US-India to strengthen biomedical research cooperation, focus on cancer

New Delhi (India), August 7 (ANI): The first-ever US-India Cancer Dialogue, titled ‘Moonshot Dialogue’, was held in New Delhi to address cancer issues, strengthen US-India biomedical research collaboration and co-develop solutions to improve the health and well-being of the global community, the US Embassy and Consulates in India said in a press release.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi facilitated the Moonshot Dialogue, which took place on August 5 and 6 at the National Institute of Immunology in the nation’s capital.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and Nobel Prize winner Dr Jim Allison delivered a public scientific lecture titled “Beyond Checkpoints.”

The dialogue was attended by the US delegation, senior officials of the Government of India, representatives of the US and Indian private sectors, non-governmental organizations and patient advocacy groups working in the fields related to cancer, faculty members from various institutions of the Government of India, and young scientists, including PhDs and post-doctoral students from government universities.

US envoy Garcetti, speaking, said, “This exchange embodies the strength of the bond between our two great nations, built on shared values, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a healthier future; it is a tangible way to demonstrate how the United States and India are advancing their partnership for health.” Additionally, participants in the dialogue included senior officials from various US government agencies, including the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), Department of Energy (DoE), Veterans Affairs (VA), and many others.

Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, said the department of biotechnology is committed to accelerating the discovery of innovative solutions in cancer treatment through a multidisciplinary approach.

“The India-US Cancer Moonshot dialogue, which included two days of scientific discussions, is a testament to our commitment to revolutionising cancer treatment, harnessing biotechnological advances for a cancer-free tomorrow,” Gokhale said.

Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Government of India, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research said, “The two-day scientific deliberations were very fruitful and will foster collaboration among people, organisations and public and private entities to identify potential areas of common interest for both countries in cancer research and treatment.” It is worth noting that non-communicable diseases, including cancer, account for about 63 per cent of all deaths in India.

In India, cancer cases are expected to increase by almost 13 per cent in 2025 compared to 2020.

In June 2023, U.S. President Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the strong U.S.-India health partnership by announcing new commitments to accelerate the fight against cancer. These included convening the U.S.-India Cancer Dialogue to promote cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

The US-India Cancer Moonshot dialogue aims to accelerate collaboration and cooperation on AI-enabled innovations in cancer treatment, new therapies (vaccines, immunotherapies and other biologics) including cost-effective, equitable cancer therapy and implementation science, cancer genomics and precision medicine, and cancer clinical trials. (ANI)