Medico’s Mouse‑Only “Cure” Sparks Hype and Scrutiny Over Pancreatic Cancer Trial
Spanish biochemist Mariano Barbacid announced a “cure” for pancreatic cancer based on a triple‑drug therapy that regression‑tested 45 mice; the work, published in PNAS after Nature declined to publish, has not been tested in humans or metastases. The flashy public rollout and patent push by Barbacid’s Vega Oncotargets drew patient inquiries and criticism from CNIO colleagues for overclaiming and conflicts of interest. Independent experts urge cautious optimism, noting the (promising but early) preclinical results and emphasizing that mouse outcomes rarely translate to human cures, with human trials years away and more work needed on safety and efficacy.