New Anti Cancer Drugs from the Center of Molecular Immunology

Established in 1991, the Center of Molecular Immunology (Centro de Inmunologia Molecular) (CIM) situated in Playa, west of Havana, is a biotechnological institution dedicated to the research and development, production and marketing of the some of the newest cancer and autoimmune disease pharmaceuticals.

CIM works in coordination with CIMAB, S.A. (Biopharmaceutical Products) the institution responsible for the commercialization of these products.

CIM production includes biopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other related diseases associated with the immune system. The medications produced by CIM are available for the market within Cuba and abroad.

In addition, CIM produces more than several kilograms of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and standards.

Once a new drug has received approval, CIMAB’s main mission is to export the new biological medicines for cancer treatments and other autoimmune diseases to overseas markets.

Some of the new biotech anti-cancer drugs from CIM include CIMAher, an intraenous injection – of humanized monoclonal antibody anti-epidermal growth factor (EGRF), a passive immunotherapy against target epithelial tumors, which has an anti-tumor effect used in combination with radiotherapy/chemotherapy. This medicine also prolongs survival rates and increases the quality of life. CIMAher is safe for both for pediatric and adult patients.

CIMAher is also known by the brand names of TheraCIM, BIOMAb EGFR, Theraloc and Laedemab. It has received approval for use in 25 other countries.

CIMAvax- EGF is another well known anti-cancer vaccine, biopharmaceutical which is currently undergoing testing for the U.S. Market at the Roswell Cancer Institute. It is registered in five other countries.

VAXIRA is another new vaccine for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. It is an active immunotherapy for use against tumors and prolongs survival. It is currently registered in two other countries.

Another biopharmaceutical is ior EPOCIM, used to increase hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to minimize complications caused by anemia and transfusions. ior EPOCIM is available in 2,000, 4,000 and 10,000 IU. 2,000 IU has been approved in 25 countries. The 4,000 IU has been approved in 24 countries, and the 10,000 IU has been approved in 13 countries to date.

LeukoCIM Filgrastim is a growth colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for the treatment of neutropenia. Its function is to reduce the incidence, severity, neutropenia duration and febrile neutro in patients who have undergone cytotoxic chemotherapy or mielosupresor treatment followed by bone marrow transplantation.

LeukoCIM Filgrastim is used to reduce complications from neutropenia and also to reduce the length of time of hospitalization of the patient. LeukoCIM Filgrastim is currently registered in 25 other countries.

CIM also has a line of drugs called Laboratory Regents for in vitro usage including:

• ior Hemo-CIM SC Anti A, Anti B, Anti AB and Anti D.
• Anti-IgG human – FITC,
• Immunostaining system (I.I.F.)
• ior anti-CD3, anti-CD4, ior anti-CD8, ior anti-CD45-FITC
• Hemolysis (CH50)
• Coombs Serum