Cuban scientists are trying to overcome the difficulties of a poor country, under siege and under the effect of an adverse international scenario, in spite of which they have in their portfolio, among other novelties, three new human vaccines.
By Roberto Morejón
Cuban scientists are trying to overcome the difficulties of a poor country, under siege and under the effect of an adverse international scenario, in spite of which they have in their portfolio, among other novelties, three new human vaccines.
In the midst of the reinforced U.S. blockade, the aftermath of the expenses to face Covid-19 and without international credits, the largest of the Antilles encourages with the available resources the work of the men and women of science.
Work in that field provided an initial structure to the biopharmaceutical industry, capable of contributing three effective vaccines in the midst of the recent pandemic.
At present, several centers are conducting accelerated research into three new prototypes of these biologics.
They are the Pneumococcus, aimed against pneumonia, Dengue and Human Papilloma Virus, the latter awaiting this year a formulation intended for simulations in animals and later to go on to clinical studies in humans.
The anti-pneumococcus antigen, Quimio-Vio, is about to apply for sanitary registration, since in the tests it showed safety against the bacterium of that name, which causes most pneumonias.
The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine are analyzing a vaccine against dengue, considered very complex because it must overcome several serotypes.
The wisdom of the experts is also put to the test in laboratories and other agencies in the search for advanced technologies for food production, which constitutes a hope in a country with a deficit in domestic contributions in that direction.
In addition, the most experienced in the field are testing to identify diseases in plants and animals.
All of the above highlights the talent, dedication and professionalism of Cuban scientists, who, among other contributions, created the Pentavalent immunogen against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, and invasive diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae Type B.
However, the Cuban government hopes that the time between the delivery of scientific results and their conversion into products and technologies will be shortened.
This is a pressing need of the country, in the midst of material shortages that force experts to resort to innovation, both to advance in their projects and to reduce costs and increase productivity.
