PL

Havana, December 30 (RHC)-- Colombia's Ministry of Health and Protection authorized the inclusion in a national Benefit Plan of the Cuban anti-cancer drug CIMAher, an official source reported.

This approval allows doctors to prescribe it, the Caribbean island's Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Industries Business Group (BioCubaFarma) said on Twitter.

The monoclonal antibody nimotuzumab (CIMAher), conceived and produced by the Center for Molecular Immunology (CIM), is registered as a combined treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell cancer in advanced stages.

The innovative product is also indicated for patients with gioblastoma multiforme and astrocytoma, pediatric patients with high-grade glioma, esophageal cancer, advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, and locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Since 2002 it has been registered in Cuba for its use by the regulatory authority. The performance of different clinical trials in other nations endorse its efficacy with a good safety profile after treatment.

The CIM celebrated its 27th anniversary on December 5, and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez described the institution as a jewel of science in the country.

The head of state highlighted the CIM's contribution to developing the Soberanas vaccines against Covid-19.