Details on the effectiveness of the product were presented by Dr. Eulogio Pimentel Vázquez, director of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), affiliated with the BioCubaFarma Enterprise Group, where the medication was first produced in the late 1980s.

“The strength of the Cuban health system, and its close ties with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, in our social system that prioritizes the people’s health, makes possible the medication’s availability for all Cubans.”

According to Dr. Pimentel, in accordance with the Minsap treatment protocol, this product, in combination with other drugs, is used as soon as a case is confirmed, and not with patients in serious or critical condition.

Data released April 14 shows that 93.4% of patients testing positive for SARS-COV-2 had been treated with Heberon (the commercial name of Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha 2b). Only 5.5% reached serious condition. The mortality rate reported by Minsap on that date was 2.7%, while for patients with whom the drug was used, the rate was 0.9%. On this same date, on the international level, 15 to 20% of patients were reported in serious condition, while the mortality rate was over 6%.

“The data shows that the protocol in our country is effective, and interferon plays a key role in these results.”

Referring to the medication’s use around the world, the doctor noted that important reports of preclinical and clinical evidence have appeared in several countries. One recent scientific article refers to a study conducted in Wuhan, China, regarding its use with medical personnel. Of the individuals included in the study, 2,944 received the drug and 3,387 did not. Fifty percent of those not treated contracted the disease, while there were no cases identified among those who benefited from Cuban interferon.

At this time, more than 80 countries have expressed interest in acquiring Heberon, reflecting confidence in its usefulness in confronting the pandemic.

(Source: Granma)

According to Adalberto Izquierdo Castro, head of Research and Development at MedSol’s production unit (UEB) Novatec, the drug is in the development stage, with three pilot batches produced and physical-chemical analyses conducted.

Izquierdo told ACN that the next step would be to compare the Cuban product with the lead product. With positive results obtained, it can be registered by the Center for State Control of Drugs, Equipment and Medical Devices. He explained that once the medication is registered and required raw material acquired, Novatec is in a position to begin production, adding, “The tests that are being carried out on the Cuban version of this drug have shown satisfactory results.”

Kaletra, a drug used in treating HIV/AIDS, is an antiretroviral combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir. Producing the medication in Cuba would eliminate the need for imports, and allow for a lower cost of production.

It is currently produced by powerful transnational pharmaceutical companies with advanced technology. Launching production here of a drug with the same specifications requires technological adaptations, but, in the long term, it could be exported.

Along with recombinant human Interferon Alpha 2b, a drug that stimulates antiviral mechanisms; Oseltamivir, a selective inhibitor of the neuraminidase of the flu virus; and Chloroquine (anti-malarial), Kaletra is among medications used in treating COVID-19 patents in Cuba.

(Source: Granma)

However, it was not possible to identify all phrases and words in the audio box that records the cabin crew’s voices.

This process was carried out in laboratories in the United States and three Cuban specialists participated, in addition to a group of aeronautical inspectors from Mexico and the United States, who worked together.

At this time, IACC commissions continue to interpret the phrases recorded in the voice box, a deciphering process that is between 90 and 95% complete, although “with the amount of information obtained, we already know the behavior in cabin,” the official emphasized.

In a second stage of the investigation, the commission will work with the plane´s flight and operational parameters recorded in the black box (speed, height, rotation, power of the engines, among others) to develop a profile and graphic modeling of what occurred from the moment of takeoff to that of the accident.

At the same time, all parts, pieces, and aggregates of the aircraft are stored together in a warehouse where the aircraft’s different systems can be analyzed.

“This allows, in the first place, to determine if any of these components were damaged or affected before the plane hit the ground,” Daniel Lopez said.

Another approach that the Commission will use is to analyze the causes of all plane crashes involving this model of aircraft in other parts of the world, and compare the information with the incident in Havana, to find possible commonalities.

The investigative process is governed by a resolution established by the Minister of Transport. In addition, Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization outlines a total of 66 activities that must be completed step by step to produce an accident summary.

The country’s highest authorities, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the Ministry of Transportation, and other bodies, are closely following the work being carried out, Daniel López added.

“This is an investigation that we cannot hurry, we owe our best professional effort to the families of the victims and our people,” he concluded.

(Granma)

According to officials from the island’s Civil Aviation Institute (IACC), work is underway in the United States to recover information from the plane’s black boxes.

This, along with other evidence, such as the onsite study of the wreckage, will determine what led to the incident, and help to formulate appropriate operational security recommendations, aimed at eliminating risks or deficiencies to prevent future aviation accidents.

Occupational, administrative or criminal liabilities will be established in accordance with existing legislation and the results of the investigation, explained Mercedes Vázquez González, IACC director of Air Transport and International Relations.

She added that Cuba, Mexico and the United States are working together to recover the information from the black boxes, and noted that the process is being undertaken in the U.S., as the plane was designed and manufactured there, and it also has all the necessary conditions for such an investigation.

Meanwhile, investigations on the ground in Cuba are continuing without difficulties. “If other evidence needs to be presented at any time, all parties are willing and able to transfer these to the countries involved,” she added.

(Granma)