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Extended Use of Cuban Tissue Adhesive Still Doubtful

Orfilio Peláez

After extensive and repeated periods of unavailability, the production and generalized use of Tisuacryl could be coming true.

DOCTOR ARMANDO MOJAIBER THINKS IT WILL BE HARD TO PRODUCE THE 100,000 VIALS PLANNED FOR 2009.

Tisuacryl is an effective tissue adhesive for the immediate and complete sealing of wounds on skin and mucosae. Wounds shouldn’t be too deep or larger than four centimeters, and there should be no sinews damaged. The first step towards the production of Tisuacryl was given by the Ministry of Health last year, when a 50,000 CUC [equivalent to dollar] budget was allocated to the Center of Biomaterials of the University of Havana (BIOMAT).

TISUACRYL REDUCES THE RISK OF INFECTIONS AND FAVOR FASTER, BETTER HEALING.

Mostly used in dentistry, in the specialties of periodontics and maxillofacial surgery, Tisuacryl was registered in 1998 and can be used to replace or support traditional suture. Its proven bacteriostatic and hemostatic properties help significantly reduce the risk of infections and the chances of bleeding. No anesthesia is needed either. The product also speeds up healing and produces better scars, aesthetically speaking; and since it is a biodegradable material, most of the times there is no need of a second visit to the doctor for its removal.

DOCTOR EMMA GIL SAYS TISUACRYL SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED AND ADMINISTER BY A SPECIALIST.

This sort of "glue" for skin and mucosae has deserved recognition, such as the Outstanding Award at the 1997 National Forum of Science and Technology, the 2002 Award of Technological Invention and the 2004 Annual Health Award. However, extending its use has gone through a long, tortuous path, because the BIOMAT—as most of the research centers attached to universities—lacks the necessary infrastructure and the funds for large scale production of the adhesive. Doctor Armando Mojaiber de la Peña, head of the Dentistry Department at the Ministry of Health, said that given the proven quality of the Tisuacryl and its great demand, the ministry took the initiate and gave the center the aforementioned financial support to help it resume production.

In October 2008, the BIOMAT delivered the first 2,000 Tysuacryl vials, which were distributed to emergency rooms at the 16 policlinics of Havana, and hospitals in Havana, Pinar del Río and Matanzas, so that doctors could start training.

According to doctor Mojaiber, the production plan for 2009 is of 100,000 vials, of which 20,000 will be destined to dental services, 49,200 to emergency services at policlinics, and 30,800 to other health services, especially to minimal access surgery.

"In April," he said, "we got a 5,000 vial batch, which was distributed among dental clinics and policlinics, the Dentistry School, and maxillofacial surgery offices in six hospitals in Havana."

Doctor Emma Gil Ojeda, an official at the Dentistry Department at the Ministry of Health, said that given the successful results of research and clinical trials, the use of Tisuacryl will be gradually expanded to the areas where it is really needed.

"It is in great demand by specialists and it rivals other wound sealants in quality, but it should be always prescribed and administer by a medical professional," she said.

Will it be possible to guarantee a stable supply of Tisuacryl?

If the production capacity of the Center of Biomaterials does not increase and its equipment and resources are not improved, it will be very hard to produce the 100,000 vials planned for 2009. There could even be shortages again.

According to the two interviewees, a decision must be made, and it involves either transferring the production to a center with the appropriate technological resources or giving the BIOMAT the necessary material and financial resources.

In addition to its positive results in healthcare, it is also important from an economic standpoint, for a single vial of a similar product in the international market is about US $40.00.

At a time of world crisis and other complex problems, it is urgent finding the way to put into practice and as soon as possible the many scientific innovations that are obtained in Cuba.

There is nothing more rewarding for researchers than seeing their inventions used widely for the benefit of the entire society.

(Cubaminrex- Granma)

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