Mayda Mauri Pérez, president of the Biocubafarma Business Group, declared that the Cuban biopharmaceutical industry is going through the most complex period in its history, marked by the impact of the United States’ economic, commercial, and financial blockade and the escalation of measures against the national economy.
Mauri Pérez explained to Canal Caribe of Cuban Television that the inability to access raw materials and pharmaceutical supplies prevented the delivery of some 300 of the 395 medications committed to the basic health formulary.
She noted that, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, priority was given to the production of medications for medical emergencies and seriously ill patients, such as serums and supplies for hemodialysis.
The director explained that generic drugs face greater obstacles, as they require the importation of raw materials with budgets exceeding $250 million, resources that must be available on time.
She emphasized that revenue from exports of innovative biotechnology products is allocated to support domestic production, and clarified that “the industry never exports drugs that are in short supply in the country.”
Regarding the internationalization strategy for research, development, and innovation, she reported that projects are underway that will impact the health of millions of people, both in Cuba and abroad.
She considered cooperation with China, and more recently with Vietnam and Russia, to be crucial. Joint ventures have been established in these countries, integrating research, production, and marketing processes, with financial and scientific benefits for both parties.
The implementation of a new cytostatic drug production line will allow for the gradual resumption of treatments for cancer patients, although the energy crisis resulting from US sanctions is affecting the production of other vital medications.
[ SOURCE: AGENCIA CUBANA DE NOTICIAS ]
