Data show that protocol in our country is effective, and interferon plays a role in the results
Author: Orfilio Peláez | orfilio@granma.cu
April, 29th 2020
The recombinant interferon Alpha 2B (IFNrec), a leading biotechnology product in Cuba, is one of the medicines used by China in treatments for patients of the pandemic of the new coronavirus.
Since the first cases of covid-19 in Cuba, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has attested that the inclusion of Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha 2b in treatment protocols shows positive results.
Details of the effectiveness of the product, obtained at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in the second half of the 80s of the last century, are offered by Dr. Eulogio Pimentel Vázquez, general director of that institution, belonging to the BioCubaFarma Business Group.
"The strength of the Cuban health system, and its close connection with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, in our social system, whose priority is the health of the people, makes it possible for all Cubans who need it."
According to the doctor, according to the protocol of action established by MINSAP, this product, in combination with other drugs, is used in the specific case of confirmed patients, and not in those who are of serious or critical condition.
Data revealed by MINSAP, at the close of 14 April, show that 93.4% of patients carrying sars-cov-2 had been treated with Heberon (trade name of Interferon Alpha 2b Recombinant Human). Only 5.5% reached the state of gravity. The fatality rate reported by MINSAP at that time was 2.7%, while for patients, where this medicine was used, it was 0.9%. For that very 14 April globally between 15 and 20% of covid-19 patients reached severe status, while the fatality rate was more than 6%.
"The data show that the protocol in our country is effective, and interferon plays a role in the results ».
On its use in the world, the doctor said that important reports of preclinical and clinical evidence have appeared in different countries. One of the most recent scientific papers refers to a study conducted in Wuhan, China, concerning its use in medical personnel. Of the individuals included in the research, 2,944 received the drug and 3,387 did not. 50% of the untreated contracted the disease, while there were none among those benefiting from the drug.
Currently more than 80 countries have been interested in acquiring the Heberón, reflecting confidence in the success of therapy for the pandemic confrontation.