Molecular Immunology Center increasing products
Last Updated on Thursday, 17 January 2013 13:20 Thursday, 17 January 2013 13:10
MORE than 14,000 patients in Cuba are benefiting from bio-pharmaceuticals produced at the Molecular Immunology Center (CIM), which in 2012 increased products for the treatment of cancer and other non-transmissible chronic illnesses.
These products are currently being exported to close to 30 countries, particularly China and Brazil.
An annual growth of more than 40% in CIM sales on the foreign market has provided increased income and reduced costs per peso in hard currency.
The center, part of the recently created Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Group, has considerably increased its manufacture of Recombinant Erythropoietin (for anemia) and monoclonal antibodies for advanced stages of cancer, Agustín Lage, CIM director, noted.
Center scientists have obtained fresh clinical evidence in relation to Nimotuzumab, in the treatment of brain tumors, and its long-term use. The drug is currently approved for neck and head pathologies. The CIM has achieved positive results in regulatory inspections undertaken by Japan, Germany and Turkey during the period and secured 13 registered patents abroad.
The director also highlighted the positive outcome reported from its joint venture in China, in both production and sales.
However, he emphasized the ongoing need to advance in diversification and the placement of pharmaceuticals on the international market, as exports are still concentrated in a few nations. (AIN)