Cuban biotechnology products to undergo clinical trials in China

Havana, Aug. 15 (RHC) Clinical trials in China of the Cuban-patented monoclonal antibody Itolizumab, used against autoimmune diseases, are being prepared by the joint venture Biotech Pharmaceuticals Limited (BPL), informed Yanet Borrego, deputy general director and representative of the Cuban vice-presidency of BPL.

She added that these trials will focus on dermatomyositis and graft-versus-host disease, according to a report in Prensa Latina.

The BPL representative pointed out that they are carrying out the technology transfer of the production process of Cimavax, the Cuban vaccine against lung cancer, and it is expected that the joint venture will be ready to start production and clinical trials of this drug in China between 2025 and 2026.

She also explained that the head and neck cancer drug nimotuzumab was recently approved in the Asian giant. It was previously used to treat pancreatic and nasopharyngeal cancer.

Regarding this product, Elizabeth Arias Valdés, general manager of Cimab, S.A., which owns BPL, told Granma that it is the company's leading product, with more than 100 million sold annually, and is considered one of the priority products of Cuban biotechnology.

Borrego said that the company is also working on the development of nine innovative products, also in collaboration with the Cuban side, which are in the research and development phase and should reach the market in about ten years.