Havana, March 25 (RHC) Cuba is trying to take its diabetic foot ulcer drug known as Heberprot-P into the European Market. The product, based on the human growth factor, is currently being administered in 20 other countries, mostly in Latin America.

According to the marketing director of the Havana-based Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center, Ernesto Lopez, the pre-clinical stage of the product, known in Europe as Epipropt, was carried out with good toxicological results.

In Spain, with an estimate 40 thousand patients needing the Cuban medication, tests have been carried out with no contra-indications. The product has being developed in the Basque Country since 2012 for research studies in other European nations.

According to studies, amputation of lower limbs has been reduced our fold, while the surgical procedure in Europe currently costs over 50,000 Euros, and treatment of the condition costs 20,000 Euros.

It is precisely the amputation of lower limbs, a direct consequence of diabetic foot ulcer, that the Cuban medication prevents with a period of treatment of only six to seven months. Along with the elimination of the ulcers, the treatment has a preventive aspect in countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and Ecuador.