yearbook 2013
Transcription
yearbook 2013
ENGLISH CENTER FOR GENETIC ENGINEERING YEARBOOK AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2013 GENERAL DIRECTOR’S WORDS DIRECTIONS MISSION PUBLICATIONS CENTRO DE INGENIERÍA GENÉTICA Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 SUMMARY DIRECTIONS DIRECTION OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH 06 INTRODUCTION 03 MISSION 05 PUBLICATIONS 105 DIRECTION OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT 44 DIRECTION OF PRODUCTION 47 BIOTHERIUM 52 DIRECTION OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 55 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATICS AND COMMUNICATIONS 63 DIRECTION OF QUALITY CONTROL 67 DIRECTION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE 71 DIRECTION OF HUMAN RESOURCES 74 HEBER BIOTEC S.A. 77 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIRECTION 82 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GROUP 84 DIRECTION OF CLINICAL RESEARCH 88 DIRECTION OF SAFETY AND PROTECTION 94 DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY ISSUES AND CLINICAL TRIALS 95 CIGB IN Camagüey 99 CIGB IN Sancti Spíritus 102 Project coordinator: Raúl Alejandro Valdés Pavón Editing and correction: Marta Elizabet Ferrer Cutié, Ernesto Galbán Rodríguez Compiled by: Berna Eva Molinet, Nayade Beltrán Matos Design: Raúl Rojas Pérez Photos: Raúl Rojas Pérez, Jesús Seoane Herrera © Consejo de Dirección CIGB, 2014 © Elfos Scientiae, 2014 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 General Director’s words Dear Readers: The scientific development in Cuba today is the realization of the will, the efforts and the dedication of all our people to make reality the fact of turning Cuban Science into a major productive force. Cuban biotechnology as an expression of this effort consists of the existence of dozens of research-production centers, based on the principle of integration and closed cycle. The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Havana (CIGB) is the leading scientific institution of Cuban biotechnology, with over 1 300 workers, aimed at the obtainment of recombinant proteins and other novel products, its technological development, production and commercialization. The positive impact on health, agriculture and the environment is the key issue of our work. Among our most traditional products already made and marketed, are: recombinant vaccine against Hepatitis B (Heberbiovac-HB®), recombinant interferon (alpha and gamma Heberon®), recombinant streptokinase (Heberkinase®), Transfer Factor (Hebertrans), vaccine against cattle tick (Gavac®) and others. Innovative products have also been developed, such as QuimiHib® vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b obtained through chemical synthesis, combined tetravalent (Trivac HB®) and pentavalent (Heberpenta®) vaccines, a bio-product against nematodes (HeberNem®), and a nonhormonall growth enhancer (Aquabio 1) for raising shrimp and fish. All these products used in Cuba and sold to over 40 countries. In 2006 we also succeeded in obtaining a new drug for human use unique in the world, named Heberprot-P®, and its sanitary registration in Cuba (2006), Algeria (2008) and Argentina (2009). It was approved in Venezuela as a medical service in 2008, and used in the healing of deep and complex ulcers resistant to all types of conventional treatment in people with the so-called diabetic foot. Its administration in severely affected patients allowed reducing the risk of amputation by 80 percent. Over 2000 patients were treated in 2009 with very positive results, as part of agreements between Cuba and Venezuela. GENERAL DIRECTOR Dr. Luis Herrera Martínez Phone: (537) 273 1410 Fax: (537) 273 6008 [email protected] Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 General Director’s words The development of transgenic maize resistant to fall armyworm and to glufosinate ammonium has been our main project in the introduction of genetically-modified plants. It has demonstrated the high efficacy and safety of this maize. We work to achieve regulatory approvals in order to be able to reach a commercializing level in 2009. A staff of excellence supports the findings and reliability of CIGB, guaranteed by its scientific-technical and productive training which is based on the Good Manufacturing Practices and the existing regulations defining the obtainment of high quality and safety products. A summary of the characteristics of the main areas of our institution, the main lines of research, development, and products that now characterize the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology are present in this yearbook Thank you very much. SUMMARY Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 MISSION T he Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology has an integrative role in the Cuban Biotechnology field, with high technical and scientific capabilities. It assumes the responsibility of directly contributing to the socio-economic development of our country. Through research it generates knowledge for the development of new products, services and marketing, based on a quality system that ensures the satisfaction of our customers, taking into account the environmental dimension. Its impact is appointed to human health, agricultural and aquaculture productions, industry and the environment. SUMMARY Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research T he Direction of Biomedical Research (IBM) at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) works in more than 20 projects aimed at the obtainment and development of biomedical products for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, cancer, inflammation, autoimmunity, healing and cytoprotection. It comprises the departments of Vaccines, Pharmaceuticals, Immunodiagnostics and Genomics, Chemical Physics, and Control of Scientific-Technical Activity and Administrative It counts with 200 workers: 24 % of the researchers obtained the PhD’s degree in Sciences and 20 % of the staff got the Master’s degree in Sciences. DIRECTOR Dr. Gerardo Guillén Nieto [email protected] Phone: (537) 271 6022, ext. 7204 Main Executives Assistant Manager Head of the Department of Immunodiagnostics and genomics Dr. Lidia Inés Novoa [email protected] Phone (537) 208 4035 (Center of Biological Research) Department of Vaccines Head of the Department Dr. Santiago Dueñas-Carrera [email protected] Phone: (537) 271 6022, ext. 7265 6 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research The Department of Vaccines is in charge of the obtainment of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine formulations against bacterial and viral diseases by techniques of genetic engineering. In addition, it develops combined vaccines. Ongoing Biomedical Projects: • Therapeutic vaccine against hepatitis B • Therapeutic vaccine against hepatitis C • Recombinant vaccine against dengue virus • Anti-HIV therapy • Accelular Vaccine against Pertussis Therapeutic Vaccine against hepatitis B Leader of the project Dr. Julio César Aguilar [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4541 This Project is in charge of the development of the therapeutic vaccine Nasvac®, against chronic Hep B virus (HBV) and works in two immunization strategies with these therapeutic vaccine candidates by nasal and subcutaneous routes. The breakdown of tolerance in a transgenic mouse model had been previously demonstrated constitutively expressing HBsAg. In 2009, based on histopathological studies in tg mice immunized with the formulation Nasterap, it was found that the breakdown of tolerance in the compartments of humoral and T CD8 + response against HBsAg is not associated with histopathological damage. This result, along with others under development in the project since 1998, enabled the transition to the evaluation of the therapeutic vaccine candidate against a backdrop of chronically ill patients with HBV in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Liver Foundation of Bangladesh and along with Japanese collaborators, responsible for the immunological evaluation of the product. Clinical Trial (CT) in chronic hepatitis B patients allowed evidencing the safety of the candidate vaccine when administered via IN and in a first cycle of five immunizations and a second cycle of five additional immunizations when administered IN and SC routes. Additionally an immune response cytokines in serum of patients vaccinated in the supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with the antigens of the formulation (HBsAg and HBcAg) was detected. Associated to the immune response, a reduction of viral DNA load non-detectable in 50 % of treated patients could be steadily seen. Thus, the objectives of the CT phase I-II were completed. Phase III study in its follow up concluded in 2013. The current analysis and final report should be concluded during the first trimester. Results from a Phase III clinical trial have evidenced the same as those preliminary described from a Phase I/II clinical trial. This study has been audited by the national regulatory center and European experts; stating the satisfactory work in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices. Greater sustained results of the immune response related to viral DNA load and the HBsAg seroconversion are evidenced in the group immunized by the vaccine Nasvac® compared to the group treated with Peg-interferon. Vaccine against hepatitis C Leader of the project Dr. Santiago Dueñas-Carrera [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250-4550 According to recent statistics from the World Health Organization(WHO), at least 185 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). This is chronic in more than 80 % of affected individuals that often causes cirrhosis and cancer of liver. There is currently no prophylactic vaccine available against this pathogen, and only a few candidate vaccines have reached the clinical phase. The antiviral treatments in use (of interferon plus ribavirin with the recent incorporation of Telaprevir or Boceprevir as third element) are aggressive, expensive and generally not effective in less than 100 % of cases. At the CIGB, the structural region of genotype 1b of the main circulating HCV in Cuba was cloned and is the basis for vaccine candidates under development. The most advanced vaccine approach of the Project is a DNA vaccine formulation based on a mixture of a plasmid containing genes of the three structural antigens of the virus with HCV core protein as molecular adjuvant. This DNA vaccine candidate, called CIGB-250, induces specific humoral and cellular responses, strong and sustained in different animal models, with remarkable protection in mice against challenge with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the core gene, E1 and E2, as evidence of immune functional response. The preclinical phase with this vaccine formulation was successfully completed, demonstrating its low toxicity in rodents and stability of its components. Currently, based on preliminary evidence of immunogenicity and low reactogenicity observed in individuals immunized with CIGB 250, a Phase I and II clinical study with a 7 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research preventive scenario is also in course in which this candidate vaccine was administered to individuals with chronic renal failure at risk of acquiring HCV. The objective of the study is to evaluate safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate in these patients by three levels of dose, as well as the ability to avoid HCV after patients require haemodialysis. The stage with the treatment concluded satisfactorily and the conclusion of this study is foreseen for the second trimester in 2014. Another vaccine candidate based on the mixture of HCV structural antigens: core, E1, E2 and NS3, mixed in a specific proportion formulated in Aluminum oxide (MixprotHC), has demonstrated its efficacy in animal models. It is based on inducing humoral and cellular response against VHC including epitopes stored in viral isolations and taking into account the immunogenic hierarchy between viral proteins. Immunized mice developed cross- neutralizing responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation as well as IFN-γ secretor against Core, E1, E2 and NS3. In addition, vaccinated mice with MixprotHC showed a marked reduction of viral titer after they had been elicited with recombinant vaccinia virus for the structural region of the HCV compared to animals with the wild virus (WR) and the immunized group with Aluminum oxide (Figure 1). Figure 1 Log viral title in ovaries 8 6 p= 0.0028 ** 4 2 0 Alum (WR) Alum (vvRE) Mixprot (WR) Mixprot (vvRE) Groups Control of the vaccinia virus of hepatitis C (VHC) in BALB/c mice after the challenge with the viaccinia virus recombinant (vvRE), or wild vaccinia virus (WR). Four groups of (n = 5) Balb/c mice were immunized by intramuscular route, with MixprotHC (mixture of HCV structural antigens: core, E1, E2 and NS3, mixed in a specific proportion formulated in Aluminum oxide) or Alum at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 the challenge was administered by intraperitoneal route at week 14 with 106 units forming (uff) of vvRE or WR. The ovaries were collected five days after the challenge. The figure shows a 10- log fold average viral title ** High significant differences comparing the other three groups and mice challenged with WR; ** p < 0.01, Kruskal-Wallis Dunn's multiple comparison tests. 8 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research The immunogenicity of MixprotHC was also evaluated in green African monkeys and its capacity to induce cross-neutralizing antibodies was evaluated by means of the Neutralization assays VHCcc (Figure 2). At the same time, T-cell proliferative and IFN-γ secretion response against core, E1, E2 and NS3 in monkeys after five immunizations with MixprotHC was detected. Figure 2 % of infectivity 150 100 50 0 MixprotHC Groups Alum Ab- The neutralizing activity of purified IgG antibodies in green African monkeys vaccinated with serum MixprotHC( mixture of HCV structural antigens: core, E1, E2 and NS3, mixed in a specific proportion formulated in Aluminum oxide,). The IgG antibodies were purified separately and evaluated by means of the Neutralization assays VHCcc (chimeric HCV genotype 1a-2a). Samples without antibodies were used as negative controls (Ab-). The results were considered positive when infectivity was minor or equal to 50 % (discontinuous line). These were expressed in percentage of Focus-forming units (FFU) by the VHCcc (FFU in the presence of antibodies/FFU in the absence of antibodies x 100). After showing the efficacy of MixprotHC in animal models, the development of this vaccine candidate will be achieved with clinical trials in 2014. VACCINE AGAINST DENGUE VIRUS Leader of the project Dr. Gerardo Guillén [email protected] phone: (537) 271 6022, ext. 7204 Every year, 50 to 100 million people in the world suffer from dengue fever, and 250-500 thousand from dengue hemorrhagic fever. Cuba has reported five epidemics, and there is constant risk of development of new events while the vector has not been fully eliminated. Currently, there is 9 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research no antiviral drug or preventive vaccine against this disease. The objective of this project is to obtain a preventive vaccine against all four dengue virus serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 DEN-4), the causative agent of the disease. The recombinant vaccine project runs jointly by the Tropical Medicine Institute Pedro Kourí and the CIGB. Two vaccine strategies are undertaken in the Project: the obtainment of a vaccine exclusively based on recombinant proteins and the prime-boost strategy combining recombinant proteins and live attenuated viruses. Recombinant fusion proteins P64k-DomIII (Neisseria meningitidis protein fused to domain III of envelope protein of the virus DEN-1 to DEN-4) and those based on the dengue virus capsid-2 are among the most advanced. These constructions have been obtained in Escherichia coli with high level of purity (Marcos E et al., Arch Virol. 2013;158:225-30). Besides, They have been evaluated in mice, with evidence of functional response against infectious virus, (Figure 3) (Valdés I et al., Virology. 2009;394:24958; Izquierdo A et al., Antivir Res. 2012;95(1):1-8).Additionally, after having established the animal in non primates (macacus, green monkey) models for dengue infection of the virus DEN, (Martín J et al., Microbiol Inmunol. 2009;53:216-23; Valdés I et al., Int J Infect Dis. 2013) protection and prime-boost effect in combination with infectious virus was evidenced. infectivo (Valdés I et al., Int J Infect Dis. 2010;14:e377–e383; Valdés I et al., Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2011;18(3):455-9). In the preclinical phase of evaluation, the monovalent vaccine candidate based on virus capsid D2, administered to monkeys, provided protection against the viral infection. The tetravalent formulation gave protection against the four viruses in mice. Its evaluation in monkeys is planned for 2014. Figure 3 Percentage of survival 100 DENV-2 75 Aggregate DIIIC-2 50 * * 25 0 * * * * * * * DIIIC-2 Placebo 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 Days after the viral challenge It represents the survival curves of immunized mice with the recombinant protein DIIIC based on capsids of the s (DENV), and challenged intracranially with a lethal host of combining DENV-2 with DIIIC. 10 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research Vaccine against the human immunodeficiency virus and AIDS Leader of the project Dr. Enrique Iglesias [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4541 Since it was identified in 1981, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has killed more than 25 million people. It is one of the most devastating epidemics in human history. The organization responsible for coordinating efforts in the struggle against AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that worldwide prevalence in recent years has been increased, but there is a speed in the steady increase of infected people. By the end of 2012, 32.238.8 million people lived with the immunodeficiency virus type-I (HIV-1). That same year, the number of cases increased by 1.9 and 2.7 million approximately; and 1.4 and 1.9 million died with HIV positive (adults and children). In the area of access to anti-retroviral terapy (ART) reached to 64 % to people in need in poor countries (according to the guide of treatment of the World Organization of the Health (WHO in 2010). However, after updating the therapeutic guide in 2013, only 34 % of the eligible ones were treated. On the other hand, in some countries of the sub-Saharan Africa, the retention levels of the ART are below 50 % two years after initiated. Hence, the financing to the therapies must increase and it is necessary to go foreseeing the need to go on from the generic compounds, at present in use, to treatments of the second and third line in the next years due to the dissemination of resistant isolations. In this context, researchers could probably develop an effective or partially effective vaccine to offer protection to seronegatives, and to replace whole or partially the existing therapies in seropositive ones, which do not eliminate the infection and undesirable and incompatible side effects in patients will appeared in long terms. This project is aimed at developing a vaccine candidate against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Based on this goal, a multiantigenic formulation vaccine candidate TERAVAC was obtained which comprises the recombinant multiepitopic protein CR3 that contains T cell epitopes and the surface and nucleocapsid antigens of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) to induce Th1 cellular immune responses in both the systemic and gastrointestinal tract compartments. CR3 recombinant protein does not exist in nature in any host but is made up of different fragments of proteins present in HIV-1 like: the envelope glycoprotein (gp 160), vpr protein (p15), pol (p66), nef (p27) and gag (p24). These regions are rich in antigenic epitopes for T cell helper and cytotoxic type also found for B-cell epitopes. This ensures a high number of epitopes restricted by a wide range of HLA haplotypes I and II. However, according to studies conducted in mice, CR3 protein, by itself, is not able to induce a Th1 response or stimulate CD8+ T lymphocytes. Therefore, when the CR3 is immunized along with structural antigens of hepatitis B 11 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research virus, humoral and cellular Th1-type are obtained in the gastrointestinal mucosal compartment (Figure 4) and the systemic with stimulation of antiHIV CD8 T lymphocytes (Figure 5). In addition, the studies have shown that TERAVAC could generate a Th1 type response in the presence of an ongoing immunization-driven a Th2 type response. This result suggests Figure 4 A B CR3 RPMI Con A Placebo (sc+in) C+S (sc+in) CR3+C+S (sc+in) Detection of IFN-γ secretive cells in mice mesenteric lymph nodes against the protein CR3A) Ten days after the last administration, immunocytes cells from jejunal and colonic lymph nodes were extracted (A). ). Then, these were stimulated with protein CR3 and controls. Finally, ELISPOT plates were processed and results representative of duplicate wells (B). CR3, are sampled, cells stimulated with protein CR3; RPMI, cells incubated with complete medium, Con A, cells stimulated with Concanavalin A., (Con A). i.n.: intranasal route s.c.: route subcutaneous. C: HBcAg. S: HBsAg. 12 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research Figure 5 CD8APC Not stimulated Con A CR3 1000 1000 1000 100 100 100 10 10 10 1 1 1 0.1 0.1 1 10 100 1000 0.1 0.1 C+S (sc+in) 1 10 100 1000 0.1 0.1 C+S (sc+in) 1000 1000 1000 100 100 100 10 10 10 1 1 1 0.1 0.1 1 10 100 CR3+C+S (sc+in) 1000 0.1 0.1 1 10 1 10 100 1000 10 100 1000 C+S (sc+in) 100 CR3+C+S (sc+in) 1000 0.1 0.1 1 CR3+C+S (sc+in) Proliferative response of T CD8+ lymphocytes. Homogeneous mixtures of spleen cells from mice were stained with CFSE and cultured for five days with culture medium, Concanavalin A( with A) and CR3. Ten thousand viable lymphocytes and blasts (R1) were selected for the analyses. The frequency of T CD8+ CR3- cells specific that were divided in each group after ex vivo stimulation was determined subtracting the percentage of cells CD8+ CFSElow (Q1) taken from the culture not stimulated to the percentage of CD8+ CFSElow of the stimulated splenocytes with the antigen CR3. i.n.: route intranasal. s.c.: route subcutaneous. C: HBcAg. S: HBsAg. a therapeutic benefit to restore anti HIV cellular response in seropositive patients. Finally, induction of anti HIV cellular and humoral responses has been demonstrated thus; this vaccine candidate could be considered bivalent: anti-HIV and anti –VHB. During 2009 and 2010, progress was made in preclinical safety testing, local toxicology and others, and the results were satisfactory. Then, the file to request a Phase 1 clinical trial with this vaccine candidate was arranged by the State Center for Drug Control (Cecmed).The required authorization was given in 2010. During 2011-2013, the immunization program in the first group of 9 patients and the recruitment has been completed. Project Accellular Pertussis Vaccine Leader of the project MSc. Anabel Álvarez [email protected] phone: (537) 2716022 ext. 7261 Epidemiology of the infection by Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough which is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, is currently the most predominant vaccinepreventable disease around the world. The frequency of infection calculated by antibody titers against pertussis toxin 13 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research was reported recently with values between 1 - 6 % (Cherry, JD. Clin Infect Dis. 2010;51(6):663-7). The essential characteristics are: • Cyclic outbreaks every 2 or 5 years where population’s immunization coverage is > 80 - 90 %. • High frequency of cases in children aged under 1 and 10-year-old children. • Increase of the infection rate in teenagers between 11-18 years old and adults. The main cause associated with the epidemiological behavior of B. pertussis is the fact that neither the vaccines nor the natural infection confer lifetime protection comparing to other diseases. Therefore, the microorganism circulates and evolves in the immunized populations. Duration of immunity from vaccines is extended to 4-12 years and the natural infection between 4-20 years (Wendelboe AM. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2005;24(5):S58). In the last 10 years, the number of publications reporting an increase of the pertussis incidence is notorious. Among the possible causes trying to explain the new outbreaks and the increase are: • Major conscience about the disease for the medical staff who report an increasing number of cases. Additionally, the introduction of polymerase chain reaction testing of genetic material (known as DNA PCR) and its wide use in developed country have contributed to the number of reported cases (Cherry JD, N Engl J Med. 2012;367(9):785-7). • WHO has stated that the best acellular vaccines (with at least 3 components) can be less effective (85-88 %) than the best cellular vaccines, (96 %) (WHO Weekl Epidemiol Record. 2010;85(40):385-400). • The evolution of the microorganism towards variants more virulent (Advani et al. Vaccine. 2011;29(18):343842; Octavia et al. J Infect Dis. 2012;205(8):1220-4). A very important aspect is related to the incidence studies which suggest that the current immunization program have to be re-evaluated, since they are ineffective to break the increase of the cases and to eradicate the disease. It is demonstrated that the immunization programs must begin closer to the birth (0-1 month). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend to implement booster dose to pregnant mothers (20 weeks) and practice the cocoon strategy (Gall SA. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2012;55(2):498509. In the last 5 years, the number of infected cases has increased in Europe (Sweden, Holland) and Australia, Bordetella pertussis strains with the pertussis toxin promoter allele ptxP3 and the pertactin protein type 2 (Prn2 (King, et al. BMC Genomics 2008;9:311; Advani et al. J Microbiol Methods. 2009;78(3):297-301; Advani et al. Vaccine 2011;29(18):3438-42; van Gent et al. PLoS ONE. 2011;6(5):e20340; Octavia, et al. J Infect Dis. 2012;205(8):1220-24). In other countries like Japan, the number of strains that do not express the protein Prn1 has increased (Otsuka et al. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(2):e31985). Studies suggest that strains ptxP3, Prn2 are more virulent because they express high levels of pertussis toxin and escape more easily to the immunity of the current vaccines (contain antigen Prn1) during the declination of the immunity. This behavior of the microorganism evolution suggests that the current vaccines must be updated and technologically improved. This mutation could inactive 100 % the toxin pertussis without affecting immunological properties and adjuvants of the protein The project strategy is based on the development of an acellular vaccine containing three components PTg, FHA and Prn2. Particularly, genes for pertactin and toxin pertussis present in vaccine strains are ptxA2 and Prn2, which have a major appearance frequency in the circulating strains. Moreover, vaccine strains containing mutated gene ptxA2 (9K/129G) genetically affecting the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of toxins. This mutation inactivates 100 % pertussis toxin without affecting the immunological and adjuvant properties of the protein (Del Giudice and Rappuoli). The project arranges a fermentation process at a scale of 20L where a chemically defined mean is used and high levels of expression of the three antigens PTg, FHA and Prn are achieved using a genetically detoxified strain The three antigens are purified at high levels of purity and low levels of endotoxin, also the establishment of the essays ELISA are completed for the detection and/or quantification of the three antigens which allow to give a follow-up during the process of obtaining the antigens. Using the antigens with the developed methodology, the protection was demonstrated in the mouse's model MICA (challenge intracranial modified WHO) with an acellular formulation (in proportion PTg:FHA:Prn2 of 5:2.5:2.5). The functional activity was highly significant and superior to the not immunized control group. During 2013, the project advanced in the conditioning of the development area at the Carlos J. Finlay Institute to work with B. pertussis, with the preparation of reference lyophilized targets and glycerol work. Another point was, in the establishment of fermentation at 20L scale, the centrifugation replacement by tangential microfiltration 14 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research during the clarification of the fermentative culture, which reduces the operation times and allows the extraction operations of the pertactin protein, eliminating in turn the possible biological risk. In this sense, a procedure was established to work safe and free of biological risk with culture supernatant in the purification stages. Department of Pharmaceuticals Head of the Department Dr. Marta Ayala [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4494 In 2013, the research, the stock of evidences of mechanism of action, and the development of new pharmaceutical products have remained on working for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, and neurodegenerative diseases, healing, cytoprotection, and autoimmune diseases as well as the development of therapeutic candidates against the virus of human immunodeficiency (HIV). The clinical researches for the assessment of new candidates for the treatment of solid and hematological tumors to superior stages. Other therapeutical targets of interest are currently in course researches. Ongoing Projects: • CIGB-300: antitumor peptide which inhibits the CK2mediated phosphorylation; • CIGB550-E7: therapeutic vaccine: fusion of the HPV E7 antigen to an immunostimulatory peptide; • CIGB-552: antitumor peptide through inhibition of the transcription factor NFkB; • CIGB-247: anti VEGF vaccine; • CIGB-166: anti-VEGF therapeutic recombinant antibody fragments identifying VEGF-A through a novel epitope • Heberprot-P®: Study of differential expression in patients • • • • • • • • treated with Heberprot-P®; Diabetic Neuropathy: molecules with neuroprotective capacity; CIGB-500: peptide with broad cytoprotective capacity; CIGB-530: peptide with anti-fibrotic capacity; CIGB-540: peptide for the treatment of hypertrophic wounds; CIGB-845: therapeutic combined vaccine for neuroprotection; CIGB-50: therapeutic vaccine to induce anti-IL-15 antibodies; CIGB-55: IL-15 antagonist peptide; CIGB-210: peptide with antiviral action. 15 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research CIGB-300: antitumoral peptide which inhibits the CK2-mediated phosphorylation Leader of the project Dr. Silvio Perea [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4486 The CIGB-300 (peptide which inhibits the CK2-mediated phosphorylation) focuses on the search for drugs with therapeutic action in cancer, and the development of peptide inhibiting intracellular action directed against mediated phosphorylation by CK2 (casein kinase 2 or CK2). This enzyme is of the serine-threonine kind and is often deregulated in many human tumors. The research of our project has been designed taking as a hypothesis that the abrogation of phosphorylation of CK2 can induce antitumor effect in different locations. The project’s leading product, CIGB-300, induces apoptosis in different tumor cell lines (human papilloma virus (HPV +); lung; breast and others). Figure 6 illustrates the results after using CIGB-300 on the in vitro inhibition of CK2 phosphorylation and activation of caspase, as well as the anti-tumor effect in animal models. These results are discussed in detail in an article published in Cancer Research. Currently, CIGB-300 peptide is being developed as the obtainment of a peptide inhibiting CK2mediated phosphorylation, present in 99.7 % of patients with cervicuterine cancer. For this purpose, libraries of peptides have been tested in filamentous phages, in order to find E7 binding ligands whose sequences are chemically synthesized and the peptides could be tested in cellular models of transformation by HPV (CaSki cells) and in animal models with human tumors in athymic mice. Because E7 oncoprotein is mostly expressed in the nucleus, the foreseeable use of a system providing peptides of intracellular action is expected. Different peptides that enter into the cell have been described and used for the transport of macromolecules and peptides into compartments such as: the nucleus, the cytoplasm, endoplasmic endothelial and the mitochondria. Figure 6 A B Negative control CIGB-300 Peptide NR Relative levels of phosphorylation 6000 5000 Tumor volume (mm3) C 4000 3000 2000 1000 2.0 1.5 1.5 0.5 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 Control CIGB-300 Tat Effect of CIGB-300 in tumor cells. A) Antitumoral effect in animal model. Peptide NR: peptide not related. B) Inhibition in vitro of the phosphorylation of CK2. C) Activation of caspase (apoptosis). 16 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research From the mechanistic point of view, it is known that protein B23/ nucleophosmin constitutes one of the substrates of CK2 mostly inhibited by the action of the CIGB-300. This inhibition leads to the nucleolar disassembly followed by apoptosis on tumor cells. Interestingly, CIGB300 has demonstrated greater in vitro effectiveness in tumor cell which apparently because inhibits B23/NPM phosphorylation in different cancer cell lines. CIGB-300 finished the study stages of pharmacological, toxicological concepts and reached the clinical evaluation. In 2006, the first Phase I clinical trial was achieved with this peptide in patients with high grade cervical-uterine cancer by intralesional route. The results indicated that it is tolerant and safe, also evidenced some signs of efficacy. Later, CIGB-300 has continued its evaluation in patients with cancer by different clinical studies which allow to know the pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiling of the product, also confirming safety y tolerance after its administration by intravenous route. CIGB550-E7: vaccine against el virus papiloma humano Leader of the project Dr. Isis Torrens [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4470 Cervic-uterine cancer continues being a serious health problem for women worldwide. Based on reports from the World Health Organization, there are approximately 500 000 affected women. In some regions of Latin America, for instance, cervical cancer ranks as the most frequent tumor in women, followed by breast cancer. In Cuba, despite of the existence of a national program aimed at early detection; 370 women die every year because of this disease. The development of this tumor has been associated with infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), classified as high-risk; in which HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the most frequent ones. Based on this background, searching for therapeutic alternatives that may emerge from scientific knowledge for the treatment of cervical cancer is a priority in health programs in many countries. High degree cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) can be easily and effectively treated by local excision or destruction. However, morbidity can be associated with the treatment procedure and recurrence control of the disease. Moreover, patients on advanced stages of illness yet are usually immune-competent, so they can receive more benefits from this therapy. Thus, antitumor therapeutic vaccines could be more effective. The project, called CIGB550-E7 with its own registry, is focused on finding therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of cervi-uterine cancer with a vaccine approach and two forms of vaccine. Vaccine CIGB550-E7 consists of a covalent bond of E7 protein and CIGB550 peptide, which is expressed efficiently in Escherichia coli 17 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research as a fusion protein and with a high aggregation status. CIGB550 is recently described by our group as a penetrator peptide of cells, with immunostimulatory properties. It is fused to the E7 protein of HVP-16, transports E7 protein to the inner of the cells, favors the generation of a potent specific cellular immune response, and exert its effect on tumors that express the Ag E7 of HVP-16. The therapeutic vaccine CIGB550-E7 completed its proof-of concept test and it is currently in its development study. This candidate must begin its clinical development phase in 2015. Figure 7 A B C D Evaluation of the penetrating capacity to cells of the protein of merger CIGB-550-E7 by confocal microscopy. The murine splenocytes incubated with: A) 1.66 μM of the peptide CIGB-550 biotinylated; B) 1.66 μM of the protein of merger CIGB-550-E7; C) 1.66 μM of the protein E7; and D) with phosphate buffer saline (PBS). New antitumor peptides and immunomodulators derived from protein Limulus anti-LPS factor Leader of the project Dr. Maribel Guerra Vallespí [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4491 In spite of the progress of modern medicine, cancer became the second cause of death in Cuba: 19 thousand people die annually suffering from cancer and about 29 thousand new cases are diagnosed. Therapies against important molecular targets for survival, proliferation and dissemination of the tumor cell, are changing paradigm of cancer treatment and will probably be used in most of the patients over the next 10 years. This research and development project is aimed at obtaining new drugs to treat cancer based on the identification of new antitumor peptides, derived from a scanning of Ala from the 32-51 region of Limulus protein anti-LPS factor. The leader product, CIGB-552, is a synthetic peptide that inhibits intracellular action of the transcription factor NFkB. It is an important element that activates genes involved in resistance to apoptosis in cancer cell, stimulates the expression of oncogene, angiogenesis and 18 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research cell proliferation. Besides, it protects lab animals of double challenge (firstly protected animals from the first challenge with tumor cell receive a second stroke), the effectiveness of this molecule providing a sustained antitumor effect which evidences the development of a specific adaptive immune response and inmunomodulating activity of this new peptide. Figure 8 shows the cytotoxic effect of CIGB-552 in different tumor lines, as well as inhibition of the subunit RelA(p65) of NFkB factor and the induction of apoptosis in the cancer cell (Figure 8). Figure 8 A 300 CIGB-552 250 IC50 200 150 100 50 0 H-82 H-125 HT-29 LS174T MCA-231 MCF-7 PBMC CIGB-552 (150μM) B NT Sh 12h 24h ReLA (p65) NFkB C CIGB-552 Cell with nuclear fragmentation (Apoptosis) Cytotoxic effect of the CIGB-552. A) Cytotoxicity in different tumor lines, in absence of toxicity in normal cells. B) Inhibition of the subunit RelA (p65) of the factor NF-kB in the tumor line of colon cancer HT-29 treated with CIGB-552. NT: not treated cells. C) Apoptosis mediated by the CIGB-552 in cells of breast cancer (MCF-7) evaluated by microscopy confocal. PBMC: mononuclear not tumor cells of peripheral blood. 