UNAM Develops New Breast Cancer Vaccine Using Epitope Libraries

Scientists at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) have developed therapeutic vaccines against breast cancer that successfully cured the disease in animal models. The technique, called Variable Epitope Libraries, represents over a decade of research.

The project, led by researcher Karen Manucharyan of the Institute of Biomedical Research and Allan Noé Domínguez Romero of the Faculty of Chemistry, was published in the international journal Molecular Immunology in late 2025. The platform uses a library containing thousands of mutated versions of a tumor antigen, allowing the immune system to recognize multiple cancer cell variants and generate lasting immunological memory.

Why This Matters for Mexico

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among Mexican women, with 9.9 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 and 7,888 recorded deaths that year. A single therapeutic injection was sufficient to cure triple-negative breast cancer in advanced stages during preclinical trials.

Promising Animal Study Results

According to Animal Político, test animals developed immunological memory that prevented disease reactivation even after subsequent reimplants of cancer cells. El Financiero reports that the next phase involves human clinical trials, with researchers seeking funding and international partnerships to scale up the research.

Broader Potential and Cost Advantages

The Variable Epitope Libraries platform could be applied to 220 additional cancer types, according to the research team. The estimated vaccine cost is projected to be significantly lower than current available treatments, which can reach 50,000 pesos per injection under conventional protocols.

This line of research is part of UNAM's translational biomedical research framework, conducted in partnership with international institutions.

Next Steps

The team will present the protocol to the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risk and seek sponsors for human clinical trials. Researchers estimate a five-year timeline to complete the initial regulatory phases.

Frequently Asked Questions

**What institution is developing the therapeutic breast cancer vaccine in Mexico?**

UNAM is developing the therapeutic vaccine through its Institute of Biomedical Research and Faculty of Chemistry, using the Variable Epitope Libraries technique, according to official university information and reporting from El Universal on December 30, 2025.

**What results did UNAM's vaccine achieve in preclinical trials?**

Preclinical trials cured triple-negative breast cancer in animals with a single therapeutic injection, even in advanced stages, according to research published in Molecular Immunology.