Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero highlighted that a new drug candidate developed by the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) is ready to undergo testing in patients with advanced melanoma, as part of the country’s ongoing cancer research initiatives.
“Another victory for our scientists in the midst of adversity!” the head of government celebrated on his X account.
According to details published on the CIM’s official Facebook page, the therapeutic candidate, designated 2C12, exhibits properties similar to pembrolizumab—one of the key treatments used internationally to stimulate the immune system’s response against tumor cells.
In this initial phase, the clinical trial will focus on patients with advanced melanoma, referring to skin cancer cases that are ineligible for surgical removal or have metastasized to other parts of the body.
The CIM report noted that the research will be conducted by specialized medical teams across hospital facilities in Havana and Villa Clara.
In the Cuban capital, participating institutions include the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology and the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital. In Villa Clara, the trial will be carried out at the Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau Territorial University Oncology Hospital.
The development of this drug candidate reflects the continued drive of Cuban biotechnology to produce homegrown alternatives for cancer treatment and move toward greater pharmaceutical sovereignty.
Moreover, it responds to the urgent need for accessible therapeutic options amid the exorbitant cost of oncology medications on the international market, alongside the trade hurdles Cuba faces in acquiring them as a result of the U.S. blockade.
(Taken from Prensa Latina)
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