StemLife was invited to attend a special Cancer Immunotherapy Workshop at the new wing of NCI Cancer Hospital (Nilai Cancer Institute- Cancer Hospital= NCICH) organized by a local company specializing in bringing viable health and scientific related products to markets in South East Asia and Islamic countries.
In this particular event, the company brought in speakers from 3 Cuban research institutions with the aim of introducing and showcasing Cuba’s R&D strengths and new products to Malaysia. Attendees included a motley crowd of scientists, physicians, academics and students.
The 2 product lines from Cuba include Cancer vaccines known as EGF, TGF and Her-1, which are claimed to target 60% of all cancers. The animal and human trials have already been conducted in Cuba but they will launch Phase II trials in Malaysia, China, India and the US (via US licensees) in 2006 for regulatory approval. The other product line is a nutritional supplement of proteins for faster fish growth and enhanced immune capabilities against environmental insults. A field trial is currently being conducted in Mersing.
The main issues raised by the Cuban General Director for the Centre of Molecular Immunology, Dr. Agustin Lage (pronounced La-hey) was whether biotechnology from developing countries would ever be able to rival or match biotechnology countries in the US and Europe which have between them more than 85% of the top biotechnology companies in the world.
He also brought up the topic of regulation by governing bodies of new and foreign drugs, where the concept originated as appropriate scrutiny for the safety and gradually was used or construed in a manner which became a manner of economic protection. Citing the example of the rotavirus vaccine, due to 20 deaths that happened in infants, the vaccine was withdrawn from public use. In developing countries where rotavirus causes the most damage, the withdrawal of the vaccine inadvertantly caused some 500,000 infant deaths. He expressed the hope that the ethics of the west would not prevail as the ethic for developing countries without considering the local impact and consequences.
A question was raised by a member of the audience regarding Cuban's high retention policy of scientists and doctors, in contrast with Malaysia's problem of "brain drain" to neighbouring countries offering double the amount in renumeration. Dr. Lage replied saying that in Cuba, doctors and scientists were inspired to stay on by forming a well developed unit and their own objectives. Though the Institutes were state-owned, the policies, staffing and direction of research was very much in the control of the individual groups who aim to create the maximum amount of impact of society through their work.
Malaysian scientists could be rewarded with equal treatment and meritocracy, respect, access to research grants and a real collaborative as opposed to competitive atmosphere; there should be no problem in nuturing the biotechnology sector and preparing graduates for a worthwhile, noble yet promising career.
Apart from the production of cigars, sugar and shellfish, Cuba appears to be ready to export some expertise and biotechnology products to Malaysia. I asked Dr. Lage about stem cells in Cuba, but he didn't think that there was any development in that area in Cuba, which isn't really surprising if the focus is on manufacturing products for export.
Anyway Dr. Lage, I found some information on the use of stem cells in limb ischaemia and heart disease in Cuba. So, it is happening albeit on a small scale at local medical institutes.
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