China and Cuba Establish R&D Centers for Pharmaceutical Development

The Cuban Minister of Health, José Angel Portal Miranda,‏ held a working meeting with China. According to the Minister’s twitter account, the two nations are making progress in establishing a partnership for joint research and development centers for innovative pharmaceutical R&D.

In March 28-29, China and Cuba held a Joint Working Group on Biotechnology, a conference organized by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and Cuba’s Council of State. It was the tenth such meeting to take place. The Working Group explored further cooperation in industry, biotechnology, science and technology, regulatory affairs, agriculture and health.

As a result of this working group, there was a renewal of a 2004 memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the upcoming five years. The MOU established the basis for “strategic cooperation” in the biotechnology sector.

The renewed MOU between BioCubaFarma and the NDRC are related to patent licensing and the joint development of projects involving cancer treatment, cardiology, autoimmune disease, and diseases of the central nervous system.

Chinese-Cuban relations have already resulted in the establishment of two biomedical joint ventures in China and the opening of a soft capsule plant in Havana with Chinese technology.

BioCubaFarma, the organization that manages and coordinates the biomedical sector for pharmaceutical industry and production of medical equipment has offered 20 R & D projects to China.

China, Cuba’s largest trade partner is the leading joint venture partner in BioCubaFarma’s international efforts and this comes as a result of 15 years of history in biotechnology cooperation between the two countries.