Heberbiovac HB: The First WHO-Certified Vaccine in Latin America

The year 1984 was pivotal for researcher Yair Quiñones Maya at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB). Also where he is one of its longest-serving employees and a leader in the development of one of its most effective products in the institution’s upcoming 40th anniversary. The Heberbiovac HB vaccine, designed to combat and prevent Hepatitis B.

He recounts that it was the year he began working at House 149. A small scientific laboratory that existed before the CIGB was inaugurated. After graduating as a chemical engineer. Just after returning from a scholarship in Belgium in 1986. He began working at the CIGB on the development of Recombinant Alpha Interferon.

Moreover he mentions that it was in December 1989 that he joined the team establishing the production process for the Hepatitis B vaccine.

“I was assigned a very complicated part, which was the absorption and desorption process. The purification method is somewhat unique. It was quite an engineering challenge.” Quiñones recounts that in 1992, Dr. Luis Herrera, the founder of Biotechnology in Cuba and director of the CIGB (Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology) for more than 10 years. He decided that after Cuba had been one of the first countries in the world to produce a Hepatitis B vaccine. So it should be certified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

We worked hard from 1992 until 2000. When the vaccine was certified by the WHO.

This was during the years of the Special Period. A time of economic crisis on the island following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. I believe that’s what gave Cuban biotechnology enormous maturity, because achieving that certification at that time was a feat, he considered.

Also the creation of Heberbiovac HB was one of the largest teamwork projects ever undertaken in the country, explains researcher Quiñones. Since the CIGB, the National Center for Biopreparations (BioCen), the National Center for the Production of Laboratory Animals (CENPALAB). And the National Regulatory Authority for Medicines (CECMED) all participated in its development. Along with construction and electromedical companies.

“Heberbiovac HB was the first vaccine certified by the WHO in Latin America.” All under the leadership of Dr. José Miyar Barruecos, a researcher appointed by Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro as coordinator of the Western Havana Scientific Hub from its inception until 2012.

This scientific achievement marked a significant milestone for the CIGB (Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology). Greatly increasing its visibility outside of Cuba and leading to invitations to every global event on vaccine production.

Researcher Yair Quiñones mentions that thanks to the level and prestige attained. After the WHO certified the Heberbiovac HB vaccine, technology transfers began internationally, to countries like Iran and India. Where production plants for the drug were established.

Regarding the CIGB’s upcoming 40th anniversary on July 1^st. Quiñones highlights the work of a great team, led by Fidel Castro and Dr. Herrera.

“Without a great team, we wouldn’t have achieved all the milestones here at the CIGB. That’s the best lesson I take away from this upcoming anniversary.”

Quiñones currently works at the CIGB Mariel plant as quality management director. Also where he says he shares the lessons he’s learned over all these years of work with a team of highly committed young people.

“That’s where I realized the value of young people. I have a wonderful team that is incredibly dedicated to their work. My goal is that when I retire, I leave behind a highly trained team to continue advancing Cuban biotechnology,” he emphasized.

Also this is the story of another one of those Cuban heroes who battle daily against difficulties and uphold Cuban science and biotechnology, specifically the CIGB. Which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next July. Founded by Fidel Castro, it has trained several generations of eminent scientists.

With information from Maikel Mederos Guerrero/ Prensa Latina