Russia has made a vaccine for cancer, and they are starting to test it on people. This news has made some people think that drug companies in the US and Europe are scared. Let’s see why.
Table of Contents
What is a Vaccine?
A vaccine is a special medicine that stops you from getting a disease. It doesn’t just treat the disease—it stops it from happening.
Cancer Drugs Are Big Business
Cancer drugs make a lot of money. In 2022, the world spent $203 billion on them. By 2028, this could grow to $400 billion. US and European companies control 60-65% of this market. US companies alone have 45-50%. Big names like Moderna, Merck, BioNTech, Roche, and Pfizer are the leaders.
For example, Merck’s drug Keytruda made $25 billion in 2023. That’s about 40% of all the money Merck earned that year.
Why Are People Talking About Russia’s Vaccine?
Russia says they will give this vaccine to the world for free at first. Some people on social media think this scares US and European companies. They say poor countries might choose Russia’s free vaccine instead of expensive Western drugs. This could mean less money for those companies.
Two Sides to the Story
Side 1: Western Companies Might Be Scared
- Patents: Companies have special rights (called patents) to sell their drugs. If a vaccine cures cancer forever, people won’t need those drugs anymore. This could hurt their business.
- Expensive Treatments: Cancer treatment costs a lot and takes time—like chemotherapy and radiation. One dose of Keytruda costs $10,000 (around 8.5 to 9 lakh rupees in India). A one-time vaccine could stop people from needing these costly treatments.
Side 2: Companies Want a Cure
- Research: Drug companies spend billions to find new treatments. In 2023, they spent over $250 billion on research, mostly on cancer. They want to find a cure to be the best in the market.
- New Drugs: Between 2020 and 2023, the US approved over 50 new cancer drugs. This shows companies are not hiding treatments—they’re making new ones.
Is Cancer Treatment Too Expensive?
Yes, it’s very costly. Treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy take a long time and a lot of money. If Russia’s vaccine works with one shot, it could make these treatments less needed.
Are Companies Hiding Cheap Treatments?
Some people say drug companies hide cheaper options to keep selling expensive drugs. But there’s no strong proof. The new drugs approved in the US show they’re working on better treatments.
What Should We Do?
We should wait for Russia to show the test results of their vaccine. Right now, there’s no proof that US and European companies are trying to stop cancer cures.
Summary
Russia is testing a cancer vaccine and might give it away for free. Some think this worries US and European drug companies because it could cut their profits. But these companies are also spending a lot to find cures. We need more information before deciding what’s true.
