Cuban biotechnology currently occupies an avant-garde place in the world, its medicines, of proven efficacy,
have helped improve the quality of life of many people.
By María Josefina Arce
In Cuba, biotechnology plays a strategic role in public health, as well as in the socioeconomic development plan outlined by the country. Its remarkable progress has been recognized by scientists from different latitudes and international organizations.
The dedication and effort of our scientists, together with the political will of the government, have made these achievements possible in spite of sixty years of the U.S. blockade, which, as is well known, hinders access to technologies, equipment, supplies and even the exchange of knowledge.
But Cuban biotechnology currently occupies a leading position in the world. Its medicines, of proven efficacy and which have helped to improve the quality of life of many people, are present in several countries.
However, Cuba's contribution in this branch of science to health at the international level could be even greater, if the hostile U.S. policy did not place limitations, put pressure on many and seek to silence its achievements.
That is why the BioHabana 2022 International Congress, convened for next April in the Cuban capital, will be a propitious space for exchanging experiences and for researchers from other nations to become familiar with Cuban drugs.
In view of the presence of COVID 19, it will be of interest to learn about Cuban vaccines against the disease, which are successfully applied to the population, including our children. It is good to remember that no deaths have been reported in this age group after vaccination.
Participants will also be able to learn how therapeutic products have been used in the fight against the disease caused by the new coronavirus. This is the case of Heberferon, whose use, according to clinical studies, achieved virus negativization after four days of treatment in more than 70% of the patients.
Cuban biotechnology products have contributed to the reduction of serious and critical patients and to the reduction of mortality due to COVID 19, which has so far caused more than five million deaths worldwide.
But Cuba has much more to show, such as the therapeutic vaccine against advanced lung cancer CIMAVAX-EGF, which has demonstrated great immunogenicity and safety.
Another achievement in this branch of science is NeuroEpo, a drug for nasal application for people with Alzheimer's disease, whose application has shown an improvement in the rates of cognitive impairment and a tendency to halt the progression of the disease in the mild and moderate stages.
The Cuban biopharmaceutical industry, created and promoted by the historic leader of the revolution Fidel Castro, has actively and successfully participated over the years in facing complex epidemiological situations in the country, and has given life to valuable drugs that benefit our population and citizens from other geographical areas.
