Cuba and Russia plan to establish their first joint venture in the biopharmaceutical sector in 2025, aiming to expand the presence of Cuban products in the Eurasian market and advance technological and scientific cooperation. The initiative comes as the two countries strengthen bilateral relations in strategic areas such as biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry.
The decision was announced following a March 2025 meeting in Moscow, where a Cuban delegation led by BioCubaFarma's First Vice President, Eulogio Pimentel, met with representatives from around 20 Russian companies in the sector. During the meeting, the delegation showcased the achievements and capabilities of the Cuba’s biopharmaceutical industry, which already markets products in Russia, including Heberprot-P (for diabetic foot ulcers) and Hebermin (a tissue regenerator).
Progress in the regulatory approval process for the monoclonal antibody Nimotuzumab, used to treatvarious cancer, was also highlighted. Additionally, clinical development is underway in Russia for other Cuban products, such as the Cimavax lung cancer vaccine and Jusvinza, a treatment for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
The joint venture will involve the transfer of Cuban technologies to Russia and the registration of Russian medicines for use in Cuba’s healthcare system, fostering reciprocal collaboration to improve access to innovative treatments in both countries.
This initiative aligns with Cuba’s broader efforts to strengthen its biopharmaceutical industry through international partnerships. In 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced a €46.7 million loan, facilitated by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), to support Cuba's biopharmaceutical industry and enhance the capacity to combat diseases like COVID-19. The funding aimed to boost production infrastructure for injectable antibiotics, parenteral solutions, generic and biosimilar medicines, diagnostics, and medical equipment used in treating COVID-19 and other infectious diseases [1].
Cuba has also solidified its biotechnology presence through cooperation with Eurasian nations, particularly Russia and Belarus. In 2023, agreements signed in Sochi, Russia, promote the development of medical devices, technology transfer, and scientific exchange. fostering deeper collaboration in these fields [2].
The joint venture with Russia reflects Cuba's strategy to diversify its trade partnerships and strengthen its foothold in global markets, particularly in biotechnology and pharmaceutical.
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References
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. New funding to strengthen Cuba's biopharmaceutical industry [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2025 May 27]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/pharma-news/new-funding-to-strengthen-cuba-s-biopharmaceutical-industry
2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Cuba strengthens biotech industry through Eurasian partnerships [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2025 May 27]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/pharma-news/cuba-strengthens-biotech-industry-through-eurasian-partnerships
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