Jusvinza demonstrates efficacy against chikungunya
- Written by Redacción ¡ahora!
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Jusvinza is a highly effective and safe therapy for the post-acute and chronic stages following Chikungunya virus infection.
This was announced by the medical-scientific team that conducted a series of studies on the Cuban drug, which was developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB).
The research project, named "Fénix," comprised three phases of clinical trials and involved the participation of the CIGB, the Diez de Octubre Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital (a national reference institution and leader in arthritis treatment), and the Clínica 1 de la Lisa, also in Havana.
As reported during the regular meeting between Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez—First Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Republic—and scientists and health experts, Phase 3 of the new study on Jusvinza, which began in mid-March of this year, was conducted with a sample of 300 patients.
Each of them received nine doses of the drug via a subcutaneous regimen over a period of 45 days.
Dr. Julio Baldomero Hernández, Director of Clinical Research at the CIGB, reported at the meeting that trial results showed 80% of patients (240 out of 300) achieved remission or low disease activity after 45 days of treatment—an absolute difference of more than 45% compared to the historical control.
Furthermore, during follow-up at week 12, the proportion of patients who had recovered or exhibited low disease activity reached 86.7%, surpassing the 50% rate reported in previous studies and with conventional therapy.
Key study findings demonstrated that the product "is effective in both early stages and in patients with established chronic disease, significantly outperforming the natural course of the condition and conventional treatment," he stated.
However, the study has only covered the various trial phases, so its widespread use is not yet authorized. The authors now plan to apply to the national regulatory authority—CECMED—for the necessary permits for therapeutic use.
Jusvinza is a Cuban biotechnology product originally designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases; it has demonstrated efficacy in treating various conditions and played a key role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source: Granma)
