Related videos:
The Cuban regime and Russia announced this Monday the creation of "Global Biopharmaceutical Synergy," the first joint venture between the two countries in the bio-pharmaceutical sector, a project that Cubadebate described as "unprecedented" and aims to expand cooperation in the research, production, and marketing of medications.
The announcement was made by Eulogio Pimentel, the first vice president of BioCubaFarma, during the project presentation, which was formally established on June 24 in Russia. The new entity will consist 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 expect to allocate 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, utilized in severe inflammatory processes.
One of the most significant projects is HEBERSaVax, focused on the development of oncology therapies. Additionally, five start-ups associated with BioCubaFarma are currently being incubated within the Skólkovo tech park, regarded as Russia's leading innovation center, with research concentrated on neurodegenerative diseases and various types of cancer.
The constitution 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 more than a decade. In 2015, Heberprot-P became the first Cuban biotechnology product included in the List of Essential and Vital Medicines of Russia. 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, a credit of 60 million dollars for the purchase of fuel was granted by Moscow in January 2025, along with a military cooperation agreement signed in March of that same year, 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 companies established 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 shortage is also reflected in the population. A survey conducted between February and March 2026 revealed that 54.2% of Cubans face severe difficulties in accessing the medications they need, while only 4.8% reported obtaining them without obstacles. The contrast between the international expansion of the state biotechnology industry and the ongoing scarcity of drugs 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.
Filed under: