Cuban biotechnology cluster

Written 10.01.2003 06:00 by Ciara Howie Print Send article

In June of 2002, the International Biotechnology Convention & Exhibition was held in Toronto, Canada, and highlighted Life science biotechnology in Cuba. It provided information on the West Havana scientific biopole - Cuba's bioregion.

This kind of attention is well warranted, as Fidel Castro has made national health care his number one priority since coming to power in 1959. Castro's government has pumped an estimated $1 billion into biotechnology over the last 16 years. During this time Cuban scientists have developed vaccines for meningitis B and hepatitis B which are sold abroad and yield as much as $125 million annually. Although these figures are far from impressive within the biotech world, the potential for developing this industrial cluster is there. The future of this may depend upon two key factors: 1) Castro's dedication to utilizing the country's research capabilities for more than domestic use; and 2) the continuation of the U.S. embargo.

References can be viewed at the following:
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/cuba/20020517_38.html
http://www.bio2002.org/sessions/allsessions.asp?tid=5