19 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research CIGB-552 has demonstrated efficacy in diverse tumor models on immune-competent mice: TC-1 model (epithelial lung cells), myeloma B16, Lewis carcinoma (lung metastases model), and myeloma X-63, in a colon carcinoma model in Balb/c mice and in a xenograft model of human colon cancer HT-29 (Figure 9). The action of this molecule is based on the combination of a straight cytotoxic effect upon cancer cell and to provide immune elements leading to revert host tolerance to tumor. Figure 9 Average antitumoral volume (cm3) A CIGB-552 (0.72 mg/kg) 78.5 600 500 CIGB-552 (1.44 mg/kg) 80.5 400 Saline 82.2 300 200 100 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Postimplant days HT-29 Density of vessels (% of pixels/field) B 0.015 Number of microvessels in the tumor 0.010 P < 0.05 P < 0.01 CIGB-552 0.7 mg/kg CIGB-552 1.4 mg/kg 0.005 0 Saline group Systemic administration of the CIGB-552 in an implant model of colon tumor of human HT-29. A) antitumoral Efficacy of the CIGB-552. The arrows indicate the subcutaneous administration of the CIGB-552. B) The CIGB-552 demonstrates a significant antiangiogenic effect in an implant model of human colon tumor, calculating the number of microvessels in the tumor. 20 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research The researches of our project are aimed at developing anticancer molecules taking into hypothesis the discovery of a new mechanism to regulate anti-apoptotic activity of the NFkB factor on tumor cell, stimulate host immunity and control inflammation. Laboratory of Cancer immunotherapy Leader of the projects Jorge V. Gavilondo Cowley [email protected] phone: (53-7) 250 4480 The Laboratory of Cancer immunotherapy of the Pharmaceutical department develops therapeutical antibodies, mainly against cancer. Some of them can also be used in the treatment of other chronic human diseases which pathogenesis or sympthomatology is affected by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other proangiogenic molecules. The laboratory develops two projects: CIGB-247 and CIGB-166a. CIGB-247: Active Immunotherapy (therapeutical vaccines) of cancer and other diseases using antigens related to tumor stroma In the last 10 years, the experimental and clinical information that highlights the special function exerted by stroma of malignant tumors in their origin, growth and dissemination has substantially increased. Molecules produced by tumors and cellular elements of stroma stimulating blood and lymph vessels are examples of new therapeutical targets against cancer. The therapeutic vaccines that are being developed in this project have been designed to achieve their effect based on the development of antibodies blocking the pro-tumoral actions related molecules as antigens. In addition, these vaccines are used to develop cytotoxic cellular responses against cells of the tumor stroma or the tumor itself. Moreover, they can promote other immune responses associated to epitope spreading due to the use of potent adjuvants in the vaccine preparations studied. According to the nature of effector mechanisms, therapeutic vaccines have potentially less prolonged and undesirable side effects. These therapeutic vaccines are valued as additional and complementary treatments to previous stated ones against cancer like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and also the conventional anti-angiogenic. According to the nature of the effective mechanisms, therapeutic vaccines have potentially fewer undesirable side effects, which it is an advantage to their administration. In this project, the main tumor targets to antigens using recombinant DNA technology are molecules from the family of vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), its receptors, and other spreading fibroblasts present in tumors. The first vaccine candidate as antigen proposed for this project was the human VEGF-121 isoform. Studies demonstrated that immunization with naked DNA encoding human VEGF-121 isoform had antitumor effects in the model C57Bl/6 mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma tumors (BequetRomero et al., Angiogenesis. 2007;10:23-34). After these first studies, a recombinant antigen representative of the human VEGF-121 was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with P64K of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm). Its value as a carrier and immune stimulant of the response has been documented. This antigen, called P64-VEGFKDR-, was combined with various adjuvants (alumina, VSSP and DDA/TDB) administered subcutaneously in schemes of prophylactic - therapeutic immunization. The vaccination prolongs the implementation time of B16-F10 melanoma in C57Bl/6 mice, reduces its growth and increases mice survival (Morera et al., Angiogenesis. 2008;11:381-93). These researches demonstrated that the immunization produced an IgG antibody response against the human antigen and its murine VEGF. Moreover, the sera of immunized animals blocked cell proliferation of the human umbilical cord cells (HuVEC), stimulated in in vitro with human VEGF, and inhibited the interaction between the human VEGF and its receptor KDR. In addition, it was demonstrated that immunized mice developed specific cytotoxic spleen cells against different tumor cell lines secreting VEGF derived from C57Bl/6 mice. The treatment of mice with anti-mouse CD8 monoclonal antibodies reduced the final antitumor effect of the vaccine; evidencing the possible antitumoral effect of the vaccine based on humoral and cellular mechanisms The combination P64-VEGFKDR- and the adjuvant VSSP were selected to develop the first vaccine candidate, called CIGB-247V. Additionally, preclinical studies were conducted using prophylactic-therapeutic immunization schemes in Balb/c mice bearing other experimental tumors. It was demonstrated that CIGB-247V vaccine candidate reduces tumor volume and increases animal survivals in mice bearing colon tumor CT-26 or F3-II breast cancer. The vaccine also reduces the number of artificial metastases provoked in lungs after CT-26 or 3LL-D122 cells are injected by intravenous 21 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research route, as well as spontaneous lung metastasis 3LL-D122 and F3II (Bequet-Romero et al. Vaccine 2012;30(10):1790-1799). As in the case of the strain C57BL/6, the induction of an IgG antibody response and its murine counterpart was demonstrated by this vaccine candidate in Balb/c mice. The immunized sera inhibited the interaction between human VEGF and its receptor KDR. Spleen cells of immunized animals, previously incubated with the antigen, showed specific cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines from Balb/c producing VEGF. The vaccine candidate CIGB-247V has also been studied in other species. In rats, rabbits and non-human primates, the vaccine induced an IgG antibody response blocking antibodies and a cellular response targeting tumor cells producing VEGF The anti-VEGF antibodies decreased progressively after finishing the induction phase (8 immunizations in 8 weeks),not avoiding its increase injecting booster doses in rats, rabbits and non-human primates, which suggests the existence of immunological memory. There are no scientific paper publishing hematological adverse effects, after administering the vaccine to these species, nor in parameters of blood biochemistry. No histological affectations have been observed of critical organs, nor important alterations in the capacity of rats or non human primates to cure deep skin wounds in skin (Morera et al. Vaccine. 2010;28:3453-61; Morera et al. Vaccine. 2012;30:368-77). The vaccine candidate CIGB-247V complies with the standards of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) were successfully completed after the preclinical toxicological studies Therefore, in 2011 this vaccine obtained the permission by the CECMED a phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced cancer code name CENTAURO. In that multicenter, Individuals were subcutaneously immunized for 8 consecutive weeks, at three antigen dose levels, and re-immunized on week twelve. The study was finished in mid-2012, demonstrating that the vaccine was safe and immunogenic. On week sixteen, evaluations of safety, tolerance, clinical status, and immunogenicity (seroconversion for anti-VEGF IgG, serum VEGF/KDR-Fc blocking ability, and gamma-IFN ELISPOT with blood cells stimulated in vitro with mutated VEGF) were done. CIGB-247 was immunogenic and higher numbers of individuals positive to the three immune response tests were seen with increasing antigen dose. Surviving patients in the follow-up stage of the clinical trial CENTAURO has continued for at least two years. Patients maintain a monthly vaccination. The safety profile keeps on being excellent. There are two patients with complete response and some are stable. These results are included in a recent publication (Gavilondo JV et al. Vaccine. 2014; in press). According to the results obtained in the study CENTAURO, in 2013 a new phase Ib clinical trial began called CENTAURO-2, in which new antigen doses are explored of the adjuvant VSSP in the vaccine, as well as groups with aluminum phosphate as adjuvant are included. This trial is currently in course and must be finished in the middle of 2014. The vaccine candidate CIGB-247 is potentially applicable to other diseases associated with excessive and pathological angiogenesis, due to an increase in VEGF; among them age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and rheumatoid arthritis. The therapeutic vaccine candidate CIGB-247 is protected by a patent approved in a dozen of countries (CU2002-0076 anti-angiogenic active Immunotherapy). In this project, other vaccine antigens derived from molecules of the tumor stroma are also being in research. CIGB-166a: Passive immunotherapy with recombinant antibodies specifically recognizing VEGF Unlike the above project, the immunotherapeutic strategy of this project is based on administering recombinant antibodies to patients with cancer. The recombinant antibodies are among the biotech molecules’ largest market around the world. They have a wide spectrum of usage in acute and chronic. In this project, we began to provide a technological platform that allows us to obtain antibodies of human origin, and to avoid potential rejection reactions in a future therapeutic application in human beings It is based on the obtainment of a library of human antibody fragments type Fv of simple chain (scFv), displayed in filamentous phages, constructed from human lymphoid cells of different origin (Rojas et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005;336:1207-1213). From this library, it is possible to select combination sites of human antibodies (in scFv fragments) against a lot of different antigens without the need for immunizations or lymphoid sampling. As part of this platform, for inducing therapeutic molecules in this project, mammalian cells and bacterial vectors have also been developed to produce scFv antibody fragments or complete antibody molecules with effector functions, respectively. Currently, the project is focused on the development of therapeutic antibodies that block their pro-angiogenic effects 22 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research in which pathogenesis or symptomatology are associated with an excessive VEGF production, such as cancer or AMD. The most advanced molecules are a scFv fragment called CIGB-166a, and its bivalent form where two combination sites as scFv are associated with Fc and human IgG1called CIGB-598a. The first one is expressed in bacteria, while the second one is produced by CHO cells. The original binding site(called 2H1) was selected from a library of phages through a strategy of selection based on a modified VEGF as antigen, to increase the possibility to obtain antibodies against new epitopes of thel VEGF (Lamdan, H et al. Journal Biotechnol. 2011;151(2):166-74). Later, the combination site 2H1 was modified through specific mutations in the domains CDR3 of both variable chains of the scFv, in order to increase the affinity of the VEGF (CU 2010-264. recombinant antibodies against VEGF obtained by mutagenesis of variable regions). CIGB-166a and CIGB-598a are constructed from this new combination site, with a greater affinity by the human VEGF (Lamdan, H. et al. 2013; Molecular Biosystems 9:2097). These molecules are new because they recognize an epitope in the human VEGF not previously reported. The interaction of these molecules with VEGF disables the VEGF ability to bind VEGFR1 y VEGFR2 receptors. Additionally, both CIGB166a and CIGB-598a recognize some VEGF, neutralize the proliferative effects and promote the migration of the HuVEC induced by VEGF affecting the formation of tumor cells. Currently, the antibody fragment is now in development and a suitable formulation is under study. In the case of the bivalent construction, a certified cell bank of producer transfectoma is built. In 2013, this Project has opened developing tasks and library constructions of human nanobodies which are in course. Healing and citoprotection Leader of the project Dr. Jorge Berlanga Acosta [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4479 Heberprot-P®: Diabetes and Healing The project of healing and cytoprotection has led to a comparative study of the differential kinetic expression of proteins at the granulating tissue of the diabetic foot ulcers, ischemic, and neuropathic grades III and IV before and after receiving treatment with Heberprot-P®. It was demonstrated that the treatment favors the local expression of the epidermal growth factors (active pharmaceutical ingredient of Heberprot-P®), protein expression of extracellular matrix and markers related to the replicating competence of cells Some of these findings may be hypothetically related with low recidive index in treated wounds. Currently, these studies have been extended to fibroblasts in culture obtained from patients’ ulcers. The expression of genes related with healing is compared to those expressed in the granulation tissues of other types of wounds like burns. The impact of simulated “hyperglycemia” in the culture media on gene expression of skin fibroblasts is also studied. Among the most important findings obtained during the 2013 are quoted in the treatment with Heberprot-P® by correcting enzymes and mediators with REDOX balance in peripheral blood. Paradoxically, these effects are not primarily corrected in tissue samples of granulation finishing the treatment scheme. In 2014, it is expected to continue and expand these studies to diabetic patients without active ulcers, metabolically compensated and not compensated. Likewise, it is expected to demonstrate a hypothetical interrelation between the levels of glycated hemoglobin and the proteinases circulating levels. In addition, it was demonstrated that a number of genes with aberrant expression in those organs responsible for clearing 70 % of blood glucose in the involved organs, such as the liver, the skeletal muscle and the adipose tissue; which have been considered historically as Type 2 Diabetes Risk Markers are expressed identically in the cells of granulation tissue of the lower limb ulcers in our patients. Therefore, the epigenetic mechanisms involved on gene expression related to glucose metabolism and the oxidative phosphorylation in diabetes are validated and confirmed. Finally, our group has contributed by means of PCR and immunohistochemical studies to the understanding of molecular bases of the process of wound chronification in diabetic ulcers, in which ischemia of the lower limbs is an aggravating factor. CIGB-500. Cardioprotective agent in acute myocardial infarction According to circumstantial and collateral evidences obtained by our group of a possible trophic effect of the GHRP-6 on intact hearts in healthy mice, we decided to evaluate the effect on a single intraperitoneal dose of GHRP-6 in young adult rat with intact myocardio on the gene transcription involved in tissue repair and energetic metabolism. The study of gene expression, conducted with kinetic analysis (1-24 hours post inoculation)by means of PCR in cardiac 23 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research tissue demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of its own receptor at 6 hrs in the myocardio. Similarly, a progressive increase was demonstrated in enzymes related with cellular metabolism, beta oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis. To study the molecular bases to sustain the effect of the cardioprotective peptide CIGB 500, the cell line H9C2 was used in rat’s cardiomyocytos fetal, and protein expression profiling were identified in four experimental conditions: 1) control; 2) treatment with CIGB 500 (400 μmol, 1 h); 3) treatment with Doxorubicin (1 μmol, 1 h); 4) concomitant treatment CIGB 500 (400 μmol) + Doxorubicin (1 μmol, 1h). The study brought about the differential modulation of 111 proteins in the experimental condition #4 by the protective effect of CIGB 500; which were grouped based on biological processes significantly represented as: 1) regulation of the biosynthesis of macromolecules; 2) cascade of signs intracellular, proteolysis; 3) regulation of protein metabolism; and 4) transport of proteins. Other eight biological routes were also identified in the significantly represented 111 modulated proteins different from the control. In 2014, it is expected to continue with these researches. Institutions that maintains collaboration: • National Institute of Endocrinology. Center for the care of Diabetic Patients. • National Institute of Angiology and Vascular Surgery. • Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery. CIGB-845: Therapeutic combination for neuroprotection Leader of the project Dr. C. Diana García del Barco [email protected] phone: (53-7) 250 4397 The objective of this project is the research of therapeutic alternatives facilitating or promoting events of tissue regeneration in the nervous system after a lesion or wound. CIGB-845 is a pharmacological combination of a synthetic peptide and a recombinant protein, which have common and exclusive neuroprotective effects. It has a wide file of preclinical trials and safety tests among them, in vivo experimental studies (experimental autoimmune encephalitis, axonopathy with 1,2 DAB and global cerebral ischemia). The in vitro experimental evidences have demonstrated that this combination exerts protection and recue motoneurons exposed to pro-apoptotic agents lacking trophic factors. 24 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research The prophylactic or therapeutic use of the pharmacological combination CIGB-845 has induced to significant therapeutic effects compared to control groups of existing drugs. The clinical electrophysiological and ultra-structural induction and characterization in an alternative experimental model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis allowed to evaluate CIGB-845 with significant results. Recently, its potent neuroprotective effects have been demonstrated in the reduction the volume of cerebral infarction and to rescue brain cells in an animal model from a global cerebral ischemia. These results were stably reproducible and are associated with the reduction of clinical manifestations (Figures 10 and 11). The neuroprotective effect of CIGB845 is similar to the induced effect by hypothermia and superior to the induced effect by the ischemic pre-conditioning. Figure 10 volume of the infarction (mm3) A 20 15 10 5 × B CIGB-428 CIGB-500 CIGB-845 0 vehicle A) Volume of infarction in animal model of global cerebral ischemia. Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn test. The asterisk shows a significant difference. B) Coronal brain stained with 2,3,5 triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC). False operated Figure 11 Neuronal density in the cerebral cortex, caudate putamen nucleus and ventral nuclei of the thalamus. Representative images of the caudado-putamen regions: cerebral cortex and thalamus of the control groups: false operated ,vehicle control group and CIGB-845. The black bar at the right bottom equals to 50 µm. Cerebral cortex Vehicle Caudado-putamen CIGB-845 Thalamus Control Vehicle CIGB-845 25 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research The amount of preclinical tests of CIGB-845 in model experimental models of multiple sclerosis, lateral amyotrophic sclerosis and ischemic disease of the nervous system received the Health annual award in 2011, in the category of scientific paper. Figure 12 P8 peptide + IL-15 Interleukin-15 Medium This project is focused on developing new strategies to inhibit pro-inflammatory activity of the interleukin-15 (IL-15). This cytokine is expressed in an uncontrolled form in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease, sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. In this context, inhibiting the signalling induced by IL-15 may be clinically beneficial. According to this, two strategies have been developed: a peptide antagonist that binds to the alpha receptor subunit and a therapeutic vaccine containing IL-15 as antigen. IL15 signals through a trimeric receptor IL-15Rαβϒ and may be found in a soluble form in biological fluids or in the cell membrane. Two research projects have been developed for its inhibition: the development of an antagonist peptide IL15 (project CIGB-55) and the development of a therapeutic vaccine anti-IL-15 (project CIGB-50). CIGB-55 is a 10 aa peptide that binds an alpha subunit of the receptor and inhibits the biological activity in two dependent cell lines of this cytokine, CTLL-2 and KiT225 (Figure 12). Moreover, this peptide inhibits the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in synovial cells of patients with RA (Figure 13) and the induction of inflammatory cytokine 1.0 0,8 0.6 0.4 0.2 Peptide concentrations (µM) Effect of the antagonist peptide P8 on the proliferation of KiT225 line induced by IL-15. KiT225 cells were cultured in presence of 300 pg / ml IL-15 (■), 300 pg / ml IL-15 in combination with increased concentrations of P8 (♦), medium (▲). Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT staining..O.D. optical density. Figure 13 180 160 140 TNFα (pg/mL) O.D. 576 nm Leader of the project Dr. Alicia Santos [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4486 120 100 80 60 αTNF secretion is inhibited by the IL-15 antagonist peptide. Synovial fluid cells were incubated with peptide or peptide plus IL-15 in 24-well plates and cultured for 24 h. αTNF levels were measured by specific ELISA. 40 20 Cells Cells + peptide Cells + peptide + IL-15 26 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research IL-6 and IL-8 produced by the mechanism of inverse signal through IL-15 of membrane. Currently, the effectiveness of CIGB-55 is being evaluated in animal models, and it's being working in modifying the peptide and developing new formulations to improve its stability. This project has a patent granted in the USA, The European Union, Australia, Canada, Russia, Mexico and South Africa. Another strategy consists in the active immunization with IL-15 structurally modified in a mutein of IL-15 not active, using aluminium hydroxide as adjuvant. The experimental results of the immunization in non human primates, showed the induction of high titers of neutralizing antibodies against a human IL-15 not modified (Figure 14). An anti-cytokine therapeutic vaccine may be advantageous with respect to the use of monoclonal antibodies against IL-15 , because it involves less frequent injections per patient (2-4 per year), no response against antibodies that it is one of the causes of loosing response to the treatment; also its low cost. O.D. 576 nm Figure 14 2.5 Pre-immune serum 2.0 Serum from immunized monkeys L-15 1.5 Medium 1.0 IL-15 0.5 0 1 100 10 000 1 000 000 Dilutions of serum Effect of serum from immunized animals on the proliferation of CTLL-2 line, induced by IL-15. CTLL-2 were cultured in presence of 300 pg / ml IL-15 (■), 300 pg / ml IL-15 plus serial dilutions of serum (♦), medium (▲). Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT staining.O.D. optical density. CIGB-50 is in its developing stage of scale-up of the protein production. The preclinical studies are in course. This project has a patent granted in The USA, the European Union and China. At the same time, basic studies are conducted to characterize the pattern of pro-inflammatory cytokines and to introduce IL-15 and its receptor in synovial fluid of patients with RA. 27 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research Identification of HIV inhibition target cells of VIH-1 Leader of the project Dr. Celia Fernández [email protected] phone: (537) 250 4396 Immunological reconstitution of the immune system is essential in the development of therapeutic strategies for effective clinical management of patients with different conditions. The immunological reconstitution of the immune system is essential in the development of therapeutic strategies for the effective clinical control of patients with different diseases. Dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE) is a material of low molecular weight coming from the rupture of human peripheral leukocyte, consisting of a large number of molecular entities like the transfer factor (TF) which is the entity responsible for transferring specific antigen delayed hypersensitivity. DLE is used in the treatment of viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections, as well as immunodeficiency, neoplasia, allergies and autoimmune disorders. In recent years, the use of DLE reported in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus VIH-1. In a clinical trial in Cuba in which DEL was used, a significant delay was shown in the onset of symptoms of the disease in asymptomatic seropositive patients with VIH-1 comparing not treated patients. The most current effective therapy known as the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), provokes a suppression in viral levels in blood and improves the function of the immune system in most of the patients. The normalization of the immune system and the total elimination of VIH-1 have been not proven yet, though. HAART is also involved in potential toxicity as well as the emergence of viral strains resistant to treatment. Another difficulty of the therapy is related to its high cost and the lack of resources in many countries with the highest rates of infection. Disadvantages associated with HAART have motivated the research of other therapeutic agents for the treatment of VIH-1. Recent researches explore the pathways to inhibit the replication of VIH-1 using cellular factors as target, which depend on the virus replication, including receptors and co-receptor molecules of VIH, transcriptional and assembly factors, among others. The identification of cellular factors inhibiting the viral replication cycle is one of the most important goals in the researches related to anti-VIH-1. It is stated that a therapeutic strategy that makes good use it would have advantages or take multiple benefits specially, the possibility to reduce the appearance of viral resistance. This project aims to elucidate the effect of DLE on virus replication of VIH-1 and the host mechanisms influencing in its immunopathogenic process. By using an in vitro system for studying the MT4 human cell line, it was possible to demonstrate a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on HIV-1 replication in cells treated with DLE before and after the viral challenge for 24 hours or more (Figure 15). Figure 15 B 100 Percentage of inhibition (p24) Percentage of inhibition (p24) A 80 60 40 20 0 0.15 0.3 0.6 1.25 2.5 100 80 60 40 20 0 0.15 0.3 DLE (U/mL) 0.6 1.25 2.5 DLE (U/mL) Dializable leukocyte extract (DLE) effect on HIV-1 replication in vitro. RT: reverse transcription. 28 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research Moreover, the in vitro DLE reduces the production of TNFα induced by LPS and the activity of the transcriptional factors NFκB and Sp1, necessary for the expression of the viral genome (Figure 16). Figure 16 Controls 0h 1 2 3 4 - 3h 3d 7d - 1.2 2.5 - 1.2 2.5 - 1.2 2.5 Time DLE Protein DNA complex Free oligonucleotide Inhibitory effect of DLE on the binding activity of transcriptional factor NFkB. Researching endogenous factors involved in the immunopathogenic process not known so far, the project has developed a comparative proteomic study and identified an important number of proteins. The project is validating the function of proposed proteins as therapeutic targets on the HIV infection, also designing and evaluating new molecules that act or imitate the effect of the proteins to achieve viral inhibition. The RNA technology of interference is used to study the protein function in the infection process with HIV-1. The project has designed a group of molecule candidates for a vaccination against HIV-1; and one of them with a potent antiviral activity. Department of Diagnostics and Genomics Head f the department Dr. Lidia Inés Novoa [email protected] phone: (53-7) 208 4035 (Center of Biological Investigations) The Department of Diagnostics and Genomics is focused on pharmacogenomic studies by means of the ethnic mixture and the organization of the National Health System in Cuba, 29 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research along with the potential of new developing products in clinical trial phases in the projects against cancer, autoimmune, chronic and infectious diseases. The CIGB counts with a technological platform of microarrays from the Chinese company Capital BIO (Figure 17). This technological platform is certified by ISO 9001, ISO 13485, the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration), the European Community, and the regulatory authorities of China. Figure 17 RT-Cycler SmartArrayer 48 Lux Scan 10K-A Nano drop Slidewasher Extractor 36 Biomixer II Complete platform of double fluorescence microarray. Farmacogenomics Leader of the project MSc. Daniel Palenzuela [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 208 7421 (Center of Biological Investigations) The group is in charge of pharmacogenomic study in projects of generating new biopharmaceuticals products or vaccines and clinical trials of those products against cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases: Objetives in course • Study of the mechanism of action of Heberprot-P® and sampling of Phase IV clinical trial. • Identification of new thrapeutical targets in the treatment of the diabetic foot ulcer. 30 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research • Study of markers of response to HeberFeron® • Study of mechanism of action and markers of response of CIGB-300 in different pathologies Identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the UPD The database analysis of 49 gene expression, determined by qPCR, was complimented by a methodology that allows its analysis to a level of each biological replication. This procedure permits the application of methods multi-varied of analysis as: two-dimensional groupings (Figure 18) to visualize the global behavior of studied samples and gene profiling, analysis of the main components for gene determination and relevant biological events also the use of other confirmatory methods on differential expression of these genes that finished with the evaluation of its predictive ability as a preliminary stage for its posterior validation. As a result, a group of some genes were identified that can be predictors of response to the treatment with Heberprot-P® distinguishing ischemic and neuropathic cases or both as a whole. Figure 18 -0.017030612 0.9122645 0.9403377 0.4404062 0.05952531 IsqResp T0 38 IsqResp T0 39 IsqResp T0 20 IsqResp T0 47 IsqResp T0 69 IsqResp T1 47 IsqResp T1 39 IsqResp T1 38 IsqResp T1 20 IsqResp T1 69 NeuResp T0 5 NeuResp T0 12 NeuResp T0 13 NeuResp T1 11 NeuResp T1 12 NeuResp T0 11 NeuResp T1 5 NeuResp T1 13 NeuResp T0 14 NeuResp T1 14 IsqNoResp T0 1 IsqNoResp T1 98 IsqNoResp T0 61 IsqNoResp T0 98 IsqNoResp T0 95 IsqNoResp T1 1 IsqNoResp T1 61 IsqNoResp T1 95 IsqNoResp T0 133 IsqNoResp T1 133 IsqNoResp T0 10 NeuNoResp T1 10 NeuNoResp T0 16 NeuNoResp T1 16 NeuNoResp T0 88 NeuNoResp T1 88 NeuNoResp T0 20 NeuNoResp T0 27 NeuNoResp T1 27 NeuNoResp T1 72 0 Two-dimensional groupings to visualize the global behavior of studied samples and gene profiling. 31 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research Effect of the epidermal growth factor in tumor cell lines A431 in mouse: in vivo analysis inhibiting of the tumor growth and gene expression The results evidenced safety using EGF as active ingredient of formulations in clinical trials to nanomolar concentrations which prolongs life of the xenotrasplanted mice models with the tumor cell A431 inhibiting tumor proliferation. Findings in the differential expression to those tumors, after the treatment with EGF and compared to placebo reinforced those phenotype observations; and the most important genes, that were differential expressed, were TP53, CDK4 and CASP9 (Figure 19); favoring inhibition of the cell cycle and the apoptosis. In the in vitro study of the EGF’s effect on cell growth, using nanomolar concentrations, a statistically significant reduction Figure 19 A 300000 Cells/mL 165 nM 33 nM 2.2 nM 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000 0 EFG Placebo EFG Placebo EGF Placebo Not treated cells Treatments B placebo C treated EGF EGFR 350 ERBB2 Tumor volume (mm3) 300 PI3K 250 RAFA1 AKT1 MYC 200 CASP9* 150 CDKN1A/P21 CDK4* P53* 100 INHIBITION OF 50 CASP1 0 1 2 3 Days 4 5 6 7 ACTIVATION THE CELL-DIVISION CYCLE OF APOPTOSIS Analysis of nanomolar concentrations of EGF effect on cell proliferation A431. A) Effect of different concentrations of the human recombinant epidermal growth factor (hrEGF) in A431 cell proliferation in culture, compared to non-treated controls. B) Total volume of A431 tumors implanted in naked NIH mice treated either with hrEGF or placebo. C) Diagram of some of the signaling cascades being activated in the A431 cells which were implanted in naked mice and treated with nanomolar hrEGF concentrations. 32 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research Tabla 1 Human cellular lines Cancer Origen Levels of rhEGF K562 Erythroleukaemic cell line Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia Ccl-2433 (lymphoblastic) 0.6 % Mcf-7 Breast cancer cell line. Mammary gland adenocarcinoma. Htb-22 (epithelial) 1.2 % U1906 Small cells of lung cancer (SCLC). Epithelial 6.5 % Ls-174t Human colon adenocarcinoma Cl-188 (epithelial) 54.2 % A431 Human epidermoid carcinoma cell line. Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma Crl-1555 (epithelial) 99.3 % Nci-h125 Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Epithelial 99.1 % Effect of the recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) in tumor cell lines with different cell lines used in the in vitro study of gene expression with rhEGF. of cells was achieved with high and medium levels of EGF receptors (H125, LS-174 and A431) (Table 1).The analysis of the results evidenced that these genes influenced predominantly in the process of the cellular cycle inhibiting the cell multiplication through a cycle arrest in the phases G1-S. Department of Physical-Chemistry Head of the Department Dr. Luis Javier González [email protected] Phone: (537) 271 6022, ext. 1122 The identification of molecules functionally involved in specific diseases and resistance to drugs, with application in bioinformatics and proteomics, protein engineering and protein modelling for the development of new drugs, are the issues of the Department of Physical-Chemistry. The department has experience in purification of proteins, characterization of glycosylated proteins, the synthesis of peptides and oligonucleotides, gas chromatography, study of the interaction protein-protein, ultrastructural analysis electronic microscopy, mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis and imaging analysis obtained through nuclear magnetic resonance. Projects in course • Proteomics. • Bioinformatics. • Screening virtual. • Chemical modifications of proteins. • Development of modified peptides (APL) with applications • • in the treatment of artritis rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Development of molecules with antiviral activity against dengue virus. Design of antiviral molecules against VIH-1. Development of methodologies for the study of proteomes Leader of the project Dr. Vladimir Besada [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4148 The development of methodologies for the study of proteomes aims to develop the most complete characterization of proteomes. In preceding years, we have been working on some methods of selective isolation of peptides allowing the simplification of complex mixtures to make quantitative proteomes without using two-dimensional electrophoresis, and with the isotopic labeling allowing the quantification of protein differential expression. The proposed method is based on the three known methodologies with the acronyms SCAPE (Selective Capture of Peptides). This method allows the isolation of peptides with different charges: neutro, with one or two, described as RH0, RH1 and RH2, respectively. The recovery of the selectively isolated peptides is over 70 % in all cases; the selectivity is greater than 95 %, and a wide 33 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research coverage can be achieved (greater than 95 %) of the known proteomes. The fractioning, achieved by ion exchange by the use of certain reactive blockers of the amino groups allows the identification of a greater number of proteins. We demonstrated that with only one methodology is possible to isolate the three groups of peptides in concern An alternative method is the so-called DF-PAGE, based on the electrophoretic fractioning at protein level in the first dimension, later on at peptides level as second dimension. There are other strategies of work like the fractioning by reverse phase to acid and basic pH, and the use of peptide libraries to equalize complex protein mixtures. These methods allow the relative quantification of proteins from two to four conditions simultaneously These methods have been used in several projects of the direction of biomedical researches with higher results than those obtained by the two-dimensional electrophoresis for instance: the elucidation of mechanisms of action of some pro-apoptotic and antitumor molecules, the study of arthritis rheumatoid in biomodels , and the protein identification in complex mixture of proteins. We began to validate targets from the results of previous projects that could conduct experiments of proteomics hypothetically directed by means of Single Reaction Monitoring. Additionally, quality control of recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides produced at the CIGB and other Cuban scientific institutions are achieved through techniques of mass spectrometry, protein electrophoresis, liquid and gas chromatography, and amino acid analyses; complying with Good Laboratory Practices. These techniques could also conduct stability tests and the most complete characterization of some products. In this department, a project of autoimmunity has been achieved the design of altered peptide ligand (APL), that modulates the response of circulating autoreactive clones in the periphery which have potentialities for the treatment of autoimmune diseases like RA. The most advanced candidate peptide other APLs have patents; and in 2013, a phase I clinical trial of one of these peptides was approved to begin in 2014. Autoimmunity Leader of the project Dr. María del Carmen Domínguez [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4387 The project of Autoimmunity is focused on the study and research of treatments of autoimmune diseases, specifically of RA. This is a systemic autoimmune disease, whose primary clinical manifestation is the inflammation of the peripheral joints. This disease affects 1 % of the population worldwide, with a woman/man rate of 3:1. In the pathogenesis of the RA, several cell populations are involved that enhance and perpetuate the disease like: T and B lymphocytes, microphages, neutrophils and its products. The social and economic impact of the RA is substantial, not only for countries but also patients: the medical and surgical treatment, disability induced in workingage people cause costs of millions of dollars. Traditionally, RA has been treated with drugs that tend to improve symptoms or the use of powerful nonspecific immunosuppressive not constituting an efficient therapy. However, the advances in the knowledge of pathophysiology of this disease and biotechnology have led to the emergency of a new era in the treatment of the RA, known as biological therapy, in which it has attempted to block several key elements in the pathogenesis of the disease. Among those therapies, there are different anti-TNFα drugs approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) that currently constitute the most successful alternatives for the treatment of RA. Although the good results after the use of the products, about 50 % of patients do not get better with this type of therapy because those drugs can cause suppression of the effector mechanisms of the immune response at a systemic level; a lot of patients present a high susceptibility to infections, other autoimmune diseases and neoplasia; therefore it is not an effective therapy for the disease. The development of therapeutical alternatives that can get rid of specific pathogenic cells without causing generalized immunosuppression is a challenge today. In recent years, this has brought about for some researches to work with the use of antigen-specific strategies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, trying to regulate the immune response, rather than suppress it. Peptides derived from auto antigens or altered peptide ligand (APL,) have been used administrated in conditions that allow the induction of regulatory mechanisms mediate the induction of peripheral tolerance (anergy, apoptosis and induction of T cells). This research project is precisely focused on the development of specific- antigen strategies for the treatment of RA aiming at the obtainment of effective drugs for the treatment of this disease. The strategy developed is based on the induction of peripheral tolerance, through the use of a modified APLtype peptide, and derived from autoantigens involved in the pathogenesis of the RA. The autoantigens selected is the protein from heat stress of 60 kDa (HSP60). 34 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research In general, the HSP60 have immunoregulatory properties that help the maintenance of the tolerance; that´s why are strategic targets in the development of therapies for the treatment of inflammatory disorders like RA. From the sequence of the human HSP60, a new peptide fragment was identified as a possible epitope of T cells through bioinformatic tools. This epitope was the bases for the design of an APL- type peptide. The APL are immunogenic peptides ,analogue, with one or several substitutions at essential position contact with the TcR or with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which interfere or modify the cascade of required events to complete activation of T cells (Bielekova B, Martin R. J Mol Med. 2001;79:552-65). The possibility to manipulate experimentally las intrinsic properties of known peptide ligands peptidases allow to alter appropriately nature, course and strength of the cellular immune response. The APL - type peptide designed by our group through bioinformatic tools was modified in a aminoacid residue in relation to the original epitope of the HSP60 (E18-3), to increase affinity and the probability to be present by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules class II that is more frequently expressed in patients with RA. This peptide is called CIGB-814. The CIGB-814 peptide exerts a potent therapeutic effect in two animal models for the RA: arthritis induced by an adjuvant (AA adjuvant arthritis) (Figure 20) and arthritis induced by collagen. Moreover, it also induces regulatory cells with a phenotype CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ in ex vivo trials with mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood and synovial liquid of patients with RA (Figure 21). Figure 20 Clinical signs AA Group 1 18 Group 2 16 Group 3 14 Group 4 Group 5 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 10 20 30 40 50 Posterior days of the AA induction Evaluation of clinical signs in rats with arthritis induced by adjuvant and treated with peptides: original (E18-3) and CIGB-814 (APL1). On the tenth day of the disease induction, the rats were randomly divided in four treatment groups : group 1: rats inoculated with the E18-3 peptide by intradermal route; group 2: rats inoculated with APL1 by intradermal route; group 3: rats inoculated with APL1 by subcutaneous group; group 4: group placebo; group 5:healthy rats. The different values of the clinical signs corresponding to each day represent the average per group plus the standard deviation. The graph represents the results of one of the three experiments. The statistical analysis between groups was performed with the parametrical testANOVA and means were compared using a posteriori Tukey test. Different letters mean significant statistical differences at p < 0.0001. 35 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research % of Tcells CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Figura 21 6 a 4 a,b b 2 0 APL1 C- E18-3 Treatments Analysis of the induction in rheumatoid arthritis patients' PBMCs cells in culture of the Treg CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ phenotype, after its incubation with the altered peptide ligand 1 (APL1). Results are compared to those of cultures incubated with the native peptide or without peptide stimulus. PBMCs were stimulated for five days with 40 mg/mL of the CIGB-814 peptide (APL-1) or the native peptide (E18-3). Baseline stimulation levels were set from PBMCs without peptide stimulation for each patient (C-). Groups were compared by a parametric ANOVA test and means by a posteriori Tukey's test. Results are presented as means plus/less standard deviation. Different letters stand for highly statistically significant differences (p < 0.0001). Development of molecules with antiviral activity against dengue virus Leader of the project BSc. Glay Chinea [email protected] Phone: (537)364 Dengue virus (DENV) is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes which constitute a human disease, with an important global impact in public health and economy. The infections due to this virus cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, some asymptomatic and benign like dengue fever, characterized for an undifferentiated fever, and other severe as the dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and the potentially lethal dengue shock syndrome (DSS). During the last six decades, el DV has gradually increased its geographic distribution and the number of infected patients. Nowadays, it is pandemic in tropical areas: from 50 to 100 millions annual infections are estimated to occur and 2500 millions of people live at risk of being infected. The average annual of cases of FHD reported to the World Health Organization is up to 500 000 per year; among them, more than 20 000 correspond to fatal cases. Nevertheless, the real load of the disease is considered to be still several times higher. Despite of this, vaccines or specific antiviral treatments are not currently commercialized. The project of developing antiviral agents against DV, at the CIGB, is in charge of the study of different stages of virus replication, attractive for the identification of new principals for the inhibition of the disease. A key strategy of the project is focused on the inhibition of virus entry into target cells; a process involved in a series of early events of infection, like adherence of the virus to the host cells, internalization or endocytosis to cells and the fusion of membranes in early endosomes. Another attractive target is processing the viral polyprotein by the NS3 protease, through the design 36 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research of molecules that interfere in the formation of the complex process of maximum proteolytic activity NS3/NS2B. Currently, some available molecules of protein nature (also peptidic and drug-type) show antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo, in the model of induced encephalitis, by intracranial inoculation of DENV in mice. These molecules bring about new principles of inhibition, protected by four patents (granted and requested or applied). Identification of putative endocytic receptor LRP1 as dengue virus: a new strategy for the development of the antiviral therapies The DV penetrates in the mammalian cells by receptormediated endocytosis. Other research groups have shown that several molecules of the cell surfaces bind the virus, such as: GAGs, DC-SIGN, HSP 70, HSP90, laminin receptor, and macrophage receptor. Receptors also bind FC gamma DENV as immunocomplexes. It has previously been proposed that these molecules are virus receptors; however, none of them behaves like endocytic receptor of the DENV and their roles seem to be more related to initial events of adhesion prior internalization of the virus. Concerning this, we have isolated and identified the LRP1 receptor as endocytic putative receptor of the DENV. Our studies are focused on the characterization of the LRP1 binding to the virus and the envelope protein (protein E), determining the function of LRP1 of the virus and protein E internment like in in vitro and in vivo assays inhibiting the infection of LRP1 preparations and their ligands. A patent was granted concerning the use of the LRP1 as a potential target for the development of antiviral agents. The target’s blocking would inhibit the virus’ entry which leads to a productive viral infection, regardless the occurrence of the virus’ binding to other adhesion receptors. Recombinant fragments of LRP1 have also been expressed in order to establish binding assays to identify drugtype molecules by in vitro screening compound libraries. Moreover, in silico screening of virtual libraries of chemical compounds have been studied and a number of them for in vitro screening of potential inhibitors of virus binding to the ligand binding domains of LRP1 have been selected. Design of inhibitory molecules penetrating the virus to the cells Based on the domain III structure, a number of constricted peptides were first designed to imitate a topographic epitope; and those synthetic peptides show an antiviral activity against DV. One of them inhibits the in vitro viral infections DV1-4 with IC50 from 15-50 μM and a selectivity rate of 20-67. This peptide shows a significant protection in an encephalitis mice model caused by intracranial inoculation. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the peptide binds the LRP1 receptor fragments using the Plasmon resonance methodology (BIACORE). The identity of the peptide and its variants constitute an intelectual property of the CIGB whose patent has been granted in some countries Currently, we are working in the obtainment of more potent variants with IC50 values at the nanomolar level. On the other hand, starting from the in silico results of our in silico screening studies in virtual libraries of chemical compounds against LRP1 receptor, a group of potential binding compounds were obtained which were tested in relation to the binding of the receptor fragments by BIACORE. Some compunds have been identified and are the object of characterization in biological trials and the design of modifications for the optimization of properties. Protein E as target for the development of antiviral agents According to the functional importance of the E protein, it was also selected as a target for the development of ligands able of blocking the sites involved in protein-protein interactions, protein-membrane interactions and interfering in conformational changes of the protein. A fragment of recombinant single chain antibody is an antiviral agent that is developing with neutralizing capacity against the four serotypes of the virus. Drug-like molecules have also been identified against this target, using virtual screening methods. This group has developed a library of Alanine mutants of the exposed residues of domain III in order to identify regions of interaction of the envelope protein (domain III in particular) monoclonal antibodies, sera from patients and cell receptors. This tool has allowed to identify immunodominant epitopes of the human humoral response and essential residues in the interaction with receptor proteins. In this project, a combination of methodological tools have been used like: the computational design of molecules based on structure and virtual screening, the selection of ligands against target proteins using combinatory methods(combinatory libraries of phages) methodologies of proteomics, methods of analyses of biomolecule interactions, among others. In addition, in vitro and in vivo trials of the antiviral activity are 37 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research also implemented for the evaluation of candidate molecules and the validation of the putative viral receptor. The crystal structure of the 4G2 monoclonal antibody was solved. Modelling studies on the recognition region led to the understanding of the structural determinants of the broad crossreactivity of antibody against flavivirus, and their mechanism of neutralization and generation of escape mutants. Survey of chemical compounds in virtual libraries for the development of new drugs Leader of the project MSc. Osmany Guirola [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4150 The use of different computational procedures for drug design has emerged as a need to accelerate and streamline the development of new drugs. The success of this approach will depend on the close link between biology groups who know the target deeply, and the function upon which is to influence, the group of bioinformatics associated to the rational design, and the group of chemical synthesis The survey in virtual library is a computational procedure evaluating the possibility of specific interaction of a relatively small organic molecule with the desired protein site. Possibilities of interaction for all compounds listed in databases of chemical compounds are compared, which can generally be integrated by several million compounds An alternative, or rather a possible combination, are the de novo design methods that are not based on a database of known chemical compounds, but try to explore the extremely broad chemical space (which is considered 1060 to 10100 compounds) that would constitute a drug. Some studies have been conducting to obtain antivirals against Dengue virus. There are two strategies: one inhibiting the virus fusion with the cell membrane and the other blocking the interaction between the virus and its cell receptor. This receptor was identified by studies of proteomics as the involved in the internalization of such virus to the cell. One of the main causes of failure of the development of drugs is not take into account the ADME/TOX properties during the initial stage of development. As part of the strategies to develop the techniques of this survey, some methods have been developed using SVM to predict ADME/TOX properties of the possible antiviral candidates. With the amount of predictors of ADME/TOX properties developed, greater probabilities of success of the future drug may be guarantied. Chemical Synthesis Leader of the Laboratory MSc. Osvaldo Reyes [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4537 The work of the group Chemical Synthesis is focused on two fundamental lines: synthesis and purification of oligonucleotides and modified oligonucleotides, and the design and obtainment of synthetic peptides for different applications. We are also in charge of the design and obtainment of combinatory libraries of peptides to find peptides with therapeutical properties and the study of the metabolic stability of some of those molecules in biological fluids as basis for the selection and optimization of therapeutic candidates of peptide nature. The group of oligonucleotides synthesis, the only one of its kind in Cuba, satisfy the demands of these molecules at the CIGB and other scientific centers of the country. It also serves as a national command post for contingencies that require medical services. So far, more than 60 000 oligonucleotides have been synthesized increasing every year the total amount of synthesized molecules. According to the synthesized peptides, more than 2000 molecules have recently been synthesized. The group’s current capacity includes the synthesis of few milligrams and of even tenths of grams of any aminoacidic sequence. Various chemical modifications are also achieved to peptides, among them: the binding cycling by disulfide and lactam bridges, modifications to the amino groups, conjugation to other macromolecules, polymerization by disulfide bonds and the obtainment of complex structures such as multiantigenic peptides (MAP). The development of possible therapeutic candidates based on synthetic peptides, as well as the study and process design for the production scale up of these molecules are also part of the objectives of this group. Characterization of N- and O-glycans bound to glycoproteins Leader of the Laboratory [email protected] phone: (53-7) 250 4366 Glycobiology is a field of biology in charge of the study of carbohydrates and its influence in cell functions with relevance to biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, histology and 38 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research immunology studies among others. Carbohydrates, which may be present as an extraordinary structural diversity and during decades they served like energy sources (glucose and glycogen) and as structural components; but now it is known that its structures contain information that modulates directly many cellular processes. They can be used like molecules of direct information, transmitting messages between the cells or inside them. The exchange of carbohydrates molecules can affect the structural transformations or properties of cellular union influencing in the functioning of the immune system, the operative capacity of several infectious agents and cancer progression (Gabius, 1997). According to cancer, the selectins provide the best example of the interaction lectin-carbohydrates in the biological recognition. Selectins also have biological properties of disseminating carcinogenic cells from an initial tumor to other places of the organism and that the blockade of union places may help prevent metastasis forming. Additionally, galectins (soluble lectin with affinity for galactosides) can act as modulators of cells - substrate interactions essential for the normal differentiation and growth of all multicellular organisms. They are capable of inducing cell proliferation, cell death or apoptosis and has been involved in the organs morphogenesis, metastasis of tumor cells, leukocyte trafficking, immune response and inflammation, as well as the extracellular matrix recognition (Sharon y Lis, 2004). These findings in Glycobiology have opened a way of investigation in the research of glycomarkers which allows to diagnose and evaluate the patients’ progression suffering from carcinogenic diseases as cancer of prostate that occupies the second most frequent type of malignant neoplasia in men. More than 650 000 new cases are diagnosed every year in Cuba in 2012. Prostate Cancer provokes 2703 deaths (MINSAP. data, 2012). The prostate-specific antigen measurement is considered to be one of the best biochemical markers currently available in the field of oncology for prostate cancer (CaP) and permits the early detection of the pathology and the patients’ followup (Stamey et al. 1987). High PSA levels in sera, mostly produced as a consequence of a rupture of the prostate membrane by cancer cells, are indicatives of the CaP presence (Brawer, 1999; Laguna and Alivizatos, 2000; Milford Ward et al., 2001). However, the level of this protein allows to distinguish cellular changes caused by cáncer or by benign changes in the prostate (BPH). As a result, the PSA tests have a high rate of false positives, that could mean to repeat biopsies and unnecessary surgeries (Laguna and Alivizatos, 2000; Stamey et al., 2002; Bonn, 2002). Due to a limit specificity of the routine PSA, it has been necessary to develop additional procedures, more informative, in CaP cases using also blood as a starting point for the analysis. In the last years, researches have been focused on the use of glycoproteomic techniques to define biomarkers of CaP. As a result of these studies, 14 proteins were identified as potential serological biomarkers to detect CaP with different specificity and variable selectivity, in which 11 proteins presented potential N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation sites (Adam et al., 2001; Banez et al., 2005; Pennington et al., 2005; Ornstein et al., 2006). Most of the studies have been conducted from serum where there are a considerable number of glycoproteins and require analytical methodologies of high sensitivity allowing to establish differences between glycosylation patterns in healthy and sick individuals. In 2013, using the combination of analytical methodologies that include the isolation of N-glycans marked with 2-aminobenzamina in Amide-80 Normal Phase, exoglycosidases digestion, monosaccharide analysis and mass spectrometry, it was achieved changes in the N-glycosylation patterns of 44 patients with prostate cancer included in a phase II clinical trial with a therapeutic vaccine candidate. The results showed a decrease of glycosidic structures related to the progression of this disease. Laboratory of Electronic Microscopy Leader of the Laboratory Dr. Viviana Falcón [email protected] Phone: (537) 271 6022, ext. 1127 Transmission electron microscopy is an indispensable analytical tool in the detection of viral particles or other condition by in vitro and in vivo, both preclinical and clinical trials. The nanoparticles obtained through recombinant DNA technology, have been used extensively to the development of vaccine candidates against viral diseases. These nanoparticles mimicking supramolecular structures of viruses and induce an antiviral immune response, based on neutralizing antibodies and protective cellular response. The paradigm of these recombinant nanoparticles is hepatitis B vaccine whose use has been widespread in humans. The HBsAg is assembled into a nano proteolipoparticule, which generates a protective immune response of long duration. The list of nanoparticles developed by the CIGB, currently in 39 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research preclinical and clinical studies, also includes other vaccine candidates for hepatitis C, dengue, hepatitis A and RHD (Figure 22). The nanoparticles can be formed by only proteins or protein-lipid complexes and proteinDNA. The expression systems used are the bacterium Escherichia coli, yeast Pichia pastoris and leaves of plants of snuff. Most viral capsids or nanoparticles are mimicking the lipoprotein envelope of enveloped viruses. Using this valuable tool, the quality control of various production processes can be achieved. This technique is also used in the detection of viral diseases in different industries like: agricultural, fisheries and veterinary. Figure 22 Subviral Nanoparticles obtained by the recombinant DNA technology. A) Presence of the HBsAg nanoparticles is detected of 20 to 30 nm in diameter. B) Presence of HBsAg nanoparticles is detected of 20 to 30 nm. C) Presence of HBsAg + HBcAg nanoparticles is detected of 20 to 30 nm in diameter. D) Presence of 50 nm HCAgc nanoparticles is detected. E) Presence of the nanoparticles VP60 from 35 to 40nm calicivirus is detected. F) Presence of nanoparticles of the DIIIC VHA-ADN con 27nm de diameter is detected. G) Presence of nanoparticles of the de 50 nm del dengue-2/ AND is detected. H) Presence of nanoparticles of 50 nm of capsids- DomIII dengue/DNA is detected. Bar = 100 nm Group of Imaging Leader of the Laboratory Dr. Carlos Cabal Mirabal [email protected] phone: (537) 250 4620 The group of Imaging deals with the implementation of different imaging methods for molecular, preclinical, clinical and pharmaco-surveillance studies. In particular, it develops procedures of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantitative evaluation of pharmacokinetics and biodistribution; also the effectiveness of medications and new formulations 40 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research using classical imaging of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) weighed up in density T1, T2 as well as imaging weighed up of diffusion, perfusion and in vivo spectroscopy of MRI. This group has obtained relevant results as follows: • Development and validation of a method for determining the pharmacokinetics and in vivo biodistribution in biomolecules marked with magnetic particles from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in animal models. It deals with a new method of quantitative determination of the pharmacokinetics and in vivo biodistribution with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of biomolecules marked with magnetic particles. The method is valid for magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies or other biomolecules determining 1) the concentrations for compartments, 2) the time of residence, and 3) the speeds of absorption and excretion. The method allows the animal model’s follow up without sacrificing but comparing its temporary evolution, which makes the studies more rapid and economic. It has been presented in events and published in magazines of high visibility. • Establishment and validation of new biomarkers and protocols of magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate solid tumor responses under therapeutic action of medications. It was established a protocol for the in vivo, quantitative and evolutionary study of solid tumors from magnetic resonance imaging in animal models and human beings that allow to evaluate the evolution of tumor volumes, morphology changes, different internal textures of the tumor micro - regions, changes in cell density and metabolic activity under the medication action. In particular, 35 pediatric patients were studied during 3 years using the treatment with Nimotuzumab and with the tratamiento suspended. In addition the parameters and magnitudes in mice were also studied. It has been presented in events and published in magazines of high visibility. allows monitoring the interaction between two molecules in real time. Some of the potential applications include measurement of affinity interaction and binding kinetics, the determination of analytes and epitope mapping. The principle of detection based on SPR is an optical technique measuring the variations in refraction index at the sensor’s surface, caused by the differences in analyte concentrations. Hence, the technique does not require molecule marking to be analyzed and the response is essentially independent of the bio-molecule’s nature. This technology can be used in the study of protein interactions, nucleic acid, lipid micelles and even particles like viruses and whole cells. Application areas go from basic science in biochemistry and molecular biology, to the design of drugs, production of monoclonal antibodies and research of infectious diseases. AWARDS AND DISTINTIONS Annual awards of the Academy of Sciences in Cuba in 2012 • Diana García del Barco et al. Demonstration of • • • • Laboratory of interaction analyses in Biacore Responsible of the Laboratory BSc. Vivian Huerta [email protected] phone: (537) 271 6022, ext. 3150 Biacore is an optical sensor which makes use of the surface Plasmon resonance phenomenon (SPR) and neuroportective effects of the coadministration of EGF + GHRP6 in biomodels of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis biomodels. Isabel A. Guillen et al. In vitro and in vivo studies contributing to discern the possible effects of Heberprot-P® in tumor development. Maria del Carmen Domínguez et al. Demonstration of the therapeutic effect of two modified peptides derived from the heat shock protein 60 kDa in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis. Alicia Santos Savio et al. Identification of the first peptide molecule that inhibits the biological effects of interleukin 15. Iris Valdés et al. Immunization strategy in monkeys by heterologous prime-boost with virus Dengue-2 and recombinant proteins containing domain III of the viral envelope. National Awards of Health 2013 • Diana Garcia del Barco et al. Preclinical studies of • the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases with EGF+GHRP6 as combined therapy. Award Lázaro Gil González et al. Nucleocapdi-like particles obtained obtained from the recombinant protein of the 41 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research • • Dengue virus 2 capsid induce a functional and serotype-specific cellmediated immunity in mice. Award. Iris Valdés, Alienys Izquierdo et al. The fusion protein domain IIIcapsid of Dengue virus 2 induces a functional and serotype-specific immune response. Mention. Enrique Iglesias Pérez et al. Two schedules for the mucosalparenteral coadministration of a multiantigenic formulation against the HIV-1 in Balb/c mice. Mention. Awards and recognitions • Therapeutic vaccine against Chronic Hepatitis B. Second award at • • the 21rst conference of the National Association for the Studies of the Liver, India. Giselle Pentón Rol et al. Latin American Award of Pharmacology Dr. Plutarco Naranjo Vargas in memoriam (sponsored by the Latin American Association of Pharmacology (ALF) and the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR). Neuroprotective effect and molecular mechanisms of C-Phycocyanin in experimental models of Multiple Sclerosis and Brain Ischemia. Dr. Carlos Cabal was designated by the Université Rennes as member of the Academic Board for a PhD degree in France. Posters awarded in Latinfarma 2013 • Noraylis Lorenzo et al. Therapeutic effect of an altered peptide ligand • • derived from heatshock protein 60 by suppressing of inflammatory cytokines secretion in two animal models of rheumatoid arthritis. Alieski Cruz-Ramírez et al. Phycocyanobilin induces a protective gene expression profile and restores the redox balance in a model of acute cerebral hypoperfusion in wistar rats. Marcelo Nazabal-Gálvez et al. C-Phycocyanin and interferon beta: molecular mechanisms associated to a new combined therapy for multiple sclerosis in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model. EVENTS AND COURSES • Workshop on Bioinformatics and Biotechnological Applications, held in HUSA Hotel Cayo Santa Maria, Junio 5-7, 2013. • I Peptide International Symposium, Cayo Santa María, June 4th- 7th, 2013. FOREING VISITORS • Dr. Marie-Luise Michel, Pasteur Institute, France. • Dr. Maryline Mancini, Pasteur Institute, France. • Dr. Bernard Fanget, subdirector CMC, Wittycell, France. 42 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Biomedical Research • Dr. Eduard Escrich Escriche. Professor of Physiology at the Faculty • • of Medicine of the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Member of the Board of Directors of Autonomous University of Barcelona. Dr. Osvaldo Miguel Yantorno, National Director CABBIO-SECyT, Memeber of the Directive Board CINDEFI (CONICET), Vice-president of SAMIGE. National Autonomous University of La Plata, Argentina. Dr. Rosana Mariel Romano, Vide-director of the Center for Inorganic Chemistry of National University of La Plata, Argentina. PUBLICATIONS Forty-three scientific articles were published in international and national scientific journals. SUMMARY 43 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Technological Development T he Direction of Technological Development (DTD) at the CIGB aims at converting scientific results into final products and/or technologies. It also works on the continuous improvement of the commercial products. The whole process of development comprises the establishment of technologies at laboratories with all required quality parameters, until scaling and pilot batch production; ruled by a methodology of integrated direction of projects, which ensures proper planning of the objectives and a systematic review of its progress In this direction, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are combined and sustained on a documented quality system certified by NC-ISO 9001:2008, providing the highest quality and safety of products and technologies that are being developed. The DDT is the organization dedicated to the design and development of biopharmaceuticals, which aims to achieve a high scientific and technical level of high international standard in various aspects of modern biotechnology. It has a highly qualified staff, characterized by its adherence to moral and ethical values in the Cuban society. Four departments that work coordinately constitute DTD: Fermentation Development Department, Purification Development Department, Formulation and Packaging Department, Documentation and Analytical Development Department. DIRECTOR Dr. Rolando Páez Meireles [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4439 Key Executives Head of the Fermentation Development Department Dr. Jorge Valdés Hernández [email protected] Telephone: (53-7) 250 4448 44 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Technological Development Head of the Purification Development Departament Dr. Gabriel Márquez Perera [email protected] Telephone: (53-7) 250 4438 Head of the Formulation and Package Development Department MSc. Fidel Raúl Castro Odio [email protected] Telephone: (53-7) 250 4433 Head of the Analytical Development and Documentation Department BSc. Ramira Dinorah Torres Idavoy [email protected] Telephone: (53-7) 250 4446 Main Results • Production and release of 23 batches of active • • • • • pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and 24 (PT) of the finished product with positive results. This allowed the progress of projects and the initiation or ongoing of clinical trials. Inclusion of improvements in the production process of IFA nucleocapsid antigen of the hepatitis B virus (HBcAg), a process that resulted in more consistent and higher quality of the final preparation. Also started to transfer the purification step to the production plant, including the production of Nasvac® vaccine batches. It was made possible that The Directorate of Quality Assurance at the CIGB issued the certification of primary cells banks (PCB) and working (WCB) for the production of HBcAg. Negative genetic construct vector was developed; the release of cell bank laboratory (BCL) of negative material was finished, and an increase was achieved by 1.5 times the levels of expression of the protein of interest to shaker scale. The design space that justifies the operating conditions of reverse phase chromatography (RP) in the preparative process of obtaining new Heberprot-P® was studied and concluded. Approval and initiation of clinical trial phase II / III of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) patent in Brazil issued by ANVISA-Center for State Control of Drugs, Medical Devices (CECMED) was achieved. Technological Innovation Award and the Annual Health Prize for "Development of PEG-Heberon® for the treatment of hepatitis C “ was obtained in Cuba. • Stability of pentavalent Heberpenta® of Ecuador was • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • demonstrated. In addition, it was possible to continue the execution of the joint development project of the vaccine in Ecuador. The expiring date of 48-kDa PEG reagent was extended from 9 to 24 months. The approval of adjuvant Quimi-Hib® vaccine was achieved for 24 months in industrial batches. A lyophilized formulation of CIGB-210 peptide was developed. An efficient analytical service was guaranteed. 3239 trials were conducted and 21 745 samples were processed with less than 0.8 % of rejection and 1.4 % reanalysis of samples The stability report that declares the demonstration of 12 months stability at 4 ° C and 6 months at 25 °C for the lyophilized formulation of CIGB-500 (3 batches) was approved. Stability was demonstrated in shelf life (5 ± 3 °C) of the 0.1 mg and 0.4 mg lyophilized presentations of antigen CIGB-247, for 18 months Broad spectrum of activity and selectivity of CIGB-378 was demonstrated on in vitro models of cancer: panel of 60 lines of the U.S. National Cancer Institute and pancreatic cancer subpanel The effect of FCEhurec pellets was evaluated in an experimental ulcerative colitis biomodel in rats. The high productivity technology platform was introduced and implemented with the use of monolithic arrays in several bench-scale and productive processes The purification of the CIGB 550-E7 protein, IFA of a cancer vaccine against human papilloma virus was established. Was validated and transferred into the production system techniques gel filtration and ion exchange by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the control of PEG-Heberon®. Was validated and transferred to the production system of analytical techniques for the control of reactive PEG48 kDa (degree of activation and purity. The expression of IFN gamma with kanamycin marker in pTRIP and pT7 promoter variants, and the expression of IFN gamma truncated at the same marker were achieved. The Guarantee of Quality was ratified in 2013 to the Directorate of Technological Development Satisfactory inspection results to maintain ISO 9001:2008 certification. 45 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Technological Development Awards • Annual 2013 Health Award for Technological Innovation, Cuba: • • • Development of PEG-Heberon® for the treatment of hepatitis C in Cuba. Development of a novel formulation for a suppository that contains recombinant streptokinase in the treatment of acute hemorrhoid: Péter Murányi Award . Saúde, Brazil 2014. Relevant Award in the XVI Municipal Science and Technology Forum: Quality Management System in the Development Stage in CIGB certified by ISO 9001:2008 Award in the XVI Provincial Science and Technology Forum. Quality Management System in the Development Stage in CIGB certified by ISO 9001:2008 Discussed Thesis PhD Thesis • Fermentation Process for the obtaining of plasmid pIDKE2 in Escherichia coli to be used in a vaccine candidate against hepatitis C virus. Odalys Ruiz Hernández, July 10th, 2013 MASTER'S DEGREE Thesis • Optimization of the microencapsulation of the growth factor in microspheres of polylactic acid obtained by the method of double emulsion and evaporation of the solvent. Elian Cruz Peñalver, May 28th, 2013 Thesis • Purification of the CIGB-550-E7 Recombinant protein. Rayniel Acosta Travieso. Tutor: Dr. Miladys Limonta. • Establishment of an apyrogenic process for the antibody fragment CIGB166A. Yinet Cartaya. Tutor: MSc. Jorge Sánchez. • Development of a fermentation process in an a templa cultivation • type for obtaining recombinant streptokinase: Marlen Herrera. Tutor: Dr. Jorge Valdés. Design of a chemically defined medium to obtain the HB core protein in Escherichia coli: Claudia Granados. Tutor: MSc. Saily Martínez. Publications Five articles were published in international journals and 19 technical reports were made. SUMMARY 46 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Production W ith the founding of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in 1986, and the need for a kind of a facility in which non-industrial scale production of biotechnology products in Cuba could be established, a pilot plant was created, transformed over time into an industrial facility of modern and functional design, in accordance with the regulations and national and international standards. The Direction of Production is now a large production complex of units of a high modern technology, important production capabilities and highly trained personnel, which is responsible for the obtainment of biotechnology products, with a constant desire to excel. These units include more than 12 000 square meters and include all production facilities for various products, some of them unique, supported and endorsed by international patents in clinical trials in different countries Production Management's primary mission is to provide the products and services required for the domestic consumption and trading exports run by the commercializing company Heber Biotec SA. The vision of Production Management is geared to the strengthening of the product portfolio, fostering innovation and working to meet the highest quality standards, taking into account the growing demand for our products, the wide international recognition of the progress of Cuban biotechnology industry, and its entry into the most demanding markets It comprises the production units where the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are produced to manufacture the anti-hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae tipo b vaccines, the recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF), the granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) the recombinant human interferons α and ϒ, pegylated interferon, the transference factor, and monoclonal antibodies. Along with them, are located the Department of Formulation and Packaging and those supporting the activity of the direction: Services, Engineering, Process Control, Analysis and Organization Management, Human Resources and Technology Transfer. DIRECTOR Ing. Jorge Luis Vegas Elías [email protected] Telephone: (537) 271 6022, Ext. 2000 47 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Production Key executives Vice-director of production Eng. José Enrique Brito León [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4228 Head of the Regulatory Management Department Bach. Luciano Francisco Hernández Marrero [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4230 Vice-director of Operations Eng. Manuel Enrique Montané Enríquez [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4273 Head of the Hepatitis B Department Eng. Juan Miguel Rivera Martin [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4276 Head of the Multi-purpose Plant for Clinical Trials MSc. Vivian Pujol García [email protected] Phone: (537) 271 6022, ext. 2114 Head of the Technology Transfer Department Eng. Lilia Luisa Pérez Suárez [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4274 Head of the Monoclonal Antibody Department PhD. Rodolfo Valdés Veliz [email protected] Phone: (537) 271 6022, ext. 7101 Head of Department operatively working as a vicedirector of liophilized Eng. Oscar Cruz Gutiérrez, MSc. [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4464 Head of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor Department MSc. Natacha Pérez Rodríguez [email protected] Telephone: (537) 250 4493 Head of the Transfer Factor Department MSc. Yanieyis Alvarez Delgado [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4533 Head of the Haemophilus influenzae type b Department Eng. Belinda Díaz Montel [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4270 Head of the Production Engineering Department Eng. Iriac Bisquet Ramírez [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4250 Head of the Process Control Department PhD. Julio César Sánchez [email protected] Phone: (537) 271 6022, ext. 5951 Head of the Formulation and Packaging Department Eng. Carmen Rosa Chuay Silva [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4231 Head of the Human Resources Department Eng. Mayra Ponce Guerrero, MSc. [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4272 Head of Services to Production Department BSc. Yutdelis Roben Aguilar [email protected] Phone: (537) 271 6022, ext 2005 Head of the Company Organizational Analysis Department Eng. Francisco José Castañeda Márquez, MSc. [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4232 RELEVANT RESULTS Institutional achievements • Effective improvements in the production process of HBsAg API. • Compliance of the training plan under the principle of quality management. 48 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Production • Fulfillment of the production plan of AcM CB.Hep-1 in • Satisfactory results in the TT vac Hib to ChangHeber, • • Signing contracts with Blood Banks, suppliers of the raw • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ascites and compliance of the inmmunogels export plan. Efficient and uninterrupted analytical and microbiological support to research-development productive groups, in the center and also to centers that belong to (OSDE) BioCubaFarma. Consolidation of the work with the JVC-ChangHeber as a strategy for productive output abroad. Successful implementation of the production of Heberprot-P® in Praxis, Vitoria, Spain. Maintenance of the high operational reliability in the auxiliary systems of the Production Plant. Improvements in the effectiveness of qualification and validation work performed at the Engineering Production Department. Strategic improvements in the documentary system, leading to greater efficiency and organization. Successful maintenance activity in the productive area by the Production Engineering. Department. Efficient response to changes in water systems to meet the production needs of the production plant in 2013. Successful implementation of human capital actions in the Production Management Direction as part of the assuring operations for 2013. The results were satisfactory to regulatory inspections, no increase in staff and a turnover rate less than the 8 % planned and a higher rate of mobility by 32 % of the workforce. Relevant results in the service area with a significant impact on the standard image of the Production Plant and guaranteeing the transport operations. Adequacy of the liquid waste tank, including the local of synthetic peptides production, and implementation of reactive donations or idle to other institutions, such as alternative solutions in the Comprehensive Plan of Waste Management of CIGB. Implementing solutions that allowed continuing treatment of biosolids generated in the CIGB, during the capital maintenance of the incinerator. Completion of risks studies and vulnerabilities of Peptides Plant (investment),Plant 4, Warehouses, Plant 13 and Green Houses that belong to Agricultural Research units, done by Inversiones Gamma. Effective solution to the destruction by mechanical grinding of finished products declared, due or noncompliant in the CIGB. Satisfactory results in the execution of the Technological Transfer Project and supplies of recombinant or human IFN alpha 2b to BioM, Brazil. China. material for the production of API Transfer Factor. • Positive productive results were achieved during • • • • • • • • • • • • campaigns of IFA G-CSF, transfer factor and gamma IFN. Implementation of Plant 6 and plant 7 as service units for products under development. Production of the API of the hepatitis B virus capsid antigen (HBcAg) for its use in Phase II clinical trials. Report of the genotype Dam strain influence in the mutation occurrence in the sequence of the recombinant protein P64K after 56 generations. It was conducted to address the regulatory body in Europe, for the introduction of CimaVax-EGF vaccine in a clinical trial in that region. The Heberprot-P® delivery plan to Venezuela (250 000 bb 120 000 bb) was fulfilled for a total of 370 000 bb exported for 144.3 million CUC. This was made possible by the intense work to stimulate the consumption of the product. Product delivery was guaranteed by Heber Biotec SA to fulfill the growing sales plan, both for exports and for the domestic market, including deliveries to the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM). API production of EGF in Plants 6 and 7 was implemented, and the production plan of API Heberprot-P® was fulfilled. Certification by CECMED of the production systems on Plant 1(HB) Plants 6 and 7 (IFN - PEG + parenteral EGF), Plant 9 (FT), Plant 10, ChangHeber (IFN, IFN-PEG). Maintain the quality system certification of CIGB according to the ISO 9001:2008 standards. Certification of the production of API Hib.Biocen by CECMED. Effective starting of Plant 4 with satisfactory results in productive batches. Satisfactory results in the production strategy for the production of API in 2013 Quimi-Hib® in 2013 campaign with temporary leave and the implementation of API from Hib PRP supply of ChangHeber Results. Fulfillment of the production plan of the activated PEG40 (367 g) ensuring PEGHeberon 2014 campaign and works in ChangHeber. Renovation of the licenses of Heberon Alpha R® liquid 3 M, 5 M and 10 M, Heberon Alpha R® lyophilized 3 M, 5 M and 10 M, Heberon Gamma®, HeberPAG® 3 M and 10 M, 49 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Production • • • • Heberkinasa® 750 000 1 500 000 IU and IU , HeberNem®-L and Hebertrans® in Cuba. The condition of Relevant Center in developing the work of the National Forum on Science and Technology has been maintained for 8 consecutive years. Validation of Lowry method for the quantification of total proteins in samples of the synthetic vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b production. Ellman’s method validation for determining the concentration of sulfhydryl groups to produce samples of the synthetic vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b. Functioning of the activated carbon filter system of the purified water in the production Plant. Technical and scientific achievements • Production process of the Pegheberon active ingredient. • • • • • Threefold increase of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient. Correlation between LAL and rabbit Pyrogen test in recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor samples. Replacement of serum-supplemented medium in the freezing CB.Hep-1 hybridoma and CB.Hep-1. monoclonal antibody production. Demonstration of the chromatography affinity stability used to purify a monoclonal antibody as immunoreactive in the manufacture of a vaccine against hepatitis B. Detection of an immunologically important epitope in the active pharmaceutical ingredient of the Heberbiovac HB® vaccine employing CB.Hep-4 monoclonal antibody. Assessment of two transgenic tobacco plant varieties for the HBsAg specific plantibody production. COURSES DELIVERED • Requalification in Good Engineering Practices. • Course on Inmovilization and Purification. • Requalification in Good Cleaning and Sanitation • • • • • Practices. Requalification in Good Documentation Practices. Introductory Production Course. Basic Production Course. Seminar on the updated requirements of Good Practices by Cecmed. Course on Hygiene and Safety Requalification. 50 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Production Visitors • Officials from the Province People’s Power, Cuba. • Dr. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Vice-President • • • • • • • • • • of the Councils of State and Ministers, Cuba. Executives from OSDE BioCubaFarma (several visits). Executives from the Fire Management Agency, Cuba. Executives from Praxis Pharmaceutical, Spain. Thirty students from the Architecture Faculty, University of Havana. Vice-Minister of Finance and prices, Cuba. New graduated university students from OSDE BioCubaFarma, Cuba. Cecmed (trámites regulatorios, en varias ocasiones). CECMED (regulatory affairs). Ambassador and Commercial Advisor from the French Embassy in Cuba. Executives from WITTYCELL, France. Dr. Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart, Scientific advisor for Cuba’s Council of States. Publications There were approved to publish 13 articles and 37 technical reports. SUMMARY 51 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Biotherium T he Biotherium is the responsible for the use and care of lab animals and the control of biotechnological products, as well as; the design and development of the training in laboratory animal science at the Center for Genetic engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in Cuba and the countries on request. It counts with high-tech equipment including a rigorous automated control of environmental parameters including: temperature measurements, relative humidity, and differential pressure. Ammoniac concentration is performed using qualified digital equipment. In this direction works scientists and highly qualified specialists with over 12 years experience trained in different fields of biological science, quality management system and laboratory animal science. Its main topics of research are the obtainment of biomodels assessing the obtained products at the CIGB, experimental toxicology and pharmacology, histopathology, environmental safety, bioethics, immunology and animal breeding. Manager Dra. Karelia Cosme Díaz Phone: 250 4301 [email protected] Mission The Biotherium’s mission is to satisfy the demand of in vivo and preclinical studies to the different directions of the CIGB, to guarantee not only annual requests not less than 98 % to the Quality Control and Production Directions, but also 95 % annual requests to the Research and Development Direction. Furthermore, the direction designs and accomplishes not less 95 % requests of theorical and practical training being requested throughout the year. Main executives Head of the Department of Animal Experimentation and Good Preclinical Practices MSc. Jorge Castro Velazco phone: 250 4347 [email protected] 52 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Biotherium Head of the Department of product control and materials Omar Mosqueda Lobaina Phone: 250 4306 [email protected] Senior Specialist Dr. C. Dania Bacardí Fernández. PhD. Phone: 205 4342 [email protected] Head of the Group of Experiments with laboratory rodents Laritza Gorovaya Phone: 250 4306 [email protected] Group of Good Preclinical Practices MSc. Lizet Aldana Velazco Phone: 250 4306 [email protected] Main Results • Obtainment of the Sanitary register, authorization • • • • • of clinical trials (CT) or Renovation and trámites of: Heberprot-P en Cecmed the files were presented in Chemo, Costa Rica, Marruecos, Peru, Russia, Praxis, Turkey and Bolivia. Report of approval by CECMED of the final Report of CT Praxis, Heberpenta L: register in Peru, Venezuela, Uruguay and Dominican Republic, Peg-Heberon register request in Thailand, China and Byelorussia, Proctokinase®: Approval SAEC/Cecmed, Nasvac: deliver IMPD for Witycell and CRISTALIA Enterprise, CIGB-247, CIGB-247A, CIGB-370, CIGB552, CIGB-845A: Approval by the CECMED of CT, HeberPAG: development of the project Family. Development of the completed toxicological qualifications of impurities of Heberprot-P®, CIGB-500, CIGB-552, CIGB-247A, CIGB-845a and the vaccine candidate (Nasvac). Re-certification of ISO 9000:2008, for 4 consecutive years. A researcher got a doctoral degree in Sciences.. The Guidelines for the use of Laboratory Animals and a Conference in the Master's Degree of Trends in Modern Biotechnology were delivered. Development and validation of the method Determination of the Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution in vivo of • • • • • • • • • • • biomolecules marked magnetically from Images of Magnetic Resonance in animal models. First studies of FC/FD of CIGB-128-A in humans and non- human primates. Final reports of the studies of FC/ FD of CIGB-128-A in primates and humans. Preclinical Safety of CIGB-210 in repeated doses. Improvement of the image in areas of the CIGB.. Effective regulatory activity on Biological, Chemical and Radiological Safety. Achievement of 14 Toxicological studies including the Certification by Quality Assurance at the Cecmed and the approval of SAEC. Satisfactory results in the process of evaluation at work achieving 95 % to the compliance of the process at the center and 99 % in the production facilities Quality Management of the Biotherium at the CIGB, applied to the control of biotechnological products and preclinical research. Immunogenicity and safety of the synthetic vaccine Quimi-Hib® and of the pentavalent vaccine Trivac HB® + Quimi-Hib® concentrated. Elaboration of the preclinical strategy of the GCSF-PEG. Elaboration of the preclinical strategy of the vaccine candidate Nasvac for the First World. Obtainment of the ulcerative colitis biomodels. Awards or distinctions • Annual Award of the Academy of Sciences in 2012: Proctokinase®, new medicine for the treatment of hemorrhoids disease. Certification of 14 toxicological studies and approval of clinical trials of assessed products by the Quality Assurance Direction. Internacional Projects • Participation in different projects like: CIGB-300, CIGB247, CIGB-166a and Heberprot-P®. Courses and seminars Courses • Guidelines on the care and use of laboratory animals in researches. • Requalification Guidelines on the care and use of laboratory animals in researches. • Good laboratory practices. 53 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Biotherium Events • Congress AETOX 2013. Proof of the safety requalification of the HTP. Foreign Visitors • Senior Specialists from the biological Laboratory in Argentina. • Senior Specialists from Praxis – Apointech. Publications Two articles and four technical reports were published. SUMMARY 54 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Agricultural Research T he Direction of Agricultural Research from the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) leads the Division of Plants and Animal Biotechnology. The first involves conducting projects in Plant Molecular Virology, Functional Genomics, PlantMicroorganisms interactions, Plants as Bioreactors, Environmental Biotechnology, and Plant Experimental Parcel. The second, aimed at projects related to Animal Health, Aquatic Biotechnology, Expression in Mammalian Cells and Clinical Trials. The CIGBs in Camagüey and Sancti Spíritus are integral part of the one in Havana, and also develop major projects of agricultural profile. The use of genetic engineering as a working method involves a responsibility for human security and environmental protection. This is an essential method for the development of new products and in the solution of problems of science and technology. Our mission is aimed at such goals, based on ethical principles, which are performed by evaluating the risks and following the most stringent biosafety measures as well as the requirements of current legislation. DEPUTY DIRECTOR Dr. Carlos G. Borroto [email protected] Phone: 250 4201, 271 6032 Fax: 273 1779, 273 6008 Key Executives Head of the Plant Department MSc. Merardo Pujol [email protected] Phone: (5-37) 250 4182 Fax: (53-7) 273 1779 Head of the Department of Animal Biotechnology Dr. Mario Pablo Estrada García [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4423 Fax: 537 273 1779 55 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Agricultural Research Head of the Project of Plants as Biorreactors MSc. Abel Hernández Velásquez [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4371 Head of the Molecular Virology Project in Plants Dr. C. Alejandro Fuentes Martínez [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4369 Head of the Functional Genomics Project Dr. Orlando Borrás Hidalgo [email protected] Phone: 271 6022, ext. 3151 Head of Plant-Microorganisms Interactions Section Dr.C. Lázaro Hernández García lá[email protected] Phone: 271 6022, ext. 3116 Head of the Environmental Biotechnology Project Dr. Camilo Ayra Pardo [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4370 Research is also being conducted on genetically modifying crops to improve their properties, for their subsequent use in industry and in animal feeding. Such crops involve sugar cane, potato, tomato, rice, sweet potato, maize and soybeans. Working in citrus, fruits, and bananas is also included in the study in collaboration with Cuban scientific institutions. These research works are based on the strictest compliance with biosafety regulations in force, and promote the study of toxicological and environmental implications of genetically modified organisms. The expression of pharmaceutical proteins in transgenic plants is a goal of special interest in which laboratories of partner centers in Sancti Spiritus and Camagüey are also involved. The identification of genes associated with resistance to disease and environmental adversity (salinity and drought) are pretended to be sought with the genomic studies of these crops. RELEVANT RESULTS Corn genetic improvement • The S2 generation from maize line MIR162, progenitor Head of the Soybean Biotechnology Section Dr. C. Gil Enríquez Obregón gil.enrí[email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4355 Head of the Veterinary Clinical Trials Section Bsc. Marisela Suárez Pedroso marisela.suá[email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4420 Head of the Animal Health Section Bsc. Alina Rodriguez Mallon [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4407 PLANT DIVISION The Division of Plants is devoted to molecular biology and the genetic improvement of target plant species as well as the research of compounds and microorganisms useful for crop protection, food, human and animal health. Ongoing projects are aimed at the introduction of genes for plant defense against pests and fungal and viral diseases. • • • • of simple hybrids with high genetic value was obtained. It contains the new Vip3A specific insecticidal protein against corn moth. This protein has a mechanism of action against larvae of the insect pest that is different from the Cry1Fa protein so it can be used for the management of insect resistance. Three hybridomas and their respective seed banks, which produce monoclonal antibodies against the insecticidal protein Vip3A were obtained. An ELISA system was established for the detection of the Vip3A protein in plant extracts. It was demonstrated that the maize moths show a strong preference for ovipositing in Bt maize plants when damage to conventional maize is high. The implications for the evolution of insect resistance were studied. Insect proteins were expressed in Pichia pastoris to begin studies of its utility as targets for insecticides. Soybean genetic improvement • Transgenic soy clones from DT84 and IncaSoy-36 varieties were obtained. The genes of defensin and resistance were expressed showing the resistance to Asian rust and other fungi of importance in the soybeans harvest. 56 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Agricultural Research • New lines derived from a cross between parental • soybeans with higher productive potential, reaching the F4-F5 generation were achieved. Progress was made on the basis of molecular techniques in the characterization of soybean genotypes relevant to the breeding program, in addition to genes associated to contrasting phenotypes. Scaling of transgenic soybeans in 20 acres in the Military Agricultural Enterprise Cubasoy was achieved demonstrating the productive potentials of the lines obtained. The expression of more than 10 g of anti-HBsAg per kg of snuff seeds and 0.18 g/kg of leaves was achieved. Control of diseases caused by germinivirus • The study of the silencing RNA geminiviral silencing Soybean biofertilizer production • Production plan and schedule of sales (1000 L) of • • Bradyrhizobium inoculant was fulfilled. Soybeans planted in the UAM Cubasoy and areas for extension of glyphosate-resistant transgenic variety in different parts of the country was inoculated. The average viability of the inoculum was 3 x 1010 c.f.u./ mL. The inoculated plants showed effective nodulation and good nutritional status. Urea application was saved. Writing of the technological package for the manufacture process of Bradyrhizobium inoculant for soybeans was conducted. Biocatalysts • Design and development of biocatalysts for enzymatic • • • • conversion of sugar cane products with high added value, such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and invert syrup. The international presentation of a patent which claims the production in P. pastoris of a plant fructosyltransferase (1-SSTrec) and its use in conversion of sucrose to 1-kestose was performed. It was determined that 1-SSTrec secreted in P. pastoris is a glycoprotein. Mannose chains play an important role in the catalytic activity of the enzyme. It was also evidenced that 1-SSTrec is useful to increase the content of fructans in chicory root extract, a new commercial utility of the enzyme. A solid formulation of thermostable invertase method was achieved by drying at 60 °C without loss of enzymatic activity, and extremely stable in non-refrigerated storage. Plants as expression systems In the Plants as Bioreactors project we continued to develop strategies that increase the expression levels of pharmaceutical molecules. • process in species of plants of economic importance could point to new approaches for obtaining resistance against the most represented and disseminated viruses in the world. In this sense several models of plant-virus interaction using TYLCV and ToMoTV species were established. Different patterns of behavior were defined and its effect on plant transcriber is analized. The obtaining of molecular tools derived from viral genomes is another objective of the present project. The design of replicons of geminiviral origin capable of expressing or silence specific genes is an effective tool for functional genomics and the use of plants as bioreactors. Several designs of this type of vector were obtained from the genome of ToMoTV, as the integrative and systemic expression of a specific gene. Plant genomics Identification, isolation and characterization of new genes involved in disease resistance. The worldwide production of economically important crops has been considerably affected by the incidence of various types of pathogens. The project is based on the study of the major molecular and biochemical mechanisms of disease resistance in plants, with the aim of identifying new genes in the plant involved in recognition, signaling and plant response to diseases. The project uses tools like SuperSAGE combined with next generation sequencing to identify the genes. In addition to using different strategies for the analysis function by RNAi. It was identified a new receptor immune response in plants, and a strong candidate for biological activity of the plant defense molecules was achieved. ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY DIVISION The Division of Animal Biotechnology is composed by three main research groups. The first, Animal Health, developed a vaccine against the tick Boophilus microplus tick, known as Gavac®, with a large and very successful use in Cuba, with very important field experiences in other countries. New antigens against ticks are currently developed, which increase the efficacy of the 57 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Agricultural Research existing vaccine. They are also working on the development of new veterinary subunit vaccines, genetically engineered diseases that affect economic species, as well as the design and production of diagnostic systems against such veterinary diseases. The Aquatic Biotechnology group has researched about nutrition and stimulation of growth and the immune system of aquatic organisms for more than fifteen years. It has achieved a remarkable growth and stimulation of the immune system of shrimp and fish by adding nutritional supplements (metabolic modifiers). Acuabio 1® is the first commercial product of this group, recorded with very encouraging results in field tests in Cuba and other countries. Currently has been isolated and studied first neuropeptides and antimicrobial peptides, with a very important role in the immune system of fish function. It has been possible to study the activation and modulation of immune response to both innate and acquired in response to the biological activity of the isolated peptides. These molecules could provide new biotechnological tools for application in modern aquaculture and animal health. The Clinical Trials Group is dedicated to preclinical field study of vaccines and veterinary drugs that are generated in the department as well as the establishment of rapid diagnostic system to support the implementation of plans for the eradication of diseases and an accurate diagnosis of important pathogens that threaten the main livestock produced worldwide. The Department also generates model transgenic animals, being established pro-nuclear injection technology using lentivirus system with a high efficiency. They have managed to develop models in mice, rabbits, cows. Project of new antigens against ticks It has been possible to demonstrate the efficacy of a peptide of the ribosomal protein P0 against Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. At present various immunostimulatory molecules to ensure adequate response against the peptide and its production is feasible from a technological and economic perspective are discussed. Besides, the effectiveness of the new candidate against strains of different regions worldwide and different species of ticks is studied. Aquatic Biotechnology project It has been possible to demonstrate the activation and immune response modulation of both innate and acquired in response to the biological activity of the isolated peptides (e.g. PACAP). Three novel peptides have shown a great activity as antimicrobial agents in a wide spectrum of Gramnegative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria and fungi. Studies have been carried out by qPCR of differential expression in different tissues isolated from fish, in normal conditions and after infestation with bacteria and viruses. The Litopeneus vannamei shrimp PACAP peptide was first isolated being a pioneer discovery in the characterization of these peptides in crustaceans. There is a vaccine candidate against sea lice (sea lice) that attacks salmonids in both north and south seas, with trials with promising results, that could provide a great tool for the control of these ectoparasites that cause millions in losses. National use of Gavac® in Venezuela as part of a comprehensive program of tick control • A 60 % compliance of the reimmunization plan for • 2013 and 74 % of new additions to PCIG in Venezuela was achieved (XII-XIII Joint Commission from 2012 to 2013) The PCIG project started in Venezuela, XIII Joint Commission 2013. There were 1 907 054 animals included in the Integrated Program forcattle tick control. It has been a record in the history of the world. 