The Cuban regime and Russia announced on Monday the creation of "Global BioPharmaceutical Synergy," the first joint venture between both countries in the biopharmaceutical sector, a project that Cubadebate described as "unprecedented" and which aims to enhance cooperation in the research, production, and commercialization of medicines.
The announcement was made by Eulogio Pimentel, the first vice president of BioCubaFarma, during the project's presentation, which was officially established on June 24 in Russia. The new company will be made up of the Cuban state corporation and several Russian partners, including the Russian Direct Investment Fund.
The company will start with an initial investment of 11 million dollars, although its promoters anticipate allocating up to 113 million for the development of biotechnology projects, pharmaceutical research, and treatments for cancer, chronic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Among the Cuban medications that are already part of the cooperation are Heberprot-P, for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers; Hebermin, used for burns; CIMAvax-EGF, a therapeutic vaccine for lung cancer; and Jusvinza, employed in severe inflammatory processes.
One of the most ambitious projects is HEBERSaVax, focused on the development of oncology therapies. In addition, five startups linked to BioCubaFarma are currently being incubated within the Skólkovo tech park, regarded as Russia's leading innovation center, with research focused on neurodegenerative diseases and various types of cancer.
The establishment of the joint venture continues the agreements reached between both governments during the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, held on June 5, when they signed a memorandum to develop cancer vaccines by combining Russian technologies—such as Oncopept, NeoOncovac, and EnteroMix—with Cuban expertise in immunotherapy.
However, the collaboration between Havana and Moscow in the biopharmaceutical field dates back over a decade. In 2015, Heberprot-P became the first Cuban biotechnological product to be included in Russia's List of Essential and Vital Medicines. Months later, in February 2016, both parties signed four memoranda of cooperation in areas such as oncology and bioinformatics.
The new company is also part of strengthening the strategic alliance between Cuba and Russia. During the XXIII session of the Cuba-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, held between March and April of this year, both governments formalized economic agreements exceeding 1 billion dollars, which include the management of Cuban industrial facilities by Russian companies. Additionally, there is a credit of 60 million dollars for the purchase of fuel, granted by Moscow in January 2025, and a military cooperation agreement signed in March of that same year, which was later ratified by President Vladimir Putin.
The announcement, however, contrasts with the reality faced by Cubans on the island. While BioCubaFarma expands its international presence —with established companies in Spain, Vietnam, Italy, Australia, and now Russia—, the corporation itself acknowledged in June of this year that it cannot guarantee the supply of nearly 300 of the 395 medications that make up the national basic drug list.
This scarcity is also reflected in the population. A survey conducted between February and March 2026 revealed that 54.2% of Cubans face serious difficulties in accessing the medications they need, while only 4.8% reported being able to obtain them without obstacles. The contrast between the international expansion of the state biotechnological industry and the ongoing shortage of medicines in Cuban pharmacies continues to fuel criticism from those who believe that the regime prioritizes its strategic alliances and exports over the healthcare needs of the population.
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