina Arce

The Cuban vaccine CIMAVAX against lung cancer has been recognized in important scientific spaces worldwide. Now its remarkable clinical results reached the European Congress of Oncology, which has just concluded in Paris, France.

Produced by the Center for Molecular Immunology after more than two decades of intense research, the therapeutic immunogen has made it possible for a group of patients to achieve a very long survival.

Cuban researchers who participated in the event pointed out that more than 10,000 people have benefited from this drug in the different medical care scenarios of the Cuban health system.

CIMAVAX is also a palpable example of how much science can achieve for the sake of people's health, if wills are united. A few years ago, the Center for Molecular Immunology and the Roswell Park Cancer Research Institute, in New York, United States, joined forces to promote the development of the drug, which has made its way in the northern country due to its achievements.

The desire of Cuban and U.S. scientists to bring the vaccine to a successful conclusion, because of what it represents for countless people with this type of cancer, allowed access to reagents and equipment.

It is a fruitful relationship that, of course, has not been free of difficulties, due to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba for the past sixty years.

However, the will and commitment of scientists on both sides is great, which is why clinical trials are currently being carried out to combine the Cuban vaccine with other successful cancer treatments, and their effects are being studied in high-risk people or patients in the initial stages of the disease.

As stated by Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel, science is once again showing the way forward and demonstrating how much Cubans and Americans could achieve together for the benefit of humanity, if Washington would set aside its obstinate and cruel policy against our country.

The encouraging results of CIMAVAX have been highlighted by prestigious publications. Recently, Frontiers in Oncology magazine referred to the Cuban vaccine and the progress of the research with the Roswell Park Institute.

CIMAVAX is an example of the development of Cuban science, of the high level of preparation, dedication and sacrifice of our scientific community, which despite the obstacles imposed by the genocidal blockade has made possible drugs that benefit Cubans and citizens of other nations.