28 332 farmers have benefited and 5475 have been trained. The results obtained show a 81.6 % reduction in costs and a reduction in cost per animal for tick control of 86.65 % representing an estimated benefit to date, only in respect of chemicals 78 737 300.00 BsF ($ 12 497 984) which is 260 tons less of chemical released into the environment. Antibody testing conducted on a sample confirmed the response to immunization and damage was observed in the reproductive potential of ticks in the field, so the expecting results are fulfilled and the objectives are met. An intense work of colleagues in complex conditions, as well as the entire production, export control and the immunogenic insurance has been required. Strengthening of the Integrated Control Program of bovine tick in Cuba • Gavac® promoters were located by provinces across the country, since October 2013. • Product purchases for producers through contracts with Labiofam are established. promotion (folding, • Programme television and 58 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Agricultural Research • • • • • newspaper reports) encouraging producers about the benefits of this technology. The work of IMV-CIGB – ANAP has strengthened to achieve the results of science in the country. There were 515 101 animals included in the program, of which 233 990 in the private sector and 281 111 of the state sector, and 157 070 were new inclusions We have trained 3246 people in 2013 on the bases of PCIG. The work guaranteed Gavac® record sales this year. The necessary foundations for reintroduction and national expansion were created and an economic impact is achieved in the animal, human and environmental health, considering that there is only one health. Development of new vaccine candidate against E2CD CSF, produced in mammalian cells in suspension Assay No. 5 was done. In it the quality of the E2CD antigen is reaffirmed of obtaining a high antibody response which is then multiplied by the 2nd booster dose. Vaccination with the candidate reversed the immunosuppressive effect. The action of the Montanide ISAV2 adjuvant is valued as the protective element. The ability to achieve viral immunogen sterility 7 days after the strain confrontation. is shown .The high titers of neutralizing antibodies eliminate the virus before it can replicate systemically in the animal. Working cell banks and new virus seed banks will be created, once NPLA procedure conditions are reviewed and adjusted. Advances in the development and assembly of NPLA techniques to measure antibodies against CSF • The documentation was established according to GLP and Biosafety for the work in different areas. Good Laboratory Practice Certification of Good Laboratory Practice in the field of Agricultural Research by Quality Assurance division at the CIGB was obtained. AWARDS ANNUAL AWARDS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF CUBA - 2012 • Antimicrobial peptides as molecular therapeutic agents • • • The technique for the evaluation of neutralizing antibodies of the PPC virus was standardized by direct immunoperoxidase method, which has simplified the work and time. Results are easily interpreted similarly by several analysts. Primary and working banks for used cells and viruses were created by providing a method of fixing the cells for the direct revealed at CIGB multiple anti E2 peroxidase labeled conjugates. This technique is only performed at CENSA, to have her in our center allows us better control of the animals included in the trials and directly know the status of swine mass also allows us to maintain a serum panel. • and molecular adjuvants for fish and mammals. Jannel Acosta1, Mario P Estrada1, Yamila Carpio1, Vivian Montero2, Janet Velázquez1, Iris Valdés3, Reynold Morales1, Antonio Morales1, Yasser Zamora1, Hilda Elisa Garay4, Osvaldo Reyes4, Elsa Rodríguez1, Sonia González5, Ania Cabrales4, Yordanka Masforrol4. 1 CIGB, División de Biotecnología Animal. 2 Cidem, Departamento de Bioquímica. 3 CIGB, División de Vacunas. 4 CIGB, División de Química-Física. 5 CIGB, Departamento de Patentes. Inhibition of molecular patterns associated to pathogen confers high protection against fungi and oomycetes in plants. Ingrid Hernandez Estévez1, Roxana Portieles Alvarez1, Yussuan Silva2, Merardo Pujol Ferrer1, Orlando Borrás-Hidalgo1, Osvaldo Oliva Borbón1. 1 CIGB, División de Plantas. 2 Instituto de Investigaciones del Tabaco, Cuba. Development of biocatalysts based on thermostable Thermotoga maritima invertase for sugar cane total hydrolysis. Carmen Menéndez1, Duniesky Martínez2, Lázaro Hernández1, Enrique Pérez2 Luis E. Trujillo1, Yuliet Mazola1, Bessy Cutiño-Avila3, Alberto del MonteMartínez3, Ernesto González1, Alina Sobrino Legón2, Ricardo Ramírez1, Merardo Pujol1, Carlos Borroto1. 1 CIGB, Dirección de Investigaciones Agropecuarias 2 CIGB de Sancti Spíritus. 3 Centro de Estudios de proteínas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana (UH). Determination of the mechanisms of Tsukamurella paurometabola C-924 plant growth promotion. Marieta Marín1 Jesus Mena1, Idania Wong1, Rolando Morán1, Ramón Franco1, Pavel Chavelis2, Graciela García3, Rosa Basulto1, Armando Hernández4, Liuven Veloz, Eulogio Pimentel1 y Alain Moreira1. 1 Centro de Ingeniería 59 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Agricultural Research Genética y Biotecnología. 2 Estación Experimental de Suelos. 3 Laboratorio Provincial de Sanidad Vegetal. 4 Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas, Cuba. Forum on Science and Technology 2013 • Results of the Program Integrated Control Program • • against Cattle Tick with the immunogen Gavac® in Cuba and Venezuela. Relevant Award at municipal levels. Mention at Havana Province. Prominent, CIGB. Implementation of Good Laboratory Practice in the Department of Agricultural Research. Prominent, CIGB. Standardization at the CIGB of the technique of neutralization of classical swine fever (CSF) by specific antibodies labeled with peroxidase (NPLA) virus. Mention, CIGB. Scientific and Technical Awards 2013 • 1-SSTrec, enzyme without similars in the market for • • • • • Poster: Tobacco seeds as an alternative platform to • • • fructosidase thermostable • • First report of the Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating • EVENTS commercial production of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). • Immobilization for rational design of an exo-β- • Rhipicephalus microplus tick using Heberbiogar® in Venezuela. peptide of the (PACAP) in crustaceans: conservation of its biological function as a growth promoter and immunomodulator in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. New developments in the characterization of genes / proteins in akirins lice sea. Inhibition of the transmission of pathogens between ticks by vaccination with Bm86. Lactobacillus pentosus IC1, an isolation of fermented vegetables with probiotic and immunostimulating activity in shrimp Development of immunochemical tools for the detection of transgenic corn event MIR162 resistant to Spodoptera frugiperda. Effective Beta-lactam antibiotics for removing Agrobacterium tumefaciens in calluses from Cuban rice varieties. 1-SSTrec, enzyme without similar for the commercial production of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS • Project XII and XIII CONCUVEN Joint Commission. Implementation of a program for the control of • • • • • • production of pharmaceutics. Hernández Abel, López Alina, Ceballo Yanaysi; Rosabal Yamilka, Cabrera Gleysin, Simón Margarita, Pérez Marlene, Ramos Osmany, Tiel Kenia, Rodríguez Meilyn, Enríquez Gil. Poster: Antitumor activity of the aglycosylated antibody against human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) produced in transgenic plants. Rodríguez M, Pérez L, Gavilondo JV, Bequet-Romero M, Garrido G, Huerta V, González EM, Cabrera G, Soto J, Perez M, Ramos O, Sánchez B, Ayala M, Triguero A, Cremata J, Álvarez A, Morera Y, Sánchez J, Lamdán H, Oliva O, Simón M, Pujol M, Hernández A. Physiology and plant biotechnology and its applications in improving the environmental stress. UH. 2012. Fructan metabolism in endophytic diazotrophs of the genus Gluconacetobacter (lecture). Catalytic properties of N-glycosylated Thermotoga maritima β-fructosidase overexpressed in Pichia pastoris (poster). Advances in the regulatory status of GM soybean in Cuba: Extension in different production areas. Gil A Enriquez, Natacha Soto, Yamilka Rosabal, Celia Delgado, Aneisi Reyes, Aleines Ferreira, Odet Céspedes, Raul Armas, Orlando Borras, Roxana Portieles, Osvaldo Oliva, Merardo Pujol, Carlos Borroto. Lecture: Biotechnology platform in bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells to produce veterinary subunit vaccine. Production of highly polymerized bacterial levan in transgenic tobacco plants (lecture). Genetic transformation of Cuban soybean variety Incasoy-36 mediated by particle bombardment of embryonic axis. Natacha Soto, Celia Delgado, Yamilka Rosabal, Aleines Ferreira, Gil A Enríquez. Evaluation of salt tolerance in 10 varieties of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merryl. Yuniet Hernández, Marilyn Florido, Natacha Soto, Celia Delgado, Rodobaldo Ortiz, Gil Enriquez. Obtaining of soybean lines resistant to glyphosate herbicide soybean breeding by artificial crossing. Celia Delgado, Gil A Enríquez, Rodovaldo Ortiz, Natacha Soto, Aneisi Reyes, Odett Cespedes, Eliudimir Peña, Moisés Morejón. 60 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Agricultural Research • Obtainment of soybean plants carrying epsps and • • • • • • • • • • • • • defensin (NmDef02) genes. Natacha Soto, Celia Delgado, Yamilka Rosabal, Aleines Ferreira, Orlando Borrás, Roxana Portieles, Aneisi Reyes, Yuniet Hernández, Gil A Enríquez. Cloning and functional characterization of three novel antimicrobial peptides from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A novel GH secretagogue, A233, exhibits enhanced growth activity and innate immune system stimulation in teleosts fish. Functional and evolutionary analysis of the fructan metabolic in endophytic bacteria of the genus Gluconacetobacter (conferencia). Analysis of response of two silencing events immune to TYLCV in different tomato genotypes under extreme conditions. Poster: Inhibition of Erlichia canis and Babesia canis transmission in dogs vaccinated with Bm86 antigen (Gavac®) Rodriguez Mallon A, Zacarias RM, Benavides Ortiz E, Gómez Ramírez AP, Javier Andres JO, Soto Rivas JL, Sampaio PH, Evora PM, Bechara GH. Implementation and extension of an Integrated Control Program against bovine tick with the immunogen Gavac® (April-May 2012 and December 2012 - January 2013). Prebiotics and Probiotics (Professor, pre-congress course). Training Workshop: Implementation and extension of an Integrated Control Program against cattle tick with the immunogen Gavac® (December 2012 - January 2013 and June-July 2013). Workshop: “News and perspectives of a byproduct to control ticks "(May 14-15). CIGB Camagüey. Danny Pérez, Mario P Estrada, Pedro Encinosa. Lecture: Culture of vitro cells. Its importance in the development and regulatory compliance in biological products. María Pilar Rodríguez. Course on Virology. Master's Degree of Trends in Modern Biotechnology. Lecturer: María Pilar Rodríguez. 2013-Jan 2014. 2013, IX Latin American Symposium on alcohol and yeast production, Varadero, (April 08-11). Poster: Sucrose hydrolysis by a bacterial β-thermoestable highly exofructosidase produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris. Carmen Menéndez, Duniesky Martínez, Luis E Trujillo, Enrique R Pérez, Ricardo Ramírez, Alina Sobrino, Lázaro Hernández. International Workshop on Biosafety 2013 . September 16-19. Habana Libre Hotel, Cuba. Biosafety assessment 61 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Agricultural Research • • for recombinant protein production in the mammary gland of goats by the use of adenoviral vectors: preliminary study. Biosafety Regulatory documentation for transfer and manipulation of classical swine fever virus strains in the CIGB. International Congress ALPA2013 . XIII Meeting of the Latin American Association of Animal Production. IV Congress of Tropical Animal Production. November 18 to 22. Conventions Palace, Cuba. Advances of the Integrated Control Program against Cattle Tick against with Gavac® immunogen in Cuba. AWARDS XVI Forum on Science and Technology • Results of the Integrated Control Program against cattle • • • tick with the immunogen Gavac in Cuba and Venezuela. Relevant. Implementation of Good Laboratory Practice in the areas of IAP. Standardization of the neutralization technique to classical swine fever (CSF) by specific antibodies labeled with peroxidase (NPLA). mention in the XVI Forum on Science and Technique. Municipal Level. Playa, La Habana. Results of the Integrated Control Program against Cattle Tick with Gavac® immunogen in Cuba and Venezuela. Relevant. PUBLICATIONS Eight articles were published in international journals. SUMMARY 62 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATICS AND COMMUNICATIONS T he Department of Informatics and Communications is in charge of everything related to computing resources and use, software development, process automation as well as communications, both telephone and radio. It is integrated by 42 workers, 22 professionals and 13 technicians. The direction is divided into seven areas as follows: • • • • • • • Direction: 2 members. Networks: 7 members. Bioinformatics: 10 members. Development of Applications: 13 members. Process Automation: 5 members. Technical Assistance: 5 members. Communications: 5 members DIRECTOR Dr. Ricardo Ricardo Parellada [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4156 Key Executives Head of the Development of Applications Group Ing. Julio César Iglesias Bayeux [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4157 Head of the Network Group Ing. Ronny Córdova Díaz [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250-4157 63 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATICS AND COMMUNICATIONS Head of the Group of Automation of Processes MSc. Noel Jesús Reyes Fleitas [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250-4271 Head of the Communications Group Téc. Amaurys Cardoso Álvarez [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4211 Head of the Technical Assistance Group Ing. Wilfredo Alemán Fernández [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4210 MAIN RESULTS • Desvelop new Products and market based on a Strategic Plan 2012-2016. • Complete the research stage (Biomedical and agriculture). Priority projects at the CIGB Heberprot-P® • Data Analysis of results by quantitative (qPCR) of 49 genes and search for response-associated patterns. CIGB-300 • Analysis of the differential expression of genes and • discussion of results of two experiments by qPCR in this project. Identification of substrates of casein kinase 2 (CK2) linked with biological routes and illnesses of interest. CIGB-378 HeberProvac • Presentation in the Commission of Bioinformatics of a summary of the work made with a proposal of possible biomarkers. Tomato Results of the bioinformatic analysis of the experiment of small size RNA deep sequencing in samples of transgenic, non-transgenic tomato, exposed and not exposed to the environment. • Identification of sequences of geminivirus known from the analysis of RNA samples of small size. • Identification of the partial sequence a possible new virus from the analysis of small size RNA samples. • Identification of potential target of RNA of interference derived from the speckled yellow virus of the Cuban tomato leave(TYLCV) in the genome of the tomato. • Identification of potential target of RNA of interference derived from the transgene in the genome of the tomato and in the geminivirus with genome completely sequenced. • Identification of the coincidences between the genes differently expressed in the study of microarrays to evaluate the off-targets effects of the transgene and the transcripts of tomatoes that RNA of interference, both the derivatives from the transgene, and the Cuban TYLCV are possible targets. Development of bioinformatic tools The work continued on the development of propietary bioinformatic tools, such as: BisoGenet and Bisofarma, to generate and analyze biological networks. • Analysis of data from cell growth inhibition experiments BisoGenet • Classification of cell lines according to their sensitivity • Implementation in the web site of a new algorithm of in 60 cancer cell lines. and the diseases selected for evaluation. CIGB-552 • Visualization in surface response charts, of the synergic, additive or antagonistic effect of medicine combination experiments. expansion of networks. • Implementation of necessary functionalities to use the new algorithm of expansion for the client. • Readjustments in classes of the panel of visualization of information, common to the BisoGenet and BisoPharma applications, to support conditions not foreseen in the original design. 64 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATICS AND COMMUNICATIONS BisoPharma • Incorporation of the R procedural language, which allows to develop in the database functions that use this powerful statistical package • Development of stored procedures to determine the enrichment of Genes in the category of chemicals associated with illnesses. • Development of stored procedures that allow to gain access to the information about the types of targets, the development phase of the drugs and the ways of action of the drugs on their targets. A preliminar version of the plugin of Cytoscape was finished which generate and expand networks of genes, illnesses and drugs, from a list of those mentioned entities given by the user. In this version the user can select the types of relations and primary sources of information wanted to incorporate in the network, which can be included the entities given as entry or those associated with them. The nodes of the generated networks possess attributes as type of node and description, which are visualized in the panel of information of Cytoscape. Proteomics • A software was developed for the precursors' evaluation in spectrums of masses of peptides interlaced by cysteine bridges. • Creation of a model for free quantification of non-labeled proteins. • Prediction of the limits of quantification of marking with 18O en experiments of proteomics, from the theoretical model of oxygen exchange of the carboxylic terminal, catalyzed by an enzyme. In addition, the information was acquired and a methodology achieved by the analysis of correlation of gene expression, with data of inhibition of the growth of experimental cancer cell lines. Computer support • Improvement in the infrastructure of the network giving • • the biggest hardiness and safety to the computer network. Increase of the safety level and improvement of the safety mechanisms of the network. Modernization of the Telephone Slate, which has allowed a significant progress both in the service and in 65 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATICS AND COMMUNICATIONS the control of the calls. Introduction of the IP Telephony. • Implementation of new services and maintenance of the • existing ones in the network of the CIGB that improve the management of the work and the computer safety. Support to the organization and development of the different activities developed in the CIGB, such as: Havana Biotechnology Congress, Audits, Visits, etc. AWARDS AND distinctions • Two researchers obtained the Doctor´s Degree in Mathematics. Proposal of an annual of this tribunal. • Two workers finished their carrier in informatics engineering. EVENTS • International Workshop in Bioinformatics and OMICS: a lecture and three posters. • Technical and Scientific Forum at the center: Two • workers were presented: - BisoGenet: a tool for System Biology. A Martin, ME Ochagavia, J Miranda, J Fernandez-de-Cossio, L Carmen Rabasa, C Suarez, F Torres, A Garcia, R Bringas. Conferencia. - BisoPharma: An integrated system for gene-diseasedrug network, reconstruction. ME Ochagavía, A García, A Martin, F Torres, J Miranda, Y Grinión, J Fernándezde-Cossío, C Suárez, JR Fernández, R Bringas. Cartel. - SysBiomics: Database for integration and analysis of omics data. J Miranda, ME Ochagavía, A Martín, LC Rabasa, C Suarez, J Fernández- de-Cossio, A García, F Torres and R Bringas. - Modeling the signal of enzimaticaly 18O labeled peptides in the mass spectrum. J Fernandez-de-Cossio, Y Ramos, Y Satomi, C Ferrero, M Fukuda, LJ Gonzalez, T Takao. Hematology 2013. Co-author of a poster. PUBLICATIONS An article was published. SUMMARY 66 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Quality Control T he Direction of Quality Control at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) has as a principal mission to achieve analytical assays assessing the quality of the developed products that are generated in the company; also to express analytical, exact and reliable results. Besides, it verifies and implements all sampling and control procedures, preparation, evaluation, maintenance, storing and custody of the Center’s reference materials (RM) and assures the stability control of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and final products (FP). It is also responsible not only to release or reject raw materials and intermediate products but also to store and preserve working and primary cell banks. As a main resource, this direction counts with a working staff devoted to a sum of objectives and tasks to accomplish an efficient control system at the CIGB. This Direction promotes the staff’s commitment and identification with the Center. This Direction is committed with all its clients to guarantee efficiency and effectiveness of its results, as a way of continuous improvement of all its processes. The direction of Quality Control maintains a constant update of quality standards and regulations applicable to the biopharmaceutical industry as a fundamental need for its work’s projection, the CIGB quality products’ certification and the clients’ satisfaction and trust. To achieve these objectives, the Direction is composed by two departments and four groups. DIRECTORA MSc. Lourdes Beatriz Costa Anguiano [email protected] Telephone: 271 6022, ext. 3210 Department of Biological products The Department of Biological products achieves analytical techniques related with the determination of in vivo and in vitro biological activity of all the CIGB’s products, quantification and identification by means of immunological methods( ELISA, Western blot, Immunodot) of APIs and host contaminant proteins; detection of host DNA contaminant; or methods of molecular biology: hybridation, polymerase chain reactions (PCR), and storing and control of primary cell banks are performed at this department. Moreover, it has a microbiology 67 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Quality Control laboratory which is in charge of the microbiological control and monitoring of processes, areas, and auxiliary systems of the production plants. Physical-Chemistry Department The Physical-Chemistry Department develops the purity’s identification and control methods of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) through high effectiveness of liquid chromatography, gaseous chromatography and electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and peptide mapping. Besides, proteins, additives and preservatives are quantified in active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and final products by means of spectrophotometric methods. Raw materials are controlled and released as well as physical and chemical properties of the auxiliary systems for the productions. This department is the responsible for the management of the CIGB’s analytical validation techniques, the Quality control audits of Good Laboratory Practices(GLP) in the Direction of Quality Control and other CIGB’s laboratories. Group of Stability and Reference Materials The Group of Stability and Reference Materials of the Direction of Quality Control is in charge of the stability studies of all FP and APIs produced at the CIGB and registered by the National Center for the Quality Control of Drugs (CECMED). This group elaborates reference materials to be used in the analytical techniques applied in all laboratories. This implies characterization, homogeneity, and stability studies allowing the establishment of each one Besides, this group achieves tasks related to biostatistics and automation of the necessary calculus in quality control. Management and Costs Group The Management and Costs Group is in charge of the economic control: the productive and non-productive services collection, the control of tangible fixed assets (TFA) and tangible utensils and tools (TUT). It is also in charge of planning and achieving purchases by consumption regulations of the different analytical laboratories taking into account the established quality specifications and investments. Analytical Assurance Group This group controls the compliance with good laboratory practices, establishes and maintains procedures for the control of documents which are part of the management system of laboratories, establishes the central auditing system and follows up corrective actions; ensures the competition through training programs for the personnel operating the equipments, makes assays and calibrations; and assesses the results. Moreover, it guarantees to achieve validation of analytical methods suitable for the foreseen goal. Main Executives Head of the Biological Product Department MSc. Gladys Mabel Izquierdo López [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4383 Head of Physical-Chemistry Department MSc. Galina Maria Moya Fajardo [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4395 Group of Analytical Release Main Results The Group of Analytical Release receives and distributes samples given by the Direction of Quality Control to be analyzed in different labs at the CIGB. In turn, it receives the analytic results from the laboratories and makes up the analytical dossier of each product lot. Besides, the group is responsible for the reception, preservation, control and destruction of the final products’ witness samples. All these operations are complied with standard operation procedures, validated methods, qualified equipment, and traceable reference materials to guarantee the fulfilment of the Good Laboratory Practices and international regulations ruled by the control laboratories’ work. • The effective analytical response has guaranteed • • • deliveries of products requested for the national network and the main exports A decrease of 38 % in average time of analytical release Satisfactory results of the sterility area with positive impact on the essay’s quality and time. Technical effective response of Quality Control allowing the obtainment of the certificate of Good manufacturing Practices to the Praxis facility. Demonstration of the traceability and stability of all the RMs used in the development, process control and quality control of Heberprot-P®. 68 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Quality Control • Efficient strategic design to give analytical response • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • in vivo and in vitro for the products Heberpenta®, Heberpenta®-L and Gavac® without repetition of essays. Approval of 3 kits with using commercial reagents, as an analytical alternative for the quantification of protein contaminants of the host. Approval of the in vitro potency essay as an alternative to the potency essay for the hepatitis b in the combined vaccine Heberpenta®-L and Heberpenta®. Approval of the validity criterion change of the immunogenicity test of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) as part of the analytical method improvement. Suitable analytical insurance of biological reagents, RM and inputs. Intense work with satisfactory results and delivery on time of the information for actions of record and commercial activities. Satisfactory results in national and international audits. Consolidation of the analytical battery for the control and characterization of Heberprot-P® based on requirements of EMA. Increase of the quality standard of 14 RM with impact in registered and new products. Solution to the replacement of the lot of RM of recombinant streptokinase in the method of chromogenic Substratum, which allows to evaluate the lots for this method in the Biocen facility and the product in the Direction of Technological Development of the CIGB. Technical assistance during TT essays of CC production PRP in ChangHeber, China and technical exchange on Hib for three records in Russia for Microgene. Guarantee of safe water in the CIGB sanitary Control of the drinkable water in 35 points that give the CIGB, CIB, Heber Biotec S.A., buildings. Demonstration of the stability of Heberprot-P®: API and PT, after freezing and cycles of temperature up to the implemented due date Demonstration of the stability of Heberpenta®-L vaccine for 36 months. Demonstration of the storage temperature change of API of the recombinant P64k, of -70 ± 50 ºC to -20 ± 50 ºC in hydrolytic glass flasks, with lid of polypropylene thread and up to 12 months. The stability study of API of IFN-ϒ up to 6 months was completed. Checking with industrial lots of the approved stability of the Quimi-Hib® vaccine adyuvanted and the suppository of the recombinant streptokinase. 69 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Quality Control • Extension of the due dates of: - API of Heberprot-P® from 6 to 12 meses. - FPs of IFN-ϒ up to 18 months. - Matriz of plantibody, of 24 months at 5 ± 3 ºC. Awards and distinctions XVI Forum of Science and Technology 2013 • Qualification of the transfer of samples that must be transported of 2-8 °C. Mention. • Essential elements of the organoleptic properties of the • • Heberprot-P®. Prominent. Starting up of the area of Sterility. Prominent. Technological transference of the essay of Biological Activity to Plant Vitoria, Spain, for the liberation of the lots of Heberprot-P®. Prominent. COURSES MANAGED AND DELIVERED BY THE AREA The personnel of Quality Control have participated as teachers in different subjects of Master’s degrees and courses: • Courses and conferences given in the modules of Quality Control for the Master's Degree of Trends in Modern Biotechnology, CIGB - Course of Methods of the Statistics Applied in Biotechnology. - Course of Stability of Pharmaceutical Products. • Delivered course in the Master's degree of Engineering of the Biotechnological Processes, ISPJAE. - Stability of medicines. Foreign visitors Cláudia Maria da Conceição y Ozeias de Lima Leitao, Health Ministry of Federal Government FIOCRUZ, Brazil. Training in Reference Materials and Stability. Training in the use of the Reference Material in the Orcinol method. SUMMARY 70 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Quality Assurance T he mission of the Direction of Quality Assurance at the CIGB is to design and implement the quality management system. Its main objective is to guarantee quality, safety and efficacy in researches, services and developed products through the compliance of the current international guidelines of Good Laboratory Practices. This direction is committed to their clients (internal and external) to favor efficiency and efficacy of the results; for the continuous improvement of the processes. The Quality Assurance Direction has two Departments: Inspection and Audits and Quality Improvement and Engineering; also four Groups, as follows: Metrology, Lots Release, Documentation, and Administration and Costs. DIRECTOR Ing Yair Quiñónez Maya [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4375 Department of Quality Improvement and Engineering • It designs and implements the quality management system. • It guarantees the management of processes and programs: the environmental • monitoring of clean areas and assessing the analyzes of the results, validation / qualification, change control, complaints, and after-sales services to enquires from external clients, withdrawals of products from the market, devolutions, purchasing system of equipment. It coordinates actions for reviewing the annual product and the system by the direction. Deparment of Inspection and Audit • It provides the Quality Auditing system, which includes audits to the Quality management system, clinical and preclinical studies, processes, suppliers of raw 71 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Quality Assurance • • • material and its components, contracted entities of manufacturing and testing services. It arranges the management of non-conformances and the program of corrective and preventive actions. It arranges the risk management . It arranges inspections of quality: Inspect the productive areas to verify the compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality control, and inspection to the documentation of deliveries and shipments, as well as authorizations for campaign changes in multiproduct plants. Group of Documentation It establishes the guidelines that allow the functioning of the documentation system in the center, a key pillar to ensure compliance with good practices. The documentation system comprises the Central Group for Documentation in the Direction of Quality Assurance ; as well as groups and documentation activities in each of the plants and areas. Lot Release It ensures batch releasing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and final products based on an integral review of lot files which allow to guarantee product output to the national distribution network and abroad with the required quality. The group also arranges the documentation accompanying shipments according to the client’s request. Moreover, the group releases lots out of Cuba, through the contracts of services and the compliance of the requirements for the center, and the statement of the sponsors in the specific contracts. Metrology It guarantees calibration and control of the measuring instruments according to the Annual Calibration plan of the different plants and areas. All work (and contracting services) carried out by this Group comply with the good manufacturing and laboratory practices. The group is in charge of guarantying the traceability of the measurements through national and international standards. purchases of materials, control of tangible fixed assets(TFA) and tangible tools and utensils (TTU). Main Executives Head of the Inspection and Audits Department MSc. Inés Heredia Revilla [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4390 Head of the Quality Improvement and Engineering Department MSc. Kenia María Vázquez Montero [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4373 Head of the Group of Metrology Tec. Leonel Godinez Cumbrado [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4360 Head of the Documentation Group Eng. Ana M. Cinza González [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4376 Head of the Lot Release Group Tec. Carmen Diana Pérez Pérez [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4390 Head of the Group of Administration and Cost Tec. Luis Álvarez Álvarez [email protected] Phone: (53-7) 250 4391 Main Results • Certification of the productive system Plant 4 by Cecmed. • Certification of the temporal production of the active • Administration and Costs The group is in charge of coordinating the activities related to fees and expenses of the direction, investments and • pharmaceutical ingredient(API) of Haemophilus influenzae (Hib in the Biocén center by Cecmed). Certification of the productive system of Plant 1 (Hepatitis B); Plant 6 and 7 (IFN-PEG + epidermal growth factor (EGF), parentheral; Plant 9 (factor de transference); Plant 10; ChangHeber, China (IFN, IFN-PEG) by Cecmed. Keeping up the Certification the Quality System by ISO 9001:2008. 72 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Direction of Quality Assurance • Satisfactory results in the Audit Trillium for the clinical studies of • Heberprot-P®. Maintenance of the lot release system permitting to achieve all production plans and planned sales. International Projects • Technical Committee Brazil–Cuba (human recombinant interferon alpha 2b : hu-rec IFN alfa 2b). • Advising the project to build a new vaccine manufacturing facility • • • highly specialized on infrastructure, equipment, and human resources from Venezuela. National Institute of Hygiene “Rafael Rangel”. Strategy to make export sales actions of liquid Heberon from JVC ChangHeber, China, to Pakistan. Strategy for the production and marketing of interferon alpha and peg-interferon in the Popular Republic of China ChangHeber. Project with Sinergium, pentavalent and hexavalent vaccine. Events and courses • A course based on Good Manufacturing Practices. • Seminar about Quality System, after a received course in India. • Seminars of Standard operational procedures of Documentation and Metrology groups. • To coordinate and deliver the conferences on compulsory subjects • • • of the quality mention of the Master's Degree of Trends in Modern Biotechnology: - Basic aspects of quality and tools. Quality System. - Quality Assurance on biotechnological productions. Participation in the Technical and scientific Forum at the center, as a member of the tribunal. Conference in the course Validation, in the Master's degree biotechnological Processes. The requalifications of all the procedures of the documentation system were achieved that were changed, as well as in the system of metrological assurance and lot release. SUMMARY 73 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Human Resources Direction T he Human Resources at the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) is aimed to promote the continuous improvement of the organization based on strategies for human resource development, so as to be able to develop research and production. Continuous training and development of human capital are key pillars to meet the demand of knowledge required, with superior quality, and ensure compliance with safety standards and occupational health. This Department has a strategic character and it’s included in the overall plans of the organization. Among its main tasks is to ensure and fulfill planning, incorporation, selection, placement, training, evaluation and compensation of human resources. This area is responsible for the implementation of the existing legislation on wages, employment, social security, health and training. DIRECTOR Oswald Ravelo Mallon [email protected] Phone: 250 4562; 271 6022 / Ext. 1189 Its specific roles and responsibilities are: • Organize, direct and control the activity of training of workers and the board, from the • • • • learning needs; select candidates and coordinate training programs; organize and control the activity of social security and health at work; so as measures to preserve the environment; In conjunction with the labor union, it organizes the workers stimulation system in accordance with their results in the services. Propose ideas and participate in the programs of recruitment and selection of staff, through established procedures. Recruit staff and control probationary workers, retirees and contract workers. Reconciling staff fluctuation, employment registration and cancellations, adjustments and changes in the occupational categories in the areas and the Central Service Office for Scientific Centers of the Ministry of Science Technology and Environment (Citma). 74 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Human Resources Direction • Controlling disciplinary sanctions imposed on workers and ensure their rehabilitation. • Arrange licenses, certificates, medical reports, accidents and pensions to workers. • Comply with current legislation to ensure successful performance • • • • • evaluation, classification and valuation of jobs, and analyze wage stimulation and salary administration. Promote a favorable working atmosphere facilitating the development of the staff, from a social, cultural and working point of view, and their identification with the institution. Guarantee everything about the assurance of workers' wages from proper preparation and making of the payroll for all workers; completing the procedures established by the Ministry of Finance and Prices. Promote and maintain the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being among workers of all professions, prevent damage to health caused by working conditions, protect employees from risks arising from the presence of harmful agents as well as place and keep the worker in a job which is in accordance with their physiological and psychological skills. In short, it seeks to adapt work to man and each man to his job. Working in conjunction with technological and scientific committees of categorization for the promotion of workers Ensure compliance with labor policy. Key executives Head of the Training Department Ada Triguero Cruz [email protected] Telephone: 250 4172 Head of the human resources department Mirlen Díaz Cárdenas [email protected] Telehone: 250 4111 Main Results • ISO 9001:2008 certification was attained. • Two workers of the area are included in the Heberprot-P® promotion. • Satisfactory Development of the payment systems (Resolution 9/2008) and payment in convertible currency that are applied on permanent basis. The payroll payment in local currency has been attained between the 5th and 7th of each month, allowing advances in the financial closures and delivery of statistical information in time. Running of the process of scientific and technological categorization including redevelopment of the latter 75 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Human Resources Direction • Satisfactory participation in inspections and external audits. • Program activities for the working people. • Implementation of medical checkups of occupationally exposed and • • • • unexposed workers and specialized tests to workers who work with organic solvents, the fumigator and the ones who work with lead. Furthermore nasopharyngeal swabs were made to workers directly linked to production and Vivarium. Professional drivers are reclassified according to the new Law on Roads and Traffic. There was a systematic attention to children during their summer period. Successful implementation of training activities and development. The Status of Renowned Center at Municipal and Provincial levels in the Forum of Science and Technique is maintained for an eight-year period. SUMMARY 76 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 HEBER BIOTEC S.A. H eber Biotec S. A. is the commercial company that owns the exclusive rights for commercialization of the R+D projects, biotech and pharmaceutical “high-tech” products; technological services; and the intellectual property rights which contribute to social welfare of the Cuban population and to preserve the environment. The commercial strategy involves maintaining the results in the current established markets, working on the introduction into the most regulated markets of developed countries or the first world and multiplying the company’s contribution to the Cuban economy. Heber Biotec, S.A. portfolio by • • • • • MANAGER MSc. Madaisy Cueto Sánchez [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4528 Heberfarma: Medications and vaccines for human use. Heberdiag: reagents and diagnosis kits Hebervet: Products for veterinary use. Heberplant: Agricultural products. Hebertec: Technological transfer. Suppliers • • • • • • • Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) AICA Laboratories Novatec Laboratories Laboratorios Liorad Placental Histotherapy Biocen Cidem 77 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 HEBER BIOTEC S.A. Main Executives • Heberon Alfa R®: Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha MSc. Dora García Delgado General Vice-Manager [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4528 • Heberon Alfa R® líquido: Human recombinant Interferon Main Results • The enterprise exported products to more than 35 • • • Alpha 2b. Injectable liquid solution. • Heberkinasa®: Recombinant streptokinase without albumin against the myocardial infarction. • Hebervital®: Granulocyte-Colony stimulating (G-SCF). • PEG-Heberon®: recombinant human Interferon alpha 2b, conjugated to polyethylene glycol. countries, with a 25 % sales increment compared to 2012. Placental-derived products commercialized by the enterprise. The products and vaccines of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) positively impacted in the treatment of 28 diseases which affects the Cuban population. The strategic alliances were strengthened with commercial partners in China, Brazil, Russia, Vietnam, Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela and South Africa, and other countries. The Enterprise kept the ISO 9001:2008 certification for its quality management system. Five new sanitary registrations were granted to enterprise products overseas. A high visibility for the CIGB, Heber Biotec S. A. and their products was attained through a wide press coverage, events attendance and the availability of different promotional formats. • Melagenina Plus®: Treatment for vitiligo. • The national demand was covered for the medicines • 2b, antiviral, antiproliferative and inmunomodulatory Product Portfolio Heberfarma Vaccines Generic Drugs Antihypertensive • Amlodipine 10 mg, tab. (Anticalcic) • Verapamil hydrochloride 5 mg, inj. (Anticalcic) • Captopril 50 mg, tablets (inhibitor of the angiotensin convertase enzyme, ACE) • Enalapril 10 and 20 mg, tablets (ACE inhibitor) • Carvedilol 6.25 and 12.5 mg, tab. (α and β blocker) Analgesic and hypnoanalgesic • Tramadol 100 mg, inj. Analgesic and antipyretic • Acetyl Salicylic Acid 500 mg, tab. Anaesthetics and anesthesic adjuvants • • Heberpenta®-L: Pentavalent vaccine against the • diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and • haemophilus influenzae type B. • • Heberbiovac HB: Recombinant vaccine against • antihepatitis B. • • Quimi-Hib®: Conjugated vaccine against Haemophilus • influenzae type b. • • • Biological Pharmaceutical products • • Heberprot-P®: Product that favours healing of diabetic • • foot ulcers and reduces the risk of amputation. Bupivacaine 0.5 %, inj. Ketamine 10 and 50 mg, inj. Lidocaine hydrochloride 2 %, 20 mL, inj. Lidocaine 2 %, inj. Procaine 2 %, inj. Atracuriu besylate 25 mg, inj. (anesthesic adyuvant) Pancuronium Bromide 4 mg, injection (anesthesic adjuvant) Fentanyle 0.05 mg, injectable (anesthesic adjuvant) Mephenesin 500 mg, tablets (muscle relaxant) Midazolam 10 and 15 mg, injection (muscle relaxant) Pancuronium 4 mg, SP (muscle relaxant) Succinylcholine 50 mg, i injection (muscle relaxant) Lido 2 %-Epin1:50000, carpule (dental anesthetic) 78 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 HEBER BIOTEC S.A. • Lido 2 %-Epin1:80000, carpule (dental anesthetic) • Mepivacaine 3 %, inj. (dental anesthetic) Inotropic Agents Antihypertensive and Antianginal • Dobutamine 250 mg, injection • Dopamine 200 mg, injection • Diltiazem 25 and 50 mg, inj. Anxiolytic Benzodiazepine antagonist • Diazepam 10 mg, injection • Flumazenil 1 mg, injection Anti-hypoglycemic Platelet antiaggregate • Dextrose 20 and 50 %, injection • Clopidrogel 75 mg, tablets Antihistaminic Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory • Diphenhydramine 20 mg, injection • Loratadine 10 mg, tablets • Diclofenac 75 mg, inj. (analgesic) Anti-ulcer • Cimetidine 300 mg, injection • Omeprazol 20 mg, tablets, and 40 mg, injection • Ranitidine 50 mg, injection Antifungal • Fluconazole 150 mg, capsules • Miconazole 200 mg, injection Anti-migraine Antibiotics • Sumatriptan, injection • Azithromycin 250 capsules and 500 mg, tablets • Gentamicin 10 and 80 mg, injection • Kanamycin 50 and 100 mg, inj. Anti-osteoporotic Anti-infective Agent Anti-psychotic • Sodium Sulfadiazine 10 %, injection • Risperdone or Risperdal 3 mg, tablets Anticoagulant Anti-retroviral • Heparin 25 000 U, injection • • • • • • Anti-diabetic • Glimepiride 1 and 4 mg, tablets Antiemetic • Dimenhydrinate 10 and 50 mg, injection • Ondansetron 4 and 8 mg, injection • Zolendronic Acid 4 mg, injection Stavudine 40 mg, cap. Indinavir 200 mg, capsules Lamivudine 150 mg, tablets Nevirapine 200 mg, tablets Triviral 30 mg, tablets Zidovudine 100 mg, capsules Anti-asthmatic • Montelukast 5 and 10 mg, tablets 79 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 HEBER BIOTEC S.A. Bronchodilator Laxative • Aminophylline 250 mg, injection • Fenoterol 0.5 mg, injection • Bisacodyl 5 mg, tablets Antiviral • Ribavirine 200 mg and 400 mg, capsules Cardiotonic • Digoxin 0.5 mg, injection Neuroleptic • Haloperidol 5 mg, injection Moisturizing Solution • Dextrose 5 %, injection Vasoconstrictor Corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic • Norepinephrine bitartrate 8 mg, injection • Betamethasone 4 mg, injection Vasoconstrictor, bronchodilator Diuretic and osmotic • Epinephrine 1 mg, injection • Mannitol 250 mg, injection Peripheral vasodilators Electrolytes • Pentoxifylline 300 mg, injection and 400 mg, controlled released tablet. • Calcium chloride10 %, injection • Potassium chloride 1.8638 g injection (equivalent to 25 Vitamins mmol (mEq) K+) • Calcium Gluconate 10 %, injection • Calcium Gluconate 0.30 g, injection (equivalent to 1.28 mmol (mEq) K+) • Magnesium Sulphate 10 %, injection Benign prostate hypertrophy • Terazosin 2 and 5 mg, tablets • Hidroxocobalamine 0.1 and 1.0 mg (vit. B12), injection • Pyridoxine hydrochloride 25 and 50 mg (vit. B6), injection • Thiamine hydrochloride 100 mg (vit. B1), injection HEBERDIAG Diagnostic Kits • AuBioDot anti-gliadin: For the detection of antibodies in human serum against gliadins. Hypnoanalgesic • HeberFast Line pregnancy: For early diagnosis of • Morphine Hydrochloride 10 and 20 mg, injection • Pethidine 50 and 100 mg, injection • HeberFast Line MaterniTest: Self-experiment for the Lipid lowering drug (Statin) pregnancy in urine. early diagnosis of pregnancy in urine. • HeberFastLine Rotavirus: A step and quick test, for the detection of Rotavirus in feces. • Atorvastatin 10 and 20 mg, tablets Hebervet Oxytocic Veterinary • Oxytocin 10 U, injection • Gavac®: recombinant vaccine against ticks. Boophilus sp. 80 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 HEBER BIOTEC S.A. Aquaculture • Acuabio 1: nutritional supplement for aquatic organisms. HEBERPLANT • HeberNem®-S: biological product for the control of plant parasites nematocides. HEBERTEC • Transfer of Technologies developed by the CIGB for the production of recombinant drugs • Joint Research-Development projects. • Development and scaling of the production processes of recombinant products. • Diverse technical services, consulting and staff training in modern biotechnology field. Participation workshops in fairs, expositions and • IX Science Workshop y X Pedagogical Workshop of the Latin American School of Medicine (LASM). • V Cuban Earth Sciences Convention and Exhibition, Geociencia 2013. • XXIII Congress of Internal Medicine of Central America and • • • • • • • • • • Caribbean, Internal Medicine 2013. VII Cuban Congress of Hematology 2013. ExpoSalud Ecuador. I Festival of Social Communication. XIV International Congress of the Cuban Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Orthopedic 2013. LatinFarma Havana 2013. XX Cuban Congress of Urology 2013. XXXI Internacional Fair, FIHAV 2013. I Cuban Symposium of Cardiovascular Death 2013. XXIII Meeting of the ALPA and IV Congress of Animal Production. ANAP, ExpoCuba. Visitors Among the 335 visits received, 249 were foreigner and 2459 Cuban. SUMMARY 81 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIRECTION T he Intellectual Property Direction of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) is committed to ensuring the protection of all new results of the institution, through the modality of intellectual property (IP) best suited for each case and guides the activity of research and development (ID) to high novelty and inventive steps, which generates high-impact results on the market and thus achieve better use of each product and project generated at the CIGB. Intellectual Property Policy at the CIGB Head of the Department Raimundo Ubieta Gómez [email protected] Telephone: (537) 250 4440 • IP strategy for each research project. • Periodic analysis of the results of R & D for patent protection or other form of IP • • • • • protection. Publication strategy defined according to the characteristics of each project. Using patent data as a source for updating the state of the art and strategic analysis. Using the know-how as a protection of intangible resources. Using technology transfer as product. Do not sell intellectual property. Use other forms of patents negotiation. The patents portfolio of the CIGB has 60 inventions and 1237 international patents and international applications distributed in major markets worldwide. Over 80 % of them in countries of the first world (USA, Europe, Japan, Canada, etc. and in the so-called emerging countries. 68.5 % of the patents are granted (Figure 1). 82 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIRECTION Figure A > 40 patents 21 - 39 patents 10 -20 patents < 10 patents Figure B Rest of the World. 20 First World. 53 BRICS + AR + KR + MX. 27 CIGB distribution patents worldwide. A) Geographical distribution. B) Distribution by groups of countries. First World: USA, European Patent Office, Canada, Japan, Australia. AR: Argentina. KR: South Korea. MX: Mexico. BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. SUMMARY 83 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Business Development Group T he Business Development Group (GNDP) is a Department of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), attached to the General Direction, and is in charge of the management and international negotiation of the research and development projects in the biotechnology area. It coordinates business development structuring and carrying out high novelty projects from early stages until they become competent products in the markets of high regulatory requirement. Key Executives DIRECTOR Ing. Ernesto López Mola [email protected] Phones: 271 2397; 250 4120 Vicedirector Dr. Ricardo Silva Rodríguez [email protected] Telephones: 271 2397; 250 4121 Executive Negotiation and Project Management Miriela Gil Mena [email protected] Telephones: 271 2397; 250 4121 Executive in Management and negotiation of Agricultural Projects at the CIGB Marianela García Siverio [email protected] Telephone: 250 4113 84 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Business Development Group Executive in Management and Negotiation of projects Dr. Boris Ernesto Acevedo Castro [email protected] Telephones: 271 2397; 250 4120 Heberprot-P® Promoter Amelia de la Caridad González [email protected] Telephone: 271 6022, Ext. 1130 Executive in Management and Negotiation of projects Ariadna Hernández García [email protected] Telephones: 250 4113 Executive in Management and Negotiation of projects Yunarquis Fernández Reynaldo [email protected] Telephone: 250 4608 Executive in Management and Negotiation of projects Jorge Martín Machado [email protected] Telephones: 271 6022, Ext. 1020 Heberprot-P® Promoter Erick Hernández Leyva [email protected] Telephone: 250 4113 Executive in Management and Negotiation of projects Project Promotion Webmaster Mailyn Palmero Molina [email protected] Telephone: 250 4608 Secretary Ivona Gutiérrez Masuet [email protected] Telephone: 250 4608 Promotion of international projects Executive in Management and Negotiation of Projects Dr. Manuel Raíces Pérez-Castañeda [email protected] Telephones: 271 23 97; 250 4121 Project Promotion Dunia Martínez Arcia [email protected] Telephone: 250 4608 Heberprot-P® Promoter Israel Miranda Arnet [email protected] Telephone: 250 4113 Heberprot-P® Promoter Reina Lourdes Morejón [email protected] Telephone: 2716022, Ext. 1185 Heberprot-P® Promoter Karelia Macías Cosme [email protected] Telephone: 250 4113 Relevant Results 1- Follow-up to the national and international Program of Integral Attention for patients with diabetic foot ulcers using Heberprot-P® therapy: • The resulting figures for patients inclusion approved by the Ministry of Health of Venezuela was overachieved for five consecutive years: 25 thousand patients with diabetic foot ulcers (37 485 at the end of week 49). 110 417 patients have been attended with Heberprot-P® therapy (week 49). • Export plan (invoices) approved for 2013 to Venezuela was overfulfilled. • The integral Care Program with Heberprot-P® therapy for patients with DFU was consolidated in 17 states of Venezuela. Efforts are been made to implement it in three more states. The structure and the working system of the project management was consolidated in Venezuela: Mission Barrio Adentro Mission, angiologists, promoters, national tours, weekly reports, among other key elements in the success of the program. • The plan including Cuban patients in the program with therapy Heberprot-P® therapy was overfulfilled: 9368 (end of week 50), representing 134 % of the annual compliance plan (7000 patients). The promotional structure was consolidated. • The protocol for the integral program with the use of Heberprot-P® in diabetic patients was consolidated in 85 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Business Development Group • • • • • • • • • • • • • all services of Angiology in Cuba. Efforts were made in developing the protocol in the polyclinics. Three routes and three meetings with angiologists and Cuban specialists for evaluating program outcomes were performed. A new business agreement with the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security, to the use of Heberprot-P® in Ecuador was signed. Two national meetings were held: the Third Meeting of the National Group of Angiology and the one with the Central Unit of Medical Cooperation (UCCM) and the main leaders from the provincial health directorates (DPS), the Ministry of Public Health (Minsap), considered of a great impact in the national program. Working relationships with the National Angiology Group, National Institute of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (INACV) and the departments of Health Care, Human Resources, International Relations and with the Postgraduate Department of Minsap were consolidated. Nearly 150 conferences on diabetes were taught to promoters and executives in Cuba, Ecuador, Venezuela, Dominican Republic and other countries, as well as foreign dignitaries who visited the CIGB. More than 200 news were broadcasted on television, the radio or the press. Meetings with diabetic patients and their relatives were made. The national workshop, Echoes of the Congress, was developed in every Cuban province, where results and impact of the Second International Conference on the integral program for patients with UPD with the use of Heberprot-P® 2012 were stated, with the participation of provincial health executives and specialists. We participated in Mesa Redonda television progarm in April. We participated in the Festival of Social Communication with a lecture on the Heberprot-P®. Workshops and national and international courses on Heberprot-P® were prepared and done. The twelfth and thirteenth national meetings on extension of Heberprot-P® use were successfully implemented on May and December 2013. The third and fourth international workshops on the use of Heberprot-P® in patients with UPD were successfully conducted. The 2nd edition of the Advanced Course on Heberprot-P® was performed. The number of visits to Heberprot P® website was exceeded in more than 1 million. • The brochure for the international event “Managing diabetes and its severe complications." was made. The event was promoted. A press conference was offered. • There was a follow up to the Heberprot-P® promotion campaign. 2- Outstanding job of negotiating and signing of several business agreements and projects of CIGB. • Significant progress was made in promoting and negotiating new projects at the CIGB. Projects were signed. • NASVAC® with Wittycell, France: For the European Union, Japan, Southeast Asian countries and other territories. • NASVAC® with Generium, Russia: Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. • HPV with Generium, Russia: Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. • NASVAC® for Bangladesh. • Quimi-Hib Plant in China was opened, negotiation and starting of supply of PRP for the CIGB to ensure the production plan of the pentavalent vaccine Heberpenta® for 2014. • Incomes were achieved by the signing of PEG-IFN agreement (China). • Incomes were achieved by the project GCSF-PEG 9 (China). • Incomes were achieved from Negotiation agreement projects signed or in progress. • Significant progress in the negotiation of agricultural projects at the CIGB. - Creation Process of EM-Heber Lukang. - The company Koppert Biologicals was identified as the counterpart to other territories. Contract in discussion. - The application for registration in Morocco, as intrant Agricole and in Saudi Arabia, was presented as a biopesticide. - Evaluation agreement of Gavac® was signed in Korea. - Evaluation agreement of Gavac® was signed in Costa Rica. Institutional Achievements • Surpassing of the national inclusion plan in the • Integral care program of DFU patients with the use of Heberprot-P®. Surpassing of the national inclusion plan in the Integral care program of DFU patients with the use of Heberprot-P® in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. 86 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Business Development Group • Fifth anniversary of the Integral Care Program of DFU patients with • • • • • • the use of Heberprot-P® in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela: 5 years of great efforts and satisfactions. Negotiation and signing of an agreement with the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) for the implementation of the Integral Care Program of DFU patients with the use of Heberprot-P® in 2014. Successful completion of the implementation of promotional work and inclusion of DFU patients in the Integral Care Program with the use of Heberprot-P®, Ministry of Public Health in Ecuador. Negotiation and signing of an agreement with the IESS for the implementation of the Integral Care Program of DFU patients with the use of Heberprot-P® in 2014. Outstanding work of national and international promotion of Heberprot-P® during 2013. Outstanding job of negotiating and signing of several product business agreements and projects of the CIGB. Significant progress in the negotiation of agricultural projects at the CIGB. COURSES AND EVENTS MANAGED AND DELIVERED BY THE AREA • Training of 40 specialists from 15 countries in the integral management • • • of diabetic foot with the use of Heberprot-P® to satisfy mission abroad. Training of the human capital included in the Program (1 Training Promoters, 2 editions Diploma No. 1, Issue of Intensive surgical procedures, 1 Advanced Course on the use of Heberprot-P®, 3 Intensive Course on Diabetes). It included the preparation of the 5 Working Groups selected to Ecuador by the IESS, preparation of 8 specialists and 7 promoters incorporated into the Program in Venezuela. Arrangement of two international courses on practical procedures in the management of patients with diabetic foot ulcer using Heberprot-P®. Teaching on Cuban Biotechnology Updates and one on the integral management to patients with diabetic foot ulcers to more than 13 000 Cuban doctors and medical aid workers throughout the year. That includes the 6000 Cuban medical aid workers who are in Brazil. Foreign Visitors Support in the organization and attention to more than 10 000 visitors including VIPs as presidents, vice presidents, ministers and deputy ministers who visited the CIGB in 2013. Publications Two articles were published in international journals. SUMMARY 87 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DIRECTION OF CLINICAL RESEARCH T he Direction of clinical research (DCR) of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) has as mission to achieve clinical trials (CT) and pharmacosurveillance (PS) of vaccines and drugs obtained in the Center. Therefore, it counts with a group of professionals and technicians specialized and scientifically trained in all phases of human research. The primary activity involves three departments of CT with dedicated monitors to coordinate, design and control the achievement and completion of protocols of clinical research (CR) in Cuba and abroad. A group of VF is responsible for monitoring the safety profile of products and during post-marketing use. The Group of statistics guarantees the optimal management of the data of the test and the corresponding statistical analysis; while the specialists contribute to the automation of processes and activities such as advanced electronic designs for the remote entry of clinical data. A group of supplies is responsible for the distribution of pharmaceuticals and other necessary inputs to the clinical sites. It is also responsible for the development, control and management of the random lists, storage conditions and the traceable accounts of products during the trials. The Group of clinical laboratory works with biological samples of patients. It is in charge of biochemical and immunological investigations very specific, not available usually in the health system; mainly pharmacokinetic, pharmaco-dynamic and immunogenicity studies. The management and Control section is in charge of the coordination of training workshops and satisfy printing, accommodation, transportation services and other logistical actions for monitors and patients during the CT. The documentation and good clinical practices section achieves the compliance with the quality policy based on the NC-ISO 9001:2001 and international guidelines of good laboratory and clinical practices. MANAGER Dra. Verena Lucila Muzio González [email protected] Phones: (537) 208 7378, 271 6022 ext. 1250-1251, 208 0428 ext. 106 88 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DIRECTION OF CLINICAL RESEARCH The services provided by the DCR are distinguished by their effectiveness, efficiency, reliability, reproducibility, security and quality, based on evidences for decision making and mutually beneficial relations with suppliers and clients. Managers and workers in the Direction are permanently committed to increase satisfaction and comply with the clients’ expectations. The goal of the DCR consists of maintaining excellence and leadership in the CR activity achieving the highest quality standards, contributing to the development of the national biotechnology industry with new therapeutic alternatives for diseases that constitute health problems and insert the CIGB products in the most demanding international markets. Main executives Head of the Heberprot-P® department Dr. Julio Esmir Baldomero Hernández [email protected] Phones: (53-7) 208 7379, 208 0428, ext. 108 Head of the Department of Oncology and other projects Hugo Nodarse Cuní [email protected] Phones: (53-7) 208 7379, 208 0428, ext. 107 Head of the Vaccine Department Dr. Zurina Cinza Estévez [email protected] Phones: (53-7) 208 0428 ext. 133 • The Cuban regulatory authority approved an application • • • • • • • • Main results The DCR directly contributed to the annual strategic objective of the CIGB aimed to develop new products and markets according to the 2013-2017 Strategic Plan. The clinical research activity participated in 195 results, 157 considered extraordinary in monthly evaluations by the Board of Directors. The Scientific Council of the CIGB approved 12 scientific-technical achievements and 38 institutional achievements in which some authors were members of the DCI. The general results are: • Sixty six objectives of clinical investigations, 43 included in the plan related to the 13 portfolio pipeline of research + development (R+D) and 6 products registered. 16 medical indications were clinically investigated, in the main lines of infectious diseases, cancer, healing, cytoprotection and neonatal, among others. • • to give permission for a new clinical trial and seven final reports of CT were concluded. All the proposed clinical trial (CT) to achieve in the country received an approval for the Ministry of Public Health. Satisfactory results in international audits received during the year. Advances in CT have continued and definition of strategies in the projects of R+D negotiated with first line products, as CIGB-247, CIGB-300 and Heberprot-P®. Requests were responded for clinical information for obtaining or renewal of health records in Cuba and abroad, with an emphasis on the main products of first level occurred. The stage of the treatment of patients at the national extension of the use of the PEG-Heberon® for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C concluded and the inclusion of patients for treatment with HeberPAG® in skin tumors not melanomas continued. A third study was achieved that confirmed the impact of the use of the Heberprot-P® in the reduction of the amputation rate in health institutions selected in different areas of the country. Post-marketing information was consolidated, enabling a better understanding of the safety and effectiveness of the Heberprot-P® profile, and the collection of this information at the national and international levels was also advanced. Satisfactory results were carried out in the audit by the national Office for Standardization (NOS) and the Spanish Association for standardization and certification (Aenor), which granted re-certification of the quality management system of the CT for the third consecutive year from the certification achieved in 2009. Scientific dissemination of clinical findings increased in high-impact journals, with an emphasis on first-level products. The project portfolio of the CIGB was strengthened. Heberprot-P® • Satisfactory results in the external audit were carried • out by the Trillium company hired by Chemo for clinical studies of Heberprot-P® in China and pharmacokinetics 75/225 µg PK-BD in Cuba. Participation in the methodological process of selecting and preparing of new promoters in the programme of 89 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DIRECTION OF CLINICAL RESEARCH • • • • • • comprehensive care of patients with diabetic foot ulcer treatment using Heberprot-P® in Cuba and Venezuela. Participation of medical specialists in the advanced course about diabetes prevention and treatment, and comprehensive care of diabetic foot ulcer using Heberprot-P®. Demonstrative protocols using Heberprot-P® in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer were evaluated and sent to eight countries. Technical and commercial missions requested by the management of the project were also achieved. The approval of the registration for the product was obtained in Peru. Conclusion of the third study: impact of the use of Heberprot-P® at the amputations rate. Selected institutions. Cuba, 2011. This study covered 2011 and first semester of 2012 information, and also included 1373 patients with diabetic foot ulcer(DFU), graduates of 8 health institutions located in 5 provinces of the country. The results were useful for the contribution that represents DFU with the total number of amputations in the institutions and were taken as reference to evaluate the impact of Heberprot-P® in the reduction of amputations. Reports of effectiveness and safety using Heberprot-P® in three countries were achieved: Venezuela (397 patients), Uruguay (50) and Argentina (323). The quantitative analysis of differential gene expression 49 of neuro-infectious and ischemic DFUs treated with Heberprot-P®. Validation of the ELISA system for the detection of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) that detects with precision and accuracy the EGF-51-52 contained in Heberprot-P®, in the conditions of the clinical research laboratory of the CIGB. Its development and validation was in accordance with the EMA-FDA regulations and subsequently applied successfully in the product pharmacokinetics, clinical trial to demonstrate that the active substance is stable in human plasma platelet-free after 12 months of conservation. This ensures its use for the quantification of EGF-51-52 in the different clinical trials that require it and adhere to the conditions evaluated. The results were distinguished in the international audits received by the project. CIGB-300 The completion of the intravenous application study of the CIGB in solid tumors, for the first time allowed the characterization of clinical outcomes of safety, pharmacokinetics, and survival of the product use by intravenous route. This information of great value for the clinical product strategy, was presented, discussed and recognized by all the participants of the workshop, where the clinical feasibility was ratified to a safe scaling of doses in the patient. The results were in accordance with what was observed in the pharmacokinetics and the main events associated with the mechanism of action of the CIGB-300 in tumor cells. CIGB-247 The first evidence of a sustained humoral and cellular response was obtained specific for VEGF in human beings, which allowed ratifying the continuity of the clinical development of the product. A phase I second trial began in advanced solid tumors (Centauro-2 study) that concluded the inclusion phase for patients with seven months in advance on the planned schedule. Heberpenta®-L In just three months the inclusion of 584 infants concluded successfully in the seroprevalence study, together with the sampling and implementation of survey, the evaluation of more than 6 lots of the vaccine. This study provided valuable information post-marketing on immunogenicity against the five antigens of several lots of Heberpenta®-L in terms of application according to the everyday practice by the national programme of immunization in Cuba. Pegylated Interferon alpha to PEG-48 kDa The phase II-III study in Brazil began for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. A phase II CT was successfully completed with 24 patients; 392 blood samples (total planned) during 20 consecutive weeks, from Monday to Saturday. A phase III CT was advanced to the inclusion of 210 patients (28 % of the total) and demonstrated the antiviral effect of the pegylate interferon to PEG-48 kDa on the hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral kinetics, which clinically meant 76 % of early virologic response with the product. This result was in accordance with the hypothesis of non-inferiority against the planned PEGASYS. The achievement of the trial received satisfactory audit reports by the sponsor and ANVISA-Cecmed inspection at two clinical sites. 90 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DIRECTION OF CLINICAL RESEARCH HeberPAG® - Heberferon® Three different clinical trials began and more than 130 patients were included: • BRATINC-II study of tolerance of the intravenous application of the HeberFERON® in recurrent or progressive diffuse brain tumors. • SCIENCE study for evaluating the use of HeberFERON® in parpebrales tumors. • Incarbacel V study for evaluating various schemes of treatment with HeberFERON®. • Elaboration of three final reports and a fourth with the opinion of the Cecmed approval. • SOFIA study: pharmacodynamics of two formulations (HeberFERON® and HeberPAG®) with synergistic mixture of interferon in healthy volunteers. Approved by the Cecmed. • Report of patients with more than 3 months of treatment with HeberPAG® in patients with advanced solid tumors or metastatic without therapeutic option (SOLINCcomp). Significant result of the increase in survival patients with renal carcinomas at high-risk for over 30 months. • Dose study of the perilesional CIGB-128 in basal skin cell Epithelioma. InCarbacel III study: follow-up review of the third year of cases who obtained complete response, demonstrating the effectiveness of the product in long term. CECIN study: intralesional administration of HeberPAG® in patients with squamous-cell skin carcinoma. Follow-up report of the 1st year of the cases who obtained complete response, which confirmed the effectiveness of the product in the long term • The patent for HeberFERON® was granted in USA and Japan. • Renewal of the registration of HebePAG® 3 M and 10 M in Cuba. • Renewal of the registration of Heberon Gamma R® 0.5 M IU in Cuba. PEG-Heberon® PEG-Heberon® and Ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CubaPEG-HC). The report of efficacy was updated showing a significant reduction in baseline HCV viral load in 43 % of the patients, after 4 weeks of treatment. At week 12, it is reduced in 69 % and 48 % completed the treatment with undetectable levels. The sustained virologic response was 25 % by purpose to treat, which includes 56 % in the responders to treatment. These results have been regarded as excellent and endorsed by gastroenterologists linked with PEG - Heberon® prescription. STATISTICS GROUP In the year 2013, the statistics group was involved in 18 clinical projects, one agricultural and one biomedical. The use of adaptive designs in several studies was the most significant. In total there were 52 statistical reports, distributed as follows: • Final reports: 19 • Statistical analysis related to clinical trials: 12 • Design of clinical studies: 21 INFORMATICS GROUP A new design of the website of the area was designed and implemented, visible on the intranet of the CIGB. All the information and available access were updated. The implementation of the remote entry system of clinical data was continued from a larger number of hospitals participating in clinical research. THE SUPPLIES’ GROUP Availability, conservation, preparation and distribution of products and supplies requested were guaranteed for 13 clinical investigations, in 41 clinical sites of 9 Cuban provinces. 1419 requests were attended which meant a significant increase of 358 requests (133.7 %) compared to 2012, which constitutes an annual record for the Group's supplies the compliance of good clinical practices in the management of random lists and masking products was ensured. Delivery immediacy of the resources requested was achieved, no complaints or non-compliance on the part of customers was recorded as successful. During 2013, the masking of 8500 bulbs products intended for clinical research abroad was assured. This is the highest number achieved so far by this group since its creation. The cold chain was validated during storage, transportation and distribution of products in clinical research was made as well as the analysis of risk at this stage. A record of temperature control was designed and implemented in clinical sites and nine professionals from the Department of pharmacy were trained in compliance with good clinical practice. 91 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DIRECTION OF CLINICAL RESEARCH GOOD CLINICAL PRACTICES AND DOCUMENTATION SECTION The scope of the self-inspection of good clinical practice was extended to 11 clinical trials in six Cuban provinces. • SECTION OF MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL There was a significant optimization in the processing and logistics coordination for the trials and a notorious advance. There were also improvements in the quality and quantity of activities with a successful performance and high level of clients’ satisfaction. The processing and central control of the proper use of means of transportation rented for the activity of clinical trials, pharmaco-surveillance, and promoting Heberprot-P® in Cuba were a success. • • AWARDS AND DISTINTIONS • Hugo Nodarse Cuní et al. Development of PEG-Heberon® • • • • • • for the treatment of hepatitis C in Cuba. Provincial award of innovation 2012 by Citma in Havana.. Hugo Nodarse Cuní and et al. Development of PEGHeberon® for the treatment of hepatitis C in Cuba. Annual Health award by central and national authorities. Isis Belkis Yero Alós et al. Heberprot-P® in diabetic foot ulcer patients: active pharamaco-surveillance. Cuba, may 2007-septiember 2010. Annual Health award by central and national authorities. Giselle Pentón Rol et al. Ficocianina project in multiple sclerosis. Annual Health Award by the Central And National Authorities. Isabel Alicia Guillén Pérez and et al. (Angela Damary Tuero Iglesias, DIC). Molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition of the proliferation of tumor cells exposed to high concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Annual award of the Academy of Sciences of Cuba 2012. Julio César Aguilar Rubido et al. (Verena Lucila Muzio González, DIC). Demonstration of safety and innovative immunological properties related to treatment with the therapeutic vaccine candidate against hepatitis B chronic (Nasvac) in three models of transgenic mice expressing the hepatitis B virus of or its surface antigen. Annual award of the Academy of Sciences of Cuba 2012. Francisco Hernández Bernal et al. Latin American DAHER CUTAIT award: recombinant streptokinase suppositories for the treatment of acute hemorrhoids. • XXIII Latin American Congress of Coloproctology. IV International Congress of surgery Colorectal of ASCC. San Salvador, El Salvador (July, 2013). Francisco Hernández Bernal et al. Relevant result and special distinction in the scientific and technical Forum, Municipal and Provincial authoritative ranks: recombinant streptokinase suppositories for the treatment of acute hemorrhoids. Demonstration of efficacy and safety in clinical trials. Cuba, 2006-2012. Francisco Hernández Bernal et al. Relevant result in the scientific and technical Forum, Municipal and Provincial authoritative ranks: LeukoCIM® of the clinical trial at the medical practice: 10 years of experience). Giselle Pentón Rol et al. Latinoamerican award of Pharmacology Dr. Plutarco Naranjo Vargas in memoriam. Sponsored by the Latin American Association of Pharmacology (LPA) and the International Union of basic Pharmacology and clinic (IUPHAR): effect neuroprotective and molecular mechanisms of C-Ficocianina in experimental models of multiple sclerosis and cerebral ischemia. Giselle Pentón Rol et al. National Prize of Pharmacology 2011-2013, Dr. Francisco J Rodriguez Moron, sponsored by the Cuban society of Pharmacology: effect neuroprotective and molecular mechanisms of the C-Ficocianina in experimental models of multiple sclerosis and cerebral ischemia. EVENTS AND COURSES The logistical coordination and scientific organization of 25 CT workshops involved in 15 products and 22 annual objectives corresponded to the members of the DCR. Five workshops were achieved to join criteria for new CT protocols, seven to start the implementation of the approved CT by Cecmed, seven for scientific updating of CT in course and six to present and discuss the results of CT concluded. More than 150 researchers participated, and there was a representation of more than 10 medical specialties, with main highlight for the angeologists, gynecologists, oncologists, virologists, dermatologists, neonatologists, gastroenterologists and Nephrologists. As part of the training plan arranged in the DCR, 6 specialists received professional development courses; mainly those covered by the mention in clinical trials of the master tendencies of contemporary biotechnology delivered by the CIGB, as well as in English and French; for the obtainment of PhD degrees on mathematical modeling 92 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DIRECTION OF CLINICAL RESEARCH and its applications, three workers successfully discussed their Master’s thesis, one in clinical trials, another in mathematics and statistics, and the other in bioengineering. In the DCR, teaching is also included with the participation of a group of members as teachers of undergraduate and graduate schools, as well as members of courts of scientific degrees both at the CIGB and the National School of public health. Specifically the DCR has two members of the academic Committee of the Master Degree of the CIGB, the coordinator of the mention in CT, plus coordinators and principal teachers of the subjects: • Dr. Pedro López Saura. Member of the Academic Committee. Coordinator and Main professor teaching Methodology and Practice in CT. • Dr. Verena Lucila Muzio González. Member of the academic Committee. Professor of methodology and practice in CT. Main professor of the subject Specific aspects of clinical trials in vaccines and oncology. • MSc. Carmen María Valenzuela Silva. Coordinator and Main professor teaching Methods of applied statistics in biotechnology. Also professor of the methodology and practice in CT • MSc. Idrián García García. Coordinator and Main profesor. Principals of pharmacology. • Dr. Francisco Hernández Bernal. Coordinator and principal professor teaching Principles of Epidemiology. • Dr. Hugo Nodarse Cuní. Professor of the subject Methodology and practice in CT. • Dr. C. Antonieta Herrera Buch. Professor of Methodology and practice in CT. • Dr. Odalys Margarita González Díaz. Professor of Methodology and practice in CT. • Dr. Isis Belkis Yero Alós. Professor of the subject Principals of pharmacology. • MSc. Ángela Tuero Iglesias. Professor of the subject Methods of applied statistics in biotechnology Those and other colleagues of the DCR took part in six master's thesis tribunal. The general achievement in these activities was regarded as an institutional achievement due to maintain Master's Degree of Trends in Modern Biotechnology (3rd. Edition) with a satisfactory level. It will start the Fourth Edition. Publications Eight scientific articles were published in international journals. SUMMARY 93 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 DIRECTION OF SAFETY AND PROTECTION T he Direction of Safety and Protection Safety and Protection Section of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) maintains a system of safety management sustained in the Biosafety Program, which ensures compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Public Health and the international Convention on Biodiversity, the Cartagena Protocol and conventions that regulate the use of biological, chemical and radiological agents. It is also in charge of health-related issues in the biotechnology sector. This group is in charge of the Strain collection laboratory, which controls biosafety and the protection and centralization of culture collections. It also identifies, analyzes and assesses the biological risk in the Center’s projects. DIRECTOR Ing. Elizabeth García Muñiz [email protected] Telephone: (537) 250 4556 Relevant results • Effective regulatory activity on Biological, Chemical and Radiological Safety. • Satisfactory results in the Defense Area. SUMMARY 94 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Department of Regulatory Issues and Clinical Trials T he Department of Regulatory Issues and Clinical Trials manages the fulfillment of the national and international regulations in reviewing all the information for records and clinical trials registries (CTR). It evaluates and classifies the changes in production processes and quality control of various products of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) according to the National Center for State Control of Drugs, Equipment and Medical Devices (CECMED) as part of the Committee of Experts. In addition, it manages the preparation of records of all products and their processing to CECMED. This department is responsible to the CIGB and CECMED throughout the process and Modification Authorization Procedures for Clinical Trials, Application of Licenses in Pharmaceutical Operations in Cuba and abroad. It makes the registry records according to the Specific Regulations Drug Authorities of different countries , interacting with the experts and responds to the same applicable requirements by working with the various areas of CIGB and other centers , ensuring thus the successful performance of the Enrollment Process , Renewal and Amendment of CIGB of the different products abroad allowing a great commercialization of our products worldwide, with the outstanding role of the leading product, Heberprot-P®. Head of the department Marisol Cruz Díaz [email protected] Phone: (537) 250 4188 RELEVANT RESULTS During 2013 the main results were associated with an intense registry activity in Cuba and abroad, allowing the obtaining of new registrations and renewals in different countries. 95 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Department of Regulatory Issues and Clinical Trials Registrations in Cuba Renewal of the sanitary registration of seven products • Hebertrans®. • Liquid Heberon Alfa R® 3 M, 5M and 10. • Liophilized Heberon Alfa R® 3M, 5M and 10M. • Heberon Gamma®. • HeberPAG® 3M and 10M. • Heberkinasa® 750 000 IU and 1 500 000 IU. • HeberNem®-L by the National Plant Protection Registration Agency. International registration • • • • Registration renewal Sanitary License Renewal of 7 products was obtained in 3 countries. • The International Registration activity is one of the main • objectives of the Department, this ensures the use, sale • and export of our products to all the different geographical • areas of the world. The Registration is the initial requirement • that precedes the use of the products in any area, including • • comercialization. Obtainment of new registrations 4 Products in 5 countries • Heberprot-P® in Peru. Heberprot-P® in Viet Nam. Heberitro® in Viet Nam. Heberbiovac HB® 10 µg in Viet Nam. Liquid Heberon® R in Venezuela. Quimi-Hib® in Venezuela. Heberbiovac HB® 20 µg in Tunez. HeberFast Line® anti-transglutaminase diagnostic test in Venezuela. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS • Active and outstanding participation of the Department Figure Asia. 65 Eastern Europe. 42 Africa. 27 • • Central America. 8 Caribbean. 14 Heberprot-P® in Costa Rica Quimi-Hib® in Marruecos. Gavac® (Heberbiogar, in INSAI, Venezuela) HeberFort® in Spain. Marketing Permission and conducting tests for later bionematicide Registration in Europe was obtained. It is the first commercial product license of the CIGB in a European country. South America. 64 in Different Stages of the Joint Project in 2013 for negotiating with Wittycell with NASVAC product which meant an income of $ 1 million for the CIGB and the ongoing Agreements for future use of this product in new business areas and the First World. The Guidelines for the registration of subunit immunogens obtained through biotechnological processes was achieved. (Nineteenth plenary Seminar on Harmonization of Registration and Control of Veterinary Drugs achieved. Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products in America (CAMEVET). Delivery of the final version (in English) of the Registration form for subunit immunogens obtained through biotechnological processes to IMV Focal Point in Cuba, sent to all countries in America. INSTITUTIONAL SCIENTIFIC AWARDS • Obtainment of the marketing approval of Heberprot-P® Current records of the Regulatory Issues of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, distributed by geographic areas. in Spain. Positive results in field trials. • Increase in the Regulatory level of the IMPD NASVAC dossier as balance of two satisfactory ratings by the French Company Wittycell and the Impact of these in 96 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Department of Regulatory Issues and Clinical Trials • • • • • the Schedule of Business and Development of this product with the Company. Renewal of the Heberprot-P® sanitary registration in Vietnam for 5 years and the obtainment of the registration in Peru and Costa Rica. Registration request of HeberFort® and HeberNem® in Saudi Arabia and Morocco, respectively. Health Registration Renewal of the HeberFast Line®. in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela First export of the product produced at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Sancti Spíritus Renewal of Alpha R liquid® Heberon 3M, 5M and 10M, Heberon Alpha R lyophilized® 3 M, 5 M and 10 M, Heberon Gamma®, HeberPAG® 3 M and 10 M, Heberkinasa® 750 000 IU and 1500 000 IU Hebertrans® and HeberNem®-L to the Sanitary Registration in Cuba. Effective processing activity of national and international registration with satisfactory compliance. COURSES AND EVENTS MANAGED AND DELIVERED BY THE AREA Events Participation in the CESFARMA Congress • Common technical document dossier for marketing authorization in ICH regions. • The ASEAN Common Technical Document Dossier (ACTD) for the registration of pharmaceuticals for human use. Courses • Participation in a Course with Sertere for exchanges on registration requirements in Venezuela. • Participation of 2 specialists as teachers in the Master's Degree of Trends in Modern Biotechnology. FOREIGN VISITORS • In the months of April and November 2013 we received a visit of an • • expert from the French Company Wittycell to IMPD Product Dossier of NASVAC, managed by our department. The balance of these two audits was very positive for both the development of the Project as well as the ongoing negotiation with this company, and actions in order to achieve the clinical trials and registration processes in different parts of the world, mainly in Europe. As a result of these audits a great step forward in the Quality and Regulatory Compliance of this dossier was achieved, with high impact on the negotiation with this Company. The Department was active and positive on the working visit of the Expert from Microguen Company from Russia, for the future 97 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 Department of Regulatory Issues and Clinical Trials • • registration of the Russian Pentavalente vaccine, with the use of 2 antigens from the CIGB as Active Ingredients in this formulation: the HBsAg and Hib. Bioven Russia Visit: Very positive results were obtained in the contribution in Negotiating with the Russian Company, where IMPD Bioven Product Nasvac® was evaluated. Visit of Dr. Numidia Corona from SERTERE, Venezuela, study and discussion of work and quality of registration dossiers evaluated and targeted to the Venezuelan Medicines Authority. CIGB Registrations Recognition of Experts of that country to the Records of CIGB, as the ones with more quality in the region. PUBLICATIONS Three scientific papers in which we participated as co-authors were published in national and international magazines, three technical reports also. SUMMARY 98 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 CIGB in Camagüey T he Center for genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in Camagüey aims to generate, develop, produce and commercialize biotechnology products in the agricultural sphere and for therapy of hormone-sensitive tumors. It also contributes to the economic, social and environmental development of our country, based on a system of quality management that ensures the satisfaction of the customers. Work areas complete the cycle of research-development-production and marketing Its leader product is the recombinant vaccine against the cattle tick, commercially known as Gavac®, of proved efficacy. It also produces and commercializes a biological product for the control of health pesticide parasites of agricultural crops known as HeberNem®, successfully used in houses of protected cultivation. Its quality system guaranties the compliance with good manufacturing practices, and constitutes an important endorsement for the products. Both the main researches and the technological development comprise the obtainment of new bioproducts of agriculture and veterinary use that because of its effectiveness, safety and quality are included in the portfolio of the commercialized productions at the center. In addition, it has a research line with medical applications. It is based on the ready therapeutic vaccine against advanced prostate cancer, known as Heberprovac® which recently concluded a phase II multi-center clinical study in humans with satisfactory results. As a result of the scientific-productive work of the center, it has been achieved around 90 % of the sales revenue corresponding to exports of biotechnology products developed in the Center. MANAGER Eulogio Pimentel Vázquez [email protected] Phone: (53-32) 26 1295 99 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 CIGB in Camagüey Main Executives Head of the Production Jesús Zamora Sánchez [email protected] Phone: (53-32) 26 1044 Head of the Researches Rolando Morán Valdivia [email protected] Phone: (53-32) 26 2798 • Scale-up and production of HeberNem® in the BioProcess • • • • Head of the Researches Alain Moreira Rubio [email protected] Phone: (53-32) 26 1044 • Head of the Technological Development Department. Nemecio González Fernández [email protected] Phone: (53-32) 26 1044 • Main Results • The production of more than 9 million doses of the • • vaccine Gavac® and over-achievement of marketing plans provided for this product, which is a productive and commercial record for the institution. Demonstration of the effectiveness of the bionematicide HeberFort® in trials in terms of pots in Spain and its usage record as OMDF (alternative forms of protecting plant health) in that country. Demonstration of safety and evidence of effectiveness in a phase II multicenter clinical trial with the vaccine candidate the Heberprovac® against advanced prostate cancer. Awards and Distinctions Institutional Achievements • Cuba 10 plant of the Cuban Institute reaseraches of the derivatives of the cane of sugar (ICIDCA). Three years achieving satisfactory results in the marketing of the CIGB in Camagüey. Alternative use of EROS software to control the addition of methanol during the fermentation of Pichia pastoris in 300 L. Consolidation of the business strategy for Hebernem® and significant progress in opening markets. Obtainment of commercial permission of HeberFort® in Spain. Positive results in the field trials. Progress in the negotiation of the empresa mixta in marketing-production of agro-biotechnology products with Shandong Lukang. Increase in the capacity and quality standards at the stages of formulation and filling of ImmunoGen Gavac®. Outstanding participation in the progress of the programme of integrated control against cattle ticks in Cuba. Scientific Achievements • Determination of the plant growth promoting ability of • • Tsukamurella paurometabola C-924 and characterization of the main mechanisms involved in the process. Lactobacillus pentosus IC1, an isolation of vegetables fermented with probiotic activity and immunostimulating in shrimp. Participation in the use of glicomarkers achievement to assess the progression of patients with prostate cancer in the context of the phase I clinical trial with Heberprovac®. Events and courses received and delivered • A course on Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics was managed and delivered in 54 hours in the Center of Bioplants in Ciego de Ávila, with participants from various provinces and national institutions. • Productive record of ImmunoGen Gavac® for a year. • Yielding record of API's Gavac® per processed biomass Foreign Visitors • • Visit of the Ambassador of the People's Republic of • lots. Recovery of equipment and solution of climates in areas of the CIGB in Camagüey. Quality service and maintenance of the CIGB in Camagüey with the condition of self-financed. China, on April 24. • visit of executives from Lukang to discuss aspects relating to the approval of the joint company Lukang- 100 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 CIGB in Camagüey Heber and other inherent to technological transfers to the Qihe plant in that country, December 27-28. PUBLICATIONS Four scientific articles and two technical reports were published. SUMMARY 101 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 CIGB in Sancti Spíritus C enter for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Sancti Spíritus is part of the CIGB in Havana, is located to 350 km east of the city. In its organizational structure, it counts with different departments like: Production, Research and Development, Administration and Service, and the Group of Assurance and Quality Control. Its main mission is to produce biological reagents at the CIGB using control of processes, Quality controls and the release of the main biotechnological products. In addition, it produces biological reagents for the Center of Immunoassays (Havana, Cuba), as primary components of the Ultramicroelisa systems for the diagnoses of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C (HCV) in blood donors. The CIGB of Sancti Spíritus counts with a manufacturing License by the Center for the Control of Medicines, Medical equipments and Devices of Cuba, which protects the production of biological reagents and the manufacture of the HeberFast Line® Pregnancy, HeberFast Line® rotavirus and HeberFast Line® anti-transglutaminase, to the Department of Public Health. Other missions include the generation of hybrids secreting monoclonal antibodies, to support the projects research-development by the CIGB; the development of rapid reagents strip type- new diagnostic systems for veterinary or biomedical use; the design, development and ratification of new immunoassays to support the stages of evaluation of leader products at the CIGB; the genetic improvement of vet species of agricultural interest, with projects in course aimed at the introduction of genes for the defense against plagues and fungous illnesses in rice; the use of plants as bioreactors for the production of proteins of pharmaceutical interest; the technology development for the production of pre-biotic (fructooligosaccharides) and the direct intervention in the extension and use of products of the CIGB in the province of Sancti Spíritus. General Manager MSc. Raúl Alfredo Armas Ramos [email protected] Phone: (53-41) 32 6273 ext. 102 102 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 CIGB in Sancti Spíritus Main Executives Head of the Department of Research-Development MSc. Enrique Rosendo Pérez Cruz enrique.perez @cigb.edu.cu Phone (53-41) 32 6273 ext. 107 Head of the Production Department B.Sc. Omar Reinaldo Blanco Águila [email protected] Phone: (53-41) 32 6273 ext. 105 Chief of the Group Assurance and Quality Control MSc. Vladimir Leal Gómez [email protected] Phone: (53-41) 32 6273 ext. 109 Main Results • Renovation of the sanitary registry of HeberFast Line® antitransglutaminase, in Cuba. • Obtainment of the sanitary registry of HeberFast Line® MaterniTest II. • Obtainment of a production method of 1-kestosa in bioreactors of membrane. • Establishment of a viable technical procedure economically for the • • • • • • obtainment of the enzyme 1-SST recombinant lyophilized for the commercial production of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Reestablishment of the production of similar lots of the monoclonal antibody CBIFNα2.3, linked to the analytical system ELISA for the quantification of interferon alpha (Heberon Alfa R®), by means of the reclonaje and a different method of selection of clones. Development of new monoclonal antibodies to support the research and development of new products at the CIGB like the vaccine candidates against Bordetella pertussis, HCV and the sea louse. Renewal of the sanitary registry in the Republic of Venezuela of HeberFast Line anti-transglutaminase. The first exportation of the diagnosticians produced by the CIGB of Sancti Spíritus. Establishment of a purification procedure, with more than 85 % of purity, of the streptokinase expressed in chloroplasts of tobacco based on operations of filtration, precipitation with sulphate of ammonium and chromatography of ionic exchange. Obtainment of a thermosetting safety, biocatalyst producing inverted sugar, which can be used to industrial scale to obtain invested sugar in high temperatures and concentration of saccharose. Development and validation of an inquiry immunoassay and another confirmatory to evaluate immunogenicity not desired of Heberprot-P®, a fundamental requirement to the marketing of the product to the first world. 103 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 CIGB in Sancti Spíritus • Obtainment of rice lines genetically modified, free of the selection • • marker gene, expressing the NmDef02 resistant gene to diseases (3 lines) and the Cry1Fa resistant gene to insects (7 lines). Overachievement of the production plan at 124.4 % of biological reagents and biomedical diagnosticians of the CIGB in Sancti Spíritus with the consequent economic contribution. This guaranteed a positive balance in the economic results of the Center, for the second time in years. Establishment of an active inquiry system through operatives to the prevention, specialized attention and precocious for the use of Heberprot-P® in patients with diabetic foot ulcers in the primary attention of health. Awards and Distinctions • Recognition as Center emphasized in the activity of the science and the technological innovation in the province, granted by the delegation of the Department of Science Technology and Environment (Citma) of Sancti Spíritus. Events y courses • The IIIrd Provincial Workshop of the of integral attention Program to • • patients with diabetic foot ulcer (PAIPUD) and Heberprot-P®, Sancti Spíritus, October, 2013. A diploma on integral Handling to patients with diabetic foot ulcers in the province of Sancti Spíritus. A diploma on surgical Procedures in patients with diabetic foot ulcers, together with the Angiology room of the Provincial Hospital Camilo Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus. PublicationS Six scientific articles and a patent application were published. SUMMARY 104 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 PUBLICATIONS ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN 2013 • Acosta J, Montero V, Carpio Y, Velázquez J, Garay HE, Reyes O, et al. Cloning • • • • • • • and functional characterization of three novel antimicrobial peptides from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture. 2013;372–375:9-18. Aguilar JC. Highlights from Barcelona 2012 International Liver Congress and EASL meeting. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(2):145-8. Aguilera A, Bermudez Y, Martínez E, Marrero MA, Muñoz L, Páez R, et al. Formulation development of a recombinant Streptokinase suppository for hemorrhoids treatment. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(3):182-6. Alvarez T, Ferro W, Geada D, Medina Y, Montero J, Muñoz L, et al. Detection of an immunologically-relevant epitope in the Heberbiovac® vaccine active pharmaceutical ingredient employing CB.Hep-4 monoclonal antibody. Lat Am J Pharm. 2013;32(9):1280-7. Aragón H, González M, Valdés R, Álvarez T, Brown E, Rodríguez Y, et al. Replacement of serum supplemented medium for CB.Hep-1 hybridoma cell freezing and monoclonal antibody production. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(1):57-62. Bacardí D, Cosme K, Aldana L, Merino N, Suárez J, Mosqueda O, et al. Preclinical safety testing of the Quimi-Hib® vaccine adjuvanted with aluminum phosphate during product development. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(2):118-24. Barbará E, Saurez G, Cabal Mirabal C, González Dalmau E, editors. Tool of segmentation and 3D reconstruction of MRI to quantify cranial tumor activityImage. XVIII Symposium of Image Signal Processing, and Artificial Vision (STSIVA) 2013; Bogotá, Colombia. Barbera A, Lorenzo N, Garrido G, Mazola Y, Falcon V, Torres AM, et al. APL-1, an altered peptide ligand derived from human heat-shock protein 60, selectively induces apoptosis 105 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 PUBLICATIONS • • • • • • • • • • • in activated CD4+ CD25+ T cells from peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients. International Immunopharmacology. 2013;17(4):1075-83. Bello-Rivero I, Garcia-Vega Y, Valenzuela-Silva C, Bello-Alvarez C, Vázquez-Blomquist D, Lopez-Saura P. Development of a new formulation of interferons (HEBERPAG) for BCC treatment. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics. 2013;1(10):235-43. Berlanga J, Fernandez JI, Lopez E, Lopez PA, del Rio A, Valenzuela C, et al. Heberprot-P®: a novel product for treating advanced diabetic foot ulcer. MEDICC Review. 2013;15(1):11-5. Berlanga-Acosta J, López-Saura P, Guillen-Pérez I, Guillen-Nieto G, Acevedo-Castro B, Herrera-Martínez L. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): Biological overview from pathways to organelles and its translation toward a torpid wound healing process. J Diabetes Metab 2013;4:7. Berlanga-Acosta J, Mendoza-Mari Y, Martinez MD, Valdes-Perez C, Ojalvo AG, Armstrong DG. Expression of cell proliferation cycle negative regulators in fibroblasts of an ischemic diabetic foot ulcer. A clinical case report. International wound journal. 2013;10(2):232-6. Berlanga-Acosta J, Schultz GS, Lopez-Mola E, GuillenNieto G, Garcia-Siverio M, Herrera-Martinez L. Glucose toxic effects on granulation tissue productive cells: the diabetics' impaired healing. BioMed Research International. 2013;2013:256043. Betancourt LH, De Bock PJ, Staes A, Timmerman E, Perez-Riverol Y, Sanchez A, et al. SCX charge state selective separation of tryptic peptides combined with 2D-RP-HPLC allows for detailed proteome mapping. Journal of Proteomics. 2013;91:164-71. Boraschi D, Penton-Rol G. Perspectives in immunopharmacology: The future of immunosuppression. Immunology Letters. 2013. Borges D, Perez-Riverol Y, Nogueira FC, Domont GB, Noda J, da Veiga Leprevost F, et al. Effectively addressing complex proteomic search spaces with peptide spectrum matching. Bioinformatics. 2013;29(10):1343-4. Cabal C, Darias D, González E, Musacchio A. Theranostics and Molecular Imaging: new concepts and technologies for drug development. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(3):172-7. Cabal Mirabal C. Ciencia y sociedad: ¿qué pasará en los próximos 20 años? Juventud Técnica. 2013;2013. Cabal Mirabal C, Gonzalez Dalmau E. Las imágenes moleculares y las micro imágenes. Nuevos retos a la • • • • • • • • • • bioingeniería. V Latin American Congress on Biomedical Engineering CLAIB IFMBE Proceedings 2013;33:531-4. Cabrales A, Gil J, Fernandez E, Valenzuela C, Hernandez F, Garcia I, et al. Pharmacokinetic study of Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6 (GHRP-6) in nine male healthy volunteers. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2013;48(1-2):40-6. Camacho H, Fernandez ME, Guillen IA, Perez L, Fernandez JR, Tuero AD, et al. Analysis of cell proliferation and gene expression profiles in Epidermal Growth Factor-treated tumor cell lines. Minerva Biotecnol. 