The Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) today highlighted the sixth anniversary of the emergency use authorisation granted in 2020 by Cuba’s Regulatory Authority for Medicines, Equipment and Medical Devices (Cecmed) to the drug Jusvinza, intended for the treatment of severe and critical COVID‑19 patients.

The institution noted on its Facebook social media profile that the drug had an impact on reducing mortality during the pandemic and currently holds a health registration for its use in hospital practice for cases of rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to being included in the basic list of medicines.

Jusvinza, characterised as an immunomodulatory peptide, is administered intravenously and presented in lyophilised vials of 1.25 and 2.5 milligrammes.

Its production is carried out by the CIGB and its formulation by the National Centre for Biopreparations (BioCen).

The drug is stored between two and eight degrees Celsius, without freezing, and has a shelf life of 24 months.

Scientific research continues into other conditions, including arthritis secondary to Chikungunya virus infection, acute respiratory distress syndrome and community-acquired pneumonia, according to the CIGB.

The entity stressed that Jusvinza constitutes an immunomodulator for hospital use, designed to control hyperinflammation in critical patients, with a favourable safety profile and strict administration conditions.