Academic Award for a Cuba-India Joint Discovery in Biomed Sciences
INDIA, July 19, 2011.- The award of the Cuban Academy of Sciences to the best results of the scientific-technical research has been granted to a joint discovery between the Centre of Molecular Immunology (CIM) in Havana and the Indian company Biocon Limited in Bangalore. Instituted to recognize the excellence in scientific research, the biomedical sciences section conferred its prize this year to the project entitled “Anti-CD6 immunotherapy controls inflammation associated to autoimmune diseases”.
After a long decade of partnership between CIM and Biocon both institutions have succeeded in manufacturing biological therapeutic molecules, such as monoclonal antibodies, under stringent regulatory standards and marketing them in India and other countries. This association continues focusing on emergent chronic non-communicable diseases, although extended to a strategic program oriented to the discovery of molecules against cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as Psoriasis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Most of these diseases represent unmet medical needs, lacking effective treatments. Their increasing incidence represents a global health challenge, now also including the developing countries.
CIM-Biocon scientific and technical complementarities helped the discovery of the role of a molecule on immune system cells, called CD6, in triggering inflammation and ulterior tissue destruction.
The investigation, which started from fundamental research, including experimental animal studies and reached clinical trials both in Cuba and India, led to the identification of a novel approach to control inflammation, which could be relevant while tackling the pathological process underpinning several autoimmune diseases.
The award represents a major recognition to CIM-Biocon integrative effort, bringing together high-quality science and technology in the most advances areas of biotechnology, aiming for innovative and affordable medicines. In a wider scope, the joint research pioneers a potential growing opportunity for science discoveries under South-South collaboration programs, based on accumulated scientific development, both in human resource and advanced research institutions of these nations.
Coincidently, this prize is granted the year the Cuban Academy of Sciences celebrates its 150 anniversary. Founded on May 19, 1861, it is the oldest active national academy of sciences established in the world outside Europe. It is an official institution of the Cuban State, with an independent and consultative status in matters of science, with the main aim of fostering and disseminating scientific progress and strengthening links between scientists and society.
(Cubaminrex-Embacuba India)
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