Time: Apr 29, 2025, 6:30:00 PM
On April 30, Wednesday, Prof. Girish Kumar and Prof. Sabu Joseph visited BioCubaFarma, Havana, the Cuban institutional apparatus of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries. It plays a significant role in supporting the Cuban public health system by taking efforts toward manufacturing medicines, diagnostics and medical equipment and providing high-quality life science services.
BioCubaFarma is Cuba's national biotechnology and pharmaceutical holding company, established on December 7, 2012. It consolidates the country's efforts in developing, producing, and commercialising high-quality medicines, medical equipment, and biotechnological products. The organization plays a pivotal role in Cuba's healthcare system and has gained international recognition for its scientific and technological advancements. BioCubaFarma serves as a gateway for potential partners and investors interested in accessing the extensive biopharma resources Cuba has to offer.
BioCubaFarma has established technology transfer agreements with countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, India, Venezuela, Algeria, and China, particularly within the framework of South-South cooperation. Additionally, BioCubaFarma has entered into joint ventures with foreign partners in China, Singapore, Thailand, and Spain, as well as two in the Mariel Special Development Zone in Cuba.
In June 2023, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited Cuba with a delegation that included Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and Health Minister Veena George. During their visit, they met with BioCubaFarma President Eduardo Martínez Díaz, as well as officials from the National Centre for Neurosciences (CNEURO) and the Centre for Molecular Immunology (CIM). Then, discussions were held on plans to establish a vaccine production facility in Kerala in collaboration with BioCubaFarma, which is responsible for approximately 50% of all medical-pharmaceutical research activities in Cuba and has developed vaccines such as Soberana and Abdala.
They have developed over 1,000 products, many of which are already available in the market. The National Centre for Scientific Research (NCIC), under BioCubaFarma, has 40 years of experience in research, development, production, and commercialization of nationally essential products. Their well-known products include Ateromixol, Abexol, Palmex, and Oleozon.
Universities in Kerala are seeking collaboration with BioCubaFarma in the following areas:
1. Joint Research & Development: Relevant departments in Kerala’s universities—particularly Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Psychology, Molecular Immunology, and Public Health—aim to collaborate in areas such as maternal and child health, cancer treatment, diabetes care, Alzheimer’s disease, and vaccine development.
2. Product Development & Commercialization: The universities also seek to engage in R&D for nationally relevant products, including patent development, production, and commercialization.