The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (, CIGB) is a research institute in
Havana
Havana (; ) is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of La Habana Province, Havana is the country's main port and commercial center.[Cuba
Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is an island country, comprising the island of Cuba (largest island), Isla de la Juventud, and List of islands of Cuba, 4,195 islands, islets and cays surrounding the main island. It is located where the ...](_bl ...<br></span></div>, <div class=)
.
Founding
In 1982, the
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) (French: Organisation des Nations unies pour le développement industriel; French/Spanish acronym: ONUDI) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that assists countries in e ...
(UNIDO) offered grant funding via a competitive application process to facilitate biotechnology development in the Third World.
Cuba sought, but did not receive funding, which instead was awarded to a joint project proposed by India and Italy.
Cuba nonetheless proceeded with the development of a biotechnology research institution using its own funds, CIGB.
Activity
In 2006, CIGB developed the
Heberprot-P
Nepidermin (INN proposed), also known as recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF), is a recombinant form of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and a cicatrizant (a drug that promotes wound healing through formation of scar tissue). ...
, which is used to treat foot ulcers.
Its use results in rapid wound healing and a 75% decrease in amputations among diabetics with foot ulcers.
As of 2017, CIGB had 1,600 employees and sold 21 products internationally.
As of 2020, CIGB had two joint ventures with China.
It is responsible for creating the
Abdala vaccine.
The Centre developed the
COVID-19 vaccine
A COVID19 vaccine is a vaccine intended to provide acquired immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID19).
Knowledge about the structure and fun ...
Mambisa, which is in the final stages of clinical trials.
See also
*
BioCubaFarma
*
Center of Molecular Immunology
References
External links
*
Medical research institutes in Cuba
Research institutes established in 1985
COVID-19 vaccine producers
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