Russia and Cuba will collaborate on developing a cancer vaccine under a new memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in oncology and pharmaceutical research.

The agreement was announced during a business dialogue held on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026, where officials highlighted growing scientific and medical ties between the two countries.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said the memorandum would formalise joint efforts on an oncology vaccine, representing a new phase in bilateral healthcare cooperation.

Mr Chernyshenko added that over the past year, Russia had supplied hundreds of pharmaceutical substances to Cuba, supporting the country’s medical production capacity and enhancing ongoing healthcare collaboration.

Joint scientific programmes between Russian and Cuban medical institutions focus on cancer treatment, new therapeutic approaches, and biosimilar medicines targeting specific tumour types.

Early studies using monoclonal antibody-based therapies have shown promising results, with potential applications for melanoma and lymphoma treatment.

Officials said the memorandum is expected to further strengthen cooperation in biotechnology and clinical research, reflecting a global trend of expanding international partnerships in cancer treatment and medical innovation.

 (TV BRICS/NAN)