Innovative Immunotherapy Alliance

Innovative Immunotherapy Alliance S.A. is a historic biotech joint venture between Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (USA) and the Center for Molecular Immunology (CIM, Cuba). Established in 2018 and based in Cuba's Mariel Special Development Zone, the company focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of Cuban-developed cancer immunotherapies for the U.S. market. Its lead product is CIMAvax-EGF, a therapeutic lung cancer vaccine that targets epidermal growth factor to "starve" tumor cells. The alliance also manages a pipeline of other immunotherapies, including VSSP and IL-2 muteins, aimed at various solid tumors. By combining Cuban scientific innovation with Roswell Park's clinical research infrastructure, the company aims to bring novel, cost-effective cancer treatments to patients in the United States. This partnership represents the first commercial biotech collaboration between the two nations since the restoration of diplomatic relations.