Cuba develops skin cancer treatment amid drug crisis

Cuba's Center for Molecular Immunology (CIM) has developed 2C12, a therapeutic candidate for advanced melanoma, now ready for clinical trials. The announcement comes as the island faces severe shortages of oncology drugs, which the CIM attributes to the high cost of alternatives like Pembrolizumab (US$11,000 per year) and the U.S. embargo Source: El Caribe.

The drug

2C12 is designed to help the body's natural defenses recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively, similar to Pembrolizumab Source: Infobae. The first clinical study will take place at hospitals in Havana, including the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology and the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, as well as the Celestino Hernández University Oncological Hospital in Villa Clara Source: Diario Libre.

The crisis context

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said the announcement "occurs in a difficult moment for Cuba," citing a U.S. oil blockade since January and secondary sanctions since May that limit the arrival of maritime containers with medicines and essential supplies Source: Infobae. The country faces a deep energy and economic crisis, with prolonged blackouts since 2024 worsening shortages of food and medicine Source: El Caribe.

Vice Minister of Public Health Julio Guerra told EFE that reduced flights and maritime traffic prevent importing the necessary medicines Source: Diario Libre. The government reports that the U.S. blockade impedes acquisition of 69% of the basic medicines list, which includes 651 items Source: Infobae. In response, Cuba formalized private management of pharmacies in July as part of 176 economic reforms Source: Infobae.

All sources agree on the drug's development and the crisis context, though they differ slightly in emphasis: El Caribe focuses on the blockade, while Infobae and Diario Libre provide more detail on the economic reforms and the extent of the medicine shortage.