China today approved the registration of the Cuban monoclonal antibody Nimotuzumab for the treatment of head and neck cancer, a new milestone in the biotechnological cooperation between both countries.
The National Drug Administration expanded the use of this drug, which was already being used here to treat pancreatic and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, based on research by the Sino-Cuban joint venture Biotech Pharma (BPL). Also related to the issue of bilateral cooperation in biotechnology, the southern province of Hunan today awarded the Friendship Medal to Cuban specialist Yasser Perera, scientific director of the Cuba-China Joint Biotechnology Innovation Center in Yongzhou.
The director of BioCubaFarma's Representative Office in China, Zulaine Guerra, said that both news "fill with joy and pride" that collective and also "entail a greater responsibility to continue promoting committed Cuban science."
In an interview with Prensa Latina, the director of BPL, Bai Xianhong, stressed that Nimotuzumab was the first humanized monoclonal antibody in China since 2008, with very positive results in confronting nasopharyngeal cancer.
Subsequently, clinical studies in 23 centers throughout the country validated the drug's efficacy in treating pancreatic cancer, and the Chinese National Drug Administration approved its use against the disease.
Currently, antibodies constitute an important part of the pharmaceutical candidates developed in China, and many of them are available in the international market.
In statements to Prensa Latina, Yanet Borrego, deputy general director and representative of the Cuban vice-presidency of BPL, explained that the incidence of cancer in China is among the highest in the world, which leads to the research and development of new treatment methodologies.
In the context of China's expansion in the biotechnological field, collaboration with Cuba resulted in notable advances in medicines, vaccines and other relevant products in the sector.
In a recent visit here, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero highlighted the great bilateral development in biotechnology with joint ventures showing concrete research, which has benefited both peoples over the last 20 years.