2013;25(1):43-54. Carpio Y, Garcia C, Pons T, Haussmann D, RodriguezRamos T, Basabe L, et al. Akirins in sea lice: first steps towards a deeper understanding. Experimental Parasitology. 2013;135(2):188-99. Díaz B, Heynngnezz L, Beldarraín A, Iser Y, Fernández A, Díaz J, et al. Cromatografía de adsorción para purificar el disacárido espaciador del ingrediente farmacéutico activo de la vacuna QuimiHib®. VacciMonitor. 2013;22(1):29-34. Domínguez MC, Lorenzo N, Barberá A, Padrón G, Torres AM, Hernández MV, et al. Therapeutic effect of two altered peptide ligands derived from the human heat shock protein 60 in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(2):153-6. Fernandez E, Toledo JR, Mendez L, Gonzalez N, Parra F, Martin-Alonso JM, et al. Conformational and thermal stability improvements for the large-scale production of yeast-derived rabbit hemorrhagic disease viruslike particles as multipurpose vaccine. PloS One. 2013;8(2):e56417. Fernandez Masso JR, Oliva Arguelles B, Tejeda Y, Astrada S, Garay H, Reyes O, et al. The Antitumor Peptide CIGB-552 Increases COMMD1 and Inhibits Growth of Human Lung Cancer Cells. Journal of Amino Acids. 2013;2013:251398. Fernandez Nuñez EG, Valdes Veliz R, Vale da Costa BL, Goncalves de Rezende A, Tonso A. Using statistical tools for improving bioprocesses. Asian J Biotechnol. 2013;5(1):1-20. Fernández-Ortega C, Casillas D, Dubed M, Navea L, Ramírez A, López L, et al. Leukocyte extract modulates cellular factors involved in HIV infection. Sexually Transmitted Infect. 2013;89:45-7. Fleitas Díaz M, Rodríguez Reyes O, Benítez Pardillo T, Mena Campos J, Mesa L. Evaluación de dosis de 106 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 PUBLICATIONS • • • • • • • • • HeberNem para el control de Meloidogyne incognita Chitwood en condiciones de cultivos protegidos. Centro Agrícola. 2013;40(1):57-62. Garcia Del Barco-Herrera D, Martinez NS, CoroAntich RM, Machado JM, Alba JS, Salgueiro SR, et al. Epidermal growth factor and growth hormonereleasing peptide-6: combined therapeutic approach in experimental stroke. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience. 2013;31(2):213-23. García O, Nelson E, Godinez L, Cabrera D, Sosa R, Martínez M, et al. Improvements in an ion-exchange chromatography procedure to increase recovery and biological activity of erythropoietin preparations for pharmaceutical use. Lat Am J Pharm. 2013;32(6):852-9. Garcia-Diaz D, Rodriguez I, Santisteban Y, Marquez G, Terrero Y, Brown E, et al. Th2-Th1 shift with the multiantigenic formulation TERAVAC-HIV-1 in Balb/c mice. Immunology Letters. 2013;149(1-2):77-84. Gomez L, Padilla S, Fuentes A, Ruiz Y, Gonzalez T, Somoza M, et al. Assessment of Two Transgenic Tobacco Plant Varieties for the HBsAg-Specific Plantibody Production J Agron. 2013;12:11-9. Gonzalez Dalmau E, Cabal Mirabal C, editors. Criterios Cuantitativos de Selección de la Bobina Receptora de Radiofrecuencia para Estudiar Animales Pequeños en Equipos Clínicos de Resonancia Magnética. V Latin American Congress on Biomedical Engineering CLAIB 2011 May 16-21, 2011, Habana, Cuba; 2013 2013/01/01: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. González-Fernández N, Ramos-Sánchez L, NarciandiDíaz E, Mayo-Abad O, Zamora-Sánchez J. Tecnología de fermentación del agente biológico activo del bionematicida HeberNem®. Rev Cubana Quím. 2013;25(1):55-65. Granadillo M, Batte A, Lugo VM, Musacchio A, BequetRomero M, Betancourt L, et al. Expression, purification and characterization of a recombinant fusion protein based on the human papillomavirus-16 E7 antigen. SpringerPlus. 2013;2(1):12. Guillen G, Aguilar JC, Dueñas S, Hermida L, Iglesias E, Penton E, et al. Virus-like particles as nanovaccine candidates. Adv Nat Sci Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2013;4(1):4. Guillén I, Berlanga J, Camacho H, Fernández-de-Cossío ME, Pérez L, Novoa LI, et al. Molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition of tumor cells proliferation exposed to elevated concentrations of the epidermal growth factor. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(3):223-7. • Hernández A, López A, Ceballo Y, Rosabal L, Rosabal • • • • • • • • • • Y, Tiel K, et al. High-level production and aggregation of hepatitis B surface antigen in transgenic tobacco seeds. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(2):97-100. Hernández D, Cabrera L, Valdés R, Morán I, Téllez P, Ramos Y, et al. Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa1 Expression and Purification from E. coli to be Determined in Seeds and Leaves of Genetically Modified Corn Plants. J Agron. 2013;12(4):153-67. Hernandez-Bernal F, Valenzuela-Silva CM, QuinteroTabio L, Castellanos-Sierra G, Monterrey-Cao D, Aguilera-Barreto A, et al. Recombinant streptokinase suppositories in the treatment of acute haemorrhoidal disease. Multicentre randomized double-blind placebocontrolled trial (THERESA-2). Colorectal disease: the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. 2013;15(11):1423-8. Herrera L. Biotecnología Aplicada: 30 years publishing science. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(1):ii. Iglesias E. Is there any room for therapeutic vaccination against the HIV-1/AIDS? Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. 2013;9(7):1539-44. Lamdan H, Gavilondo JV, Munoz Y, Pupo A, Huerta V, Musacchio A, et al. Affinity maturation and fine functional mapping of an antibody fragment against a novel neutralizing epitope on human vascular endothelial growth factor. Molecular Biosystems. 2013;9(8):2097-106. Lemos G, Guillén I, Fernández JR, Díaz T, Colarte AB, Fernández de Cossío ME. Expression and purification of a full-length recombinant NS1 protein from a dengue 2 serotype viral isolate. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(3):187-93. Leprevost FV, Lima DB, Crestani J, Perez-Riverol Y, Zanchin N, Barbosa VC, et al. Pinpointing differentially expressed domains in complex protein mixtures with the cloud service of PatternLab for Proteomics. Journal of Proteomics. 2013;89:179-82. Limonta M, Krajnc NL, Vidic U, Zumalacárregui L. Simulation for the recovery of plasmid for a DNA vaccine. Biochem Eng J. 2013;80:14-8. López-Saura PA, Yera-Alos IB, Valenzuela-Silva C, González-Díaz O, del Río-Martín A, Berlanga-Acosta J, et al. Medical practice confirms clinical trial results of the use of intralesional human recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor in advanced diabetic foot ulcers. Adv Pharmacoepidem Drug Safety 2013;2:128. Lugo JM, Carpio Y, Morales R, Rodriguez-Ramos T, Ramos L, Estrada MP. First report of the pituitary 107 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 PUBLICATIONS • • • • • • • • • adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in crustaceans: conservation of its functions as growth promoting factor and immunomodulator in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 2013;35(6):1788-96. Ma JK, Christou P, Chikwamba R, Haydon H, Paul M, Ferrer MP, et al. Realising the value of plant molecular pharming to benefit the poor in developing countries and emerging economies. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 2013;11(9):1029-33. Marcos E, Gil L, Lazo L, Izquierdo A, Brown E, Suzarte E, et al. Purified and highly aggregated chimeric protein DIIIC-2 induces a functional immune response in mice against dengue 2 virus. Archives of Virology. 2013;158(1):225-30. Marín Bruzos M, Mena Campos J, Chaveli Chávez P, Morán Valdivia R, Pimentel Vázquez E. Interaction among Tsukamurella paurometabola C-924 and Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli CFH in bean plants. Acta Agronoómica. 2013;62(1):52-8. Marín M, Wong I, García G, Morán R, Basulto R, Pimentel P, et al. Actividad antagónica in vitro de Tsukamurella paurometabola C-924 frente a fitopatógenos. Rev Protección Veg. 2013;28(2):132-7. Marín M, Wong I, Wong J, Morán R, Pimentel E, Sánchez I, et al. Zea mays L. plant growth promotion by Tsukamurella paurometabola strain C-924. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(2):105-10. Marin-Prida J, Pavon-Fuentes N, Llopiz-Arzuaga A, Fernandez-Masso JR, Delgado-Roche L, Mendoza-Mari Y, et al. Phycocyanobilin promotes PC12 cell survival and modulates immune and inflammatory genes and oxidative stress markers in acute cerebral hypoperfusion in rats. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2013;272(1):49-60. Martínez R, Estrada MP, Ubieta K, Herrera F, Forellat A, Gil L, et al. Biological activity in vitro and in vivo of an in silico designed secretagogue peptide to be used in fish. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(4):320-2. Medell M, Hart M, Duquesne A, Espinosa F, Valdes R. Nosocomial ventilator-associated pneumonia in Cuban intensive care units: bacterial species and antibiotic resistance. MEDICC Review. 2013;15(2):26-9. Mendoza-Marí Y, Valdés-Pérez C, Rodríguez-Corrales E, Suárez-Alba J, García-Ojalvo A, García del Barco Herrera D, et al. Histological and transcriptional expression differences between diabetic foot and pressure ulcers. J Diabetes Metab 2013;4:296. • Menendez C, Martinez D, Trujillo LE, Mazola Y, Gonzalez • • • • • • • • • E, Perez ER, et al. Constitutive high-level expression of a codon-optimized beta-fructosidase gene from the hyperthermophile Thermotoga maritima in Pichia pastoris. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2013;97(3):1201-12. Miyares M, González J, Torres D, Muñoz L, Pestana Y, Padrón S, et al. Validación de la técnica de determinación de proteínas totales por el método microcoomassie a doble longitud de onda para la muestra de producto terminado del antígeno de la nucleocápsida del virus de la hepatitis C. VacciMonitor. 2013;22(2):14-8. Morán Y, Chacón O, Córdoba-Sellés MC, DomínguezLarrinaga R, Herrera L, Borrás-Hidalgo O. Identification and Molecular Characterization of Nocardia sp. as a New Causal Agent of Tobacco False Broomrape. J Phytopathol. 2013;161(2):86-91. Muñoz L, Font M, García G, Pérez N, Torres D, Álvarez D, et al. Validation and application of a sensitive ELISA to quantify rec-GCSF for preventing cross-contamination in recombinant proteins produced in a multi-product facility. Lat Am J Pharm. 2013;32(3):400-8. Nodarse-Cuní H, J.A. M-P, Gutierrez-Pérez Y, Valenzuela-Silva CM, Lazo-Diago OC, GutierrezAlvarez C, et al. Epidermal growth factor enemas for induction of remission in left-sided ulcerative colitis. Rev Cubana Farm. 2013;47(1):67-76. Nodarse-Cuní H, Más-Paez A, Gutierrez-Pérez Y, Valenzuela-Silva CM, Lazo-Diago OC, Gutierrez-Alvarez C, et al. Enemas de factor de crecimiento epidérmico para inducir la remisión de la colitis ulcerosa izquierda. Rev Cubana Farm. 2013;47(1):67-76. Ojeda Y, Heynngnezz L, García J, Valdés Y, González CA, Rodríguez N, et al. Aplicación del análisis de riesgo en la preparación de soluciones para producción de Quimi-Hib® VacciMonitor. 2013;22(2):19-23. Oliva BM, Fernández JR, Tejeda Y, Astrada S, Garay HE, Reyes O, et al. P02.05 Pharmacological stabilization of COMMD1 mediated by CIGB-552 regulates NF-KB/ oxidative stress signaling and inhibits lung cancer cells growth. Ann Oncol. 2013;24(suppl 1):i21. Pérez Bernal M, Abreu Remedios D, Valdivia Pérez O, Delgado Rigo M, Armas Ramos R. Effective β-lactam antibiotics for Agrobacterium tumefaciens suppression in indica rice calli. Rev Colombiana Biotecnol. 2013;15(2):108-17. Perez-Riverol Y, Hermjakob H, Kohlbacher O, Martens L, Creasy D, Cox J, et al. Computational proteomics 108 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 PUBLICATIONS • • • • • • • • • • • pitfalls and challenges: HavanaBioinfo 2012 workshop report. Journal of Proteomics. 2013;87:134-8. Perez-Riverol Y, Sanchez A, Noda J, Borges D, Carvalho PC, Wang R, et al. HI-bone: a scoring system for identifying phenylisothiocyanate-derivatized peptides based on precursor mass and high intensity fragment ions. Analytical Chemistry. 2013;85(7):3515-20. Raíces M. II International congress addressed to the integral care of diabetic foot ulcer patient with the use of Heberprot-P 2012: healthy doorways wide-open to the 2014 edition. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(1):63-4. Rodríguez EG. La revisión editorial por pares: rechazo del manuscrito, deficiencias del proceso de revisión, sistemas para su gestión y uso como indicador científico. RCICS (Acimed). 2013;24(3):313-29. Rodríguez EG. La revisión editorial por pares: Roles y procesos. RCICS (Acimed). 2013;24(2):160-75. Rodríguez EG, Valdés RA, Ferrer ME, Peña DA. A uniform digital identifier for scientific articles from manuscript through citation. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(2):142-4. Rodríguez M, González MC, Cristo E, Oliva O, Pujol M, Borrás-Hidalgo O. Identification of genes with altered expression levels in contrasting rice cultivars exposed to salt stress treatments. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(3):178-81. Rodriguez M, Perez L, Gavilondo JV, Garrido G, BequetRomero M, Hernandez I, et al. Comparative in vitro and experimental in vivo studies of the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody nimotuzumab and its aglycosylated form produced in transgenic tobacco plants. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 2013;11(1):53-65. Rodríguez M, Pujol M, Pérez L, Gavilondo JV, Garrido G, Ayala M, et al. Transgenic plants of Nicotiana tabacum L. express aglycosylated monoclonal antibody with antitumor activity. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(2):157-61. Rodríguez O, Rodríguez JA, Pérez ER, Santos B, Cortada A, Trujillo LE, et al. Evaluación de una fermentación láctica en presencia de un sirope prebiótico. Cienc Tecnol Alim. 2013;23(1):14-9. Rodríguez-Alonso I, García-Díaz D, Santisteban YC, García D, Soria Y, Brown E, et al. Report of the Conference on Immunological Mechanisms of Vaccination; December 13-18, 2012, Ottawa, Canada. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(3):216-21. Rodríguez-Mallon A, Bechara G, Zacarias R, BenavidesOrtiz E, Soto-Rivas J, Gómez-Ramírez A, et al. Inhibition • • • • • • • • • of Ehrlichia canisand Babesia canis transmission among ticks fed together on dogs vaccinated with Bm86 antigen. Open J Anim Sci. 2013;3:24-32. Ruiz A, Hernandez Y, Cabal C, Gonzalez E, VeintemillasVerdaguer S, Martinez E, et al. Biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of uniform magnetite nanoparticles chemically modified with polyethylene glycol. Nanoscale. 2013;5(23):11400-8. Saez V, Ramon JA, Caballero L, Aldana R, Cruz E, Peniche C, et al. Extraction of PLGA-microencapsulated proteins using a two-immiscible liquid phases system containing surfactants. Pharmaceutical Research. 2013;30(2):606-15. Sánchez García JC, Hernández Caso N, Hernández González R, Musacchio Lasa A, Llopiz Arzuaga A, Santana Millan H, et al. Definition of a security value determined by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate assay targeting the recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor. BioPharm Int. 2013;26(10):44-52. Santana H, Gonzalez Y, Campana PT, Noda J, Amarantes O, Itri R, et al. Screening for stability and compatibility conditions of recombinant human epidermal growth factor for parenteral formulation: effect of pH, buffers, and excipients. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2013;452(1-2):52-62. Santos A, Reyes O, Cabrales A, Rodríguez Y, Geronimo H, Garay HE, et al. Identification of the first antagonist peptide that inhibits biological effects of interleukin-15. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(4):317-9. Silva Y, Portieles R, Pujol M, Terauchi R, Matsumura H, Serrano M, et al. Expression of a microbial serine proteinase inhibitor gene enhances the tobacco defense against oomycete pathogens. Physiol Mol Plant Pathol. 2013;84:99-106. Soriano-García JL, López-Díaz A, SolaresAsteasuainzarra M, Baladrón-Castrillo I, BatistaAlbuerne N, García-García I, et al. Pharmacological and safety evaluation of CIGB-300, a casein kinase 2 inhibitor peptide, administered intralesionally to patients with cervical cancer stage IB2/II. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics. 2013;1:163. Soto N, Ferreira A, Delgado C, Enríquez G. In vitro regeneration of soybean plants of the Cuban Incasoy-36 variety. Biotecnología Aplicada. 2013;30(1):34-8. Tamayo A, Geada D, Fernández EG, Dorta L, Padilla S, Cecilia D, et al. 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Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry. 2014;14(3):435-49. • Amado León González, Héctor Lucas Díaz Balaguer, • TECHNICAL REPORTS • Alberto Leyva, Joel Ríos, Iriac Bisquet, Manuel Montané, • • Michel Nogueira, Yusniel Puig, Tania de la Cruz, Rebeca Vizcaíno, Nancy Noa, Dalgys E. Rodríguez, Alexander Hernández. Evaluación del funcionamiento de los filtros de carbón activado del sistema de agua purificada de la planta de producción. Amado León González, Frank García Llanes, Héctor Lucas Díaz Balaguer, José Roberto Motolongo Viquillón, Francisco Joel Hernández Peñalver, Pedro Pérez Llanes, Reynaldo Cardoso Infante, Vivian Pujol García, José Blas Tejera, Lisbiel Hernández Capestany, Eulalia Maritza Rivera, Nelvis Lamar Herrera, Cilia Maria Mederos Robaina, Lisbett Melo Acosta, Ramón Trujillo Marici, Rebeca Bouyón Albarrán y Rachel Berrios Martínez. Evaluación del tiempo de vencimiento de las placas con medio de cultivo sólido inoculadas y sin inocular empleadas en la producción de FCE-hr para uso parenteral. Amado León González, Frank García Llanes, Héctor Lucas Díaz Balaguer, José Roberto Motolongo Viquillón, Francisco Joel Hernández Peñalver, Pedro Pérez Llanes, Reynaldo Cardoso Infante, Vivian Pujol García, José Blas Tejera, Lisbiel Hernández Capestany, Eulalia Maritza Rivera, Christian Moreno León, Bárbara Pérez Montoto, Meyli Sánchez Pardo, Nelvis Lamar Herrera, Cilia Maria Mederos Robaina, Lisbett Melo Acosta, Ramón Trujillo Marici, Rebeca Bouyón Albarrán y Rachel Berrios Martínez. Empleo del pantotenato de calcio monohidratado (NP 590) en la etapa de multiplicación del proceso de fermentación de FCE-hr para uso parenteral. • • • Pedro Pérez Llanes, Frank García Llanes, José Roberto Motolongo Viquillón, Francisco Joel Hernández Peñalver, Reynaldo Cardoso Infante, Vivian Pujol García, Ramón Trujillo Marici y Rebeca Bouyón Albarrán. Evaluación del cambio de filtros de aire del fermentador de 75 L ubicado en Planta 4. Amado León González, José Blas Tejera, Frank García Llanes, Lisbiel Hernández Capestany, Héctor Lucas Díaz Balaguer, José Roberto Motolongo Viquillón, Francisco Joel Hernández Peñalver, Pedro Pérez Llanes, Reynaldo Cardoso Infante, Vivian Pujol García, Eulalia Maritza Rivera, Christian Moreno León, Bárbara Pérez, Meyli Sánchez Pardo, Nelvis Lamar Herrera, Cilia Maria Mederos Robaina, Lisbett Melo Acosta, Ramón Trujillo Marici, Rebeca Bouyón Albarrán y Rachel Berrios Martínez. Utilización del pantotenato de calcio monohidratado (NP 590) en la etapa de multiplicación del proceso de fermentación de FCE-hr para uso parenteral. Arturo González Juiz, Francisco Machado Ramírez, Criseys Peña Benítez, Angela Maria Leyva Hernández, Lilia Luisa Pérez Suárez, Lourdes Costa Anguiano, Makis Torres Toledo, Lázaro Heynngnezz Pérez, Jorge Luis Vega, Eduardo Martínez Díaz, Yair Quiñones Maya. Confección, aprobación y firma del CONTRATO de Transferencia de Tecnología para la Formulación, Llenado y Envase de la Vacuna Quimi-Hib® entre Heber Biotec S. A. y MICROGEN, Rusia. Arturo González Juiz, Francisco Machado Ramírez, Eduardo Martínez Díaz, Criseys Peña Benítez, Angela Maria Leyva Hernandez, Lilia Luisa Pérez Suárez, Dinorah Torres Idaody, Rolando Paez Meireles, Ileana Rosales Torres, Lourdes Costa Anguiano, Oscar Cruz Gutierrez, Jorge Luis Vega, Raimundo Ubieta Gómez, Emilio Narciandi Díaz, Hugo Nodarse Cuni, Gudelia Perez Monras y Yair Quiñones Maya. Confección, aprobación y firma del Contrato de Transferencia de Tecnología para la Formulación, Llenado y Envase del Interferón Alfa 2b pegilado entre Heber Biotec S. A. y PHARMSTANDARD, Rusia. Belkis Lérida Abreu Piñeiro, Yohanix López García, Daniel González Aguilar, Oscar Cruz Gutiérrez, Jacssel Zaldívar Fernández, Ronald de Oro Jorge, Aleydis Gómez Ríos, Yohima Valdés Núñez, Yanet Miguez Barrios, Lisis Morales Viña, Ana María Cinza González. Introducción del paquete documental para la producción de Factor de Crecimiento Epidérmico humano recombinante en el Bloque de Liofilizados. 111 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 PUBLICATIONS • Belkis Lérida Abreu Piñeiro, Yohanix López García, • • • • Oscar Cruz Gutiérrez, Gustavo Furrazola Gómez, José García Suárez, Natacha Pérez Rodríguez, Osnel García Roque, Daniel González Aguilar, Mónica M. Navarro Mena, Denis Álvarez Betancourt, Yalina Ordaz Contreras, Aleydis Gómez Ríos, Yanet Miguez, Barrios, Yohima Valdés Núñez, Norelbys Albelo Rondón, Michael Aldetere Ávalos, Rubén Enrique López Edghill. Proceso de homologación de materias primas del Bloque de liofilizados. Caridad Suárez Martínez, Ilena García, Ivonne Rodríguez Lima, Abel Caballero Pérez, Juan Miguel Rivera, Francis Hernández, Manuel Pimentel, Yamile Mendoza, Pedro Domínguez, Carlos Martínez Laporte, Yeny de la Torre Maya, Rafael Fernández Almirola, Miraidis Pérez Rizo, Iván Campa Legra. Aplicación de la administración de riesgo a la calidad en las áreas de producción de Planta 1. David Diago, Gustavo Furrazola, Livan Maseda, Noel Reyes, Arnaldo García, Gudelia Pérez, Galina Moya, Mayda Candelario, Mayda Martínez, Karelia Cosme, Iriac Bisquet, Lourdes Zumalacarregui, Juana Maria Hernández, Josefina Astorga. Realización de los lotes de garantía y confección del informe final. Adecuación y entrega de la versión final de la documentación al Instituto Pasteur de Irán (IPI) del Ingrediente Farmacéutico Activo de la vacuna recombinante contra el virus de la hepatitis B (IFAHB) en la planta PHB. David Diago, Gustavo Furrazola, Livan Maseda, Noel Reyes, Arnaldo García, Gudelia Pérez, Galina Moya, Mayda Candelario, Mayda Martínez, Karelia Cosme, Iriac Bisquet, Lourdes Zumalacarregui, Juana Maria Hernández, Josefina Astorga. Realización de los lotes de garantía y confección del informe final. Adecuación y entrega de la versión final de la documentación al Instituto Pasteur de Irán (IPI) del Ingrediente Farmacéutico Activo de la Estreptoquinasa recombinante (IFASK) en la planta PSK. David Diago, Gustavo Furrazola, Mayté Pérez, Haydee Gerónimo, Noel Reyes, Arnaldo García, Gudelia Pérez, Galina Moya, Mayda Candelario, Mayda Martínez, Karelia Cosme, Iriac Bisquet, Lourdes Zumalacarregui, Juana Maria Hernández, Josefina Astorga. Realización de los lotes de garantía y confección del informe final. Adecuación y entrega de la versión final de la documentación al Instituto Pasteur de Irán (IPI) del Ingrediente Farmacéutico Activo de la Eritropoyetina recombinante (IFAEPO) en la planta PEPO. • David Diago, Isabel Apezteguía, Nubia González, • • • • • • • • Mariela Pérez, Ailen Sanchez, Odalys Ruiz, Lian Trimiño, Marbelis Linares, Miladys Limonta, Eduardo Martínez, Jorge Valdés Hernández, Gabriel Marquez y Dinorah Torres Idavoy. Diseño y organización de un registro maestro de producción para la etapa de desarrollo tecnológico. Aplicación en las campañas productivas 2010-2011. Denis Alvarez Betancourt. Revalidación de la producción del IFA de P64Kr. Denis Álvarez, Alejandro Beldarraín, Amado León, Mónica Navarro. Introducción de la Proteína P64Kr en Plantas Multiproducto y establecimiento de una metodología cumpliendo con los requerimientos de proceso y regulatorios. Denis Alvarez, Monica Navarro Mena, Amado León Cabrera, Oleg E. Alegret Savinova, Luciano Hernández Marrero, Regla Margarita Hernandez Somoza. Modificación del proceso de centrifugación/Precipitación de la proteína P64Kr utilizando centrífugas tubulares.. Diamilé González Roche y Yanay Proenza Jiménez. Obtención de una construcción genética negativa del plasmidio que contiene el gen que codifica para la proteína HBcAg, del proyecto Nasvac. Diamilé González Roche, Yanay Proenza Jiménez, Zeila Santana Vázquez, Adelina Pérez Chaviano. Secuenciación del gen codificante para la proteína HBcAg (antígeno vacunal del proyecto Nasvac. Análisis de control del Banco de Células Primario extendido 071212 (BCPe 071212). Diamilé González Roche, Yanay Proenza Jiménez, Zeila Santana Vázquez, Adelina Pérez Chaviano. Secuenciación del gen codificante para la proteína HBcAg (antígeno vacunal del proyecto Nasvac. Análisis de control del Banco de Células de Trabajo 071212 (BCT071212). Eneida Roca, Jorge Sanchez, Lourdes Zumalacarregui, Yanet Terrero, Gabriel Marquez, Neyda Hernandez, Roxana Hernandez. Reajuste de los parámetros de operación en la cromatografía de afinidad por iones metálicos para la purificación de la proteína contra el virus del dengue tipo 2. Francis Hernández, Yunior Ramírez, Boris Menéndez, Angel W. Quintana, Yoel A. Madruga, Nelvis Lamar, Juana M. Hernández, Yenay Díaz, Ivonne Rodríguez, Caridad Suárez, Nancy Pentón, Juan M Rivera. Demostración del tiempo de vigencia de seis soluciones, empleadas en la purificación del HBsAg, filtradas a 112 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 PUBLICATIONS • • • • • • • través de cápsula y envasadas en frascos de vidrio de 20 L. Francisco Castañeda Marquez, Emilio Narciandi Diaz, Carlos Del Moral Pelier, Manuel Montane Enriquez, Jorge Luis Vega Elias, Ricardo Ricardo Parellada, Karelia Cosme Diaz, Yair Quiñones Maya, Luis Alvarez Alvarez. Recapitalización de capacidades productivas, tecnológicas y de mantenimiento del sistema productivo. Gerardo Ramsés Hernández González, Jorge Sotolongo Peña. Kosara Sánchez Álvarez. Utilización de las técnicas de liomicroscopia y ATD/Z para la caracterización de las propiedades térmicas de la formulación liofilizada de la Estreptoquinasa humana recombinante desarrollada por el CIGB. Gerardo Ramsés Hernández González, Raymersy Aldana Wilson, Sheila Padrón Morales, Nestor S. Expósito Raya, Mabel Izquierdo López, Mariela Pérez de la Iglesia, Yanet Terrero Socorro, Inalvis Herrera Rivas, Yayri Caridad Prieto. Evaluación de la estabilidad del antígeno en la vacuna terapéutica CIGB-247A. Gustavo Furrazola Gómez, Eleine Mesa Pérez, Dianelys Cabrera Pérez, Juana María Hernández Rodríguez, Natacha Pérez Rodríguez, Leonardo Pacín Olivares, Alejandro Hernández Paglieri, Yadira Mora López y Oscar Cruz Gutiérrez. Validación del proceso de filtración final esterilizante del IFA de IFN gamma humano recombinante. Gustavo Furrazola, David Diago, Liván Maseda, Noel Reyes, Arnaldo García, Gudelia Pérez, Galina Moya, Haydee Gerónimo, Mayda Candelario, Mayda Martínez, Karelia Cosme, Iriac Bisquet, Lourdes Zumalacarregui, Juana María Hernández, Josefina Astorga. Realización de los lotes de garantía y confección del informe final. Adecuación y entrega de la versión final de la documentación al Instituto Pasteur de Irán (IPI) del Ingrediente Farmacéutico Activo del Interferón Alfa 2b humano recombinante (IFAIFN) en la planta PIFN. Iriac Bisquet Ramírez, Martha Aida Cabrisas Alfonso, Manuel Montané Enríquez José Angel Acosta Buxado, Armando Andrés Duarte. Comportamiento de los portadores energéticos y sus tendencias en la Planta de producción del CIGB durante el período 2008-2012. Iriac Bisquet Ramírez, Martha Aida Cabrisas Alfonso, Marielys Bello, Leoner del Arco, Manuel Montané Enríquez, Armando Andrés Duarte. Comportamiento de algunos indicadores del plan de Mantenimiento en la planta de Producción del CIGB durante el año 2012. • Isabel Apezteguía Rodríguez, David Diago Abreu, Nubia • • • • • • • González de Armas, Tania González López, Milagros Rodríguez Rodríguez, Dinorah Torres Idavoy, Eduardo Martínez Díaz. Incorporación de las áreas de Diseño y Desarrollo en el CIGB al Sistema de Gestión de Calidad del CIGB. Jorge Gallardo Alfonso, Elías Nelson Rodríguez, Maelys Miyares, Sheyla Padrón, Bárbara María Quevedo. Evaluación de la ruptura celular con molino de bolas en el proceso de obtención del AgcHB. Lázaro Estenoz Cosme, Yaquelín Santana Coto, Aymara Quiala Mojena, Yosvani Abreu Prieto, Leonardo Pacín Olivares, Ariel Rodríguez Rodríguez, Darién Rojo Calvo, Jorge A. Presno Menéndez, Mario A. Cuadra Valdes, Eleine Mesa Pérez, Dari Fasco Tornes, Dianelis Cabrera Pérez, Jose A. Diaz Laurencio, Osnel Garcia Roque, Aismara de la C. Morán Abreu, Yamilka Peña Méndez, Lorena Perez Rodríguez, Leonardo Perez Benitez. Informe final de la ejecución del cambio de campaña de G-CSF a Interferón gamma en Planta 5. Lissette López, Neyda Hernandez, Tatiana Gonzalez, Bárbara Perez, Annette Pereira, Alina García, Ileana Rosales, Julio C Sánchez. Validación de la técnica de ELISA para la cuantificación del antígeno de superficie del virus de la Hepatitis B recombinante (HBsAg-r) con el anticuerpo monoclonal CB.Hep-1 en muestras procedentes del proceso de producción que se analizan en el Departamento de Control de Procesos. Lissette López, Neyda Hernandez, Tatiana Gonzalez, Bárbara Perez, Annette Pereira, Alina García, Ileana Rosales, Julio C Sánchez. Utilización de las técnicas de liomicroscopia y ATD/Z para la caracterización de las propiedades térmicas de la formulación liofilizada de la Estreptoquinasa humana recombinante desarrollada por el CIGB. Control de Procesos. Liurdis Caballero González, Rolando Páez Meireles, Anazuria Martínez Nuñez, Yadir Cruz, Yanet Terrero, Inalvis Herrera, Fidel Raúl Castro, Elian Cruz Peñalver. Caracterización del proceso de obtención del GCSFpegilado a escala analítica. Mayra Wood Duque, Neyda Hernández Caso, Margela Montañez Valdés, Julio C. Sánchez García. Validación de la cuantificación de proteínas totales, por el método de Lowry, a muestras de la producción de la vacuna sintética contra el Haemophilus influenzae. Mayra Wood, Neyda Hernández, Margela Montañés, Julio C. Sánchez, Josefa Ramos. Validación del método de Ellman para la determinación de la concentración de 113 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 PUBLICATIONS • • • • • Grupos Sulfidrilos, a muestras de la producción de la vacuna sintética contra el Haemophilus influenzae tipo b. Oleg Evio Alegret Savinova, Julio Cesar Yanes Naranjo, Raudel Sosa Echagarruga, Yohanix López García, Ronald de Oro Jorge, Daniel Gonzalez Díaz, Rolando Martell Aedo, Yadira Mora López, Yamiris Suarez Saavedra, Oscar Cruz Gutierrez, Denis Alvarez Betancourt, René Meynardiez Rivero, Armando Álvarez Alonso, Marcos Felipe Moreno Miravalles, Luís Mariano Parreño Valdespino, Yaisel Nuñez Kairus, Orlando Cabrera García. Validación de los procedimientos de limpieza del equipamiento no dedicado en los cambio de campaña de Planta 6, concluida la producción de FCE-hr para uso tópico. Oleg Evio Alegret Savinova, Julio Cesar Yanes Naranjo, Raudel Sosa Echagarruga, Yohanix López García, Mayte de la Caridad Perez Caballero, Yadira Mora López, Yamiris Valido Artiles, Armando Álvarez Alonso, Marcos Felipe Moreno Miravalles, Luís Mariano Parreño Valdespino, Yaisel Nuñez Kairus y Oscar Cruz Gutierrez. Validación de los procedimientos de limpieza entre lote del equipamiento utilizado en la Etapa de Ruptura celular correspondiente a la producción de SKr en Planta 6. Oleg Evio Alegret Savinova, Julio Cesar Yanes Naranjo, Raudel Sosa Echagarruga, Yohanix López García, Ronald de Oro Jorge, Mayte de la Caridad Perez Caballero, Yadira Mora López, Yamiris Valido Artiles, Oscar Cruz Gutierrez, René Meynardiez Rivero, Armando Álvarez Alonso, Marcos Felipe Moreno Miravalles, Luís Mariano Parreño Valdespino, Yaisel Nuñez Kairus, Orlando Cabrera García y Denis Alvarez. Validación de los procedimientos de limpieza entre lote del equipamiento utilizado en la Etapa de Fermentación correspondiente a la producción de P64Kr en Planta 6. Oleg Evio Alegret Savinova, Julio Cesar Yanes Naranjo, Yohanix López García, Oscar Cruz Gutierrez, René Meynardiez Rivero, Armando Álvarez Alonso, Luís Mariano Parreño Valdespino, Yaisel Nuñez Kairus, Orlando Cabrera García, Nelvis Lamar Herrera, Cilia María Mederos Robaina, Raudel Sosa Echagarruga, Lisi Morales Viña, Yamiris Valido Artiles, Orlando Cívico Dávalos, Iriac Bisquet Ramirez y José Garciga Caballero. Informe final de la ejecución del cambio de campaña de P64Kr a G-CSF en Planta 6. Oscar Cruz Gutiérrez, Abel Caballero Pérez, Luciano Francisco Hernández, Denis Alvarez Betancourt, Ernesto Urrutia Váldez, Natacha Pérez Rodriguez, • • • • Mónica Navarro Mena, Oleg Evio Alegret Savinova, Lázaro Estenoz Cosme, Yohanix López García, Marbel Ramos Alfonso, Mercedes Ortega Pérez, Kenia Vázquez Montero, Juana María Hernández, Yenay Díaz León, Lourdes Costa Anguiano, Marisel Quintana Esquivel, Julio César Sánchez, Rafael del Toro Llanez, Jorge Luis López Reconde, Manuel Montané Enriquez, Iriac Bisquet Ramirez, Tania de la Cruz Curbelo. Validación del proceso de producción para la obtención del Ingrediente Farmacéutico Activo de IFN alfa 2b Humano recombinante. Rafael Fernández Almirola, Ivonne Rodríguez Lima, Yeny de la Torre Moya, Yoel Madruga González, Caridad Suarez Martinez, Carlos Martinez Laporte, Miraidis Pérez Rizo. Desempeño de la higienización de los sistemas tecnológicos de Planta 1. Producción de HBsAg como IFA. Rafael Fernández, Ivonne Rodríguez, Yeny de la Torre, Yoel A. Madruga, Gregoria C. Suárez, Carlos B. Martínez, Juan M. Rivera, Miraidis Pérez, Pedro Domínguez, Adrián Núñez, Adriana Hernández, Agustín Blanco, Alexander Giraud, Ángel W. Quintana, Abel Caballero, Aramis Fernández, Ariam Valdés, Ariel Mesa, Arleidis Hinojosa, Boris Menéndez, Carlos Peña, Cirenayka Belot, Danae Fasco, Derman Trujillo, Elia Lias, Elvis Bilbao, Dagoberto Sacereo, Fernando Ferrer, Giosvanys Vargas, Gretchen Martínez, Imandra Ilizastegui, Julio Alberto Valdés, Yunior Ramírez, Leandro Godínez, Liuven E. Guerrero, Liván Ortega, Luis L. Pérez, Manuel Alberte, Manuel Rodríguez, Miguel A. Pérez, Osvaldo Ávila, Pedro Pérez, Vladimir Oceguera, Yamilé Mendoza, Yendry De la Paz, Yohangel Guevara, Yordan I. Rojas, Yordanis Pérez, Humberto Céspedes, Francis Hernández, José L. Rodríguez, Nancy Pentón, Yordanis A. Gómez, Edgar González. Desempeño de la higienización de los sistemas tecnológicos de Planta 1. Producción de HBsAg como IFA. Campaña 2011 – 2012. Raymersy Aldana Wilson, Gerardo Ramsés Hernández González, Nestor S. Expósito Raya, Sheila Padrón Morales, Inalvis Herrera Rivas, Mariela Pérez de la Iglesia, Yayri Caridad Prieto. Evaluación y selección del adyuvante tipo alúmina a utilizar en la preparación de la vacuna terapéutica CIGB-247A. Rebeca Bouyón Albarrán, Raudel Sosa Echagarruga, Julio César Sánchez García, Hismelys Díaz Ramírez, Amado León González, Iberty Ramírez Arcia. Estudios de recobrado para la validación de la limpieza e higienización de equipos en la producción del IFA FCE hr. 114 Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology YEARBOOK 2013 PUBLICATIONS • Tania de la Cruz Curbelo, Martha A. Cabrisas Alfonso, Iriac Bisquet • • • • • • • • • • Ramírez, Manuel Montané, Armando Duarte, Marielys Bello Gil. Evaluación de la actividad de Mantenimiento Tecnológico de la Planta de Producción como parte del proceso de Equipamiento e Infraestructura del Sistema de Gestión de la Calidad en el año 2012. Yinet Cartaya Rodríguez; Jorge Sanchez Romeu; Lourdes Zumalacárregui de Cárdenas; Yamile Vega Hurtado; Rolando Perdomo Morales; Gabriel Márquez Perera; Lazara Muñoz Hernández; Lidia Gómez Terry. Estudio de la influencia de lavados con detergente Tritón X 114 en la cromatografía de IMAC como paso de remoción de endotoxinas en el proceso de purificación del CIGB-166. Yoel Alberto Madruga González, Ivonne Rodríguez Lima, Rafael Fernández Almirola, Arleidis Hinojosa Romero, Alexander Giraud Lugo, Manuel Alberte Magriñá, Yordanys Gómez Rodríguez, Pedro Domínguez Aldás, Manuel Rodríguez Pimentel, Yamilé Mendoza Gutiérrez, Francis Hernández Coro, Nancy Pentón Piña y Juan Miguel Rivera Martín. Desempeño de las matrices cromatográficas en la producción de HBsAg como Ingrediente Farmacéutico Activo (IFA), durante la campaña 2012. Yohanix López García, Oleg Evio Alegret Savinova, René Meynardiez Rivero, Julio Cesar Yanes Naranjo, Cilia María Mederos Robaina, Mayte de la Caridad Perez Caballero, Yadira Mora López, Oscar Cruz Gutiérrez y Yamiris Valido Artiles. Validación del tiempo de vigencia de las soluciones utilizadas en la producción de IFN gamma en Planta 6. Yoymí Claro, Diamilé González, Jorge Valdés, Michel Díaz, Ernesto Mantilla, Alain Salazar, Yanay Proenza. Relación entre el nivel de expresión y el número de copias del gen del Antígeno de Superficie del Virus de la Hepatitis B presentes en la cepa C20 de Pichia pastoris. Yoymí Claro, Diamilé González, Mariela Pérez, Jorge Valdés, Michel Díaz, Yanay Proenza, Ernesto Mantilla, Alain Salazar. Estudio de la estabilidad del gen codificante para el Antígeno de Superficie del Virus de la Hepatitis B en el Banco de Células Primario (BCP090542). Diseño, construcción y escalado de un mezclador de laboratorio para la preparación de emulsiones. Obtención de un modelo matemático para el diseño de formulaciones oleosas estables con el uso de Montanide 888 VG. Expediente de Registro Sanitario para la Renovación de Heberprot-P® en Cuba. Expediente para Registro Sanitario de Heberprot-P® en Venezuela. Expediente de Registro Sanitario para la Renovación de Heberprot-P® en Vietnam. PATENTS • Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología de Sancti Spíritus, propietario. Método de Obtención de 1-kestosa. PCT/ CU2013/000005. SUMMARY 115 YEARBOOK 2013 CENTER FOR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY