US, Cuba agree to develop lung cancer vaccine

Havana: The US and Cuban cancer research centres have agreed to develop lung cancer vaccine under deals signed here during a two-day visit by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and a delegation of 18 business leaders and academics, media reported on Wednesday.

The Center of Molecular Immunology of Cuba and the US Roswell Park Cancer Institute of Buffalo signed an agreement to develop the cancer vaccine with clinical trial in the US, said Candace Johnson, Roswell chief executive officer, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We are very excited for being able to take the vaccine to America and try on patients. This would not have been possible without this trade mission," Johnson said.

Cuomo is the first US governor to visit Cuba since the December announcement by US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro that they would work to restore diplomatic relations and normalise trade and travel ties after more than a half century of hostility and confrontation.