The innovative therapeutic product Juzvinza constitutes an alternative for the treatment of Cuban patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, specifically rheumatoid arthritis, although it has other potentialities that are being demonstrated in preclinical studies, highlighted to Granma the Biological Sciences doctor Gillian Martínez Donato, manager of the project.
She added that this product, developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB, in Spanish), is designed to control hyperinflammation, regulate the immune response and reduce the risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19 in severe or critical condition.
She remarked that the team is currently focused on demonstrating the effect of Jusvinza in other autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory bowel diseases, in order to subsequently initiate the clinical phase.
She pointed out that, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, they deployed several clinical studies that demonstrated its effect in improving the quality of life of patients with this disease, in moderate condition.
“We also have evidence in real-world studies of patients with a severe state of rheumatoid arthritis, who have had benefits with Jusvinza treatment,” he added.
She specified that they are currently in a Phase III clinical study, which is nearing completion. This will allow granting the registration for its massive use in Cuba, expected for next year.
She pointed out that this product is a therapeutic drug, not a preventive one. It is used in patients who already have this autoimmune disease.
“What is really sought with the treatment of these autoimmune diseases is for patients to reach a state of remission,” he said.
She added that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jusvinza obtained an emergency use in critical patients, severe and with moderate disease, and prevented an evolution to more severe stages of the disease.
She specified that phase II-III clinical studies with blinding, randomized and controlled in acute respiratory distress syndrome of different etiologies, whether due to trauma or bacterial or viral diseases, have begun. Another one is also being developed in severe community-acquired pneumonia, in which Jusvinza could be very beneficial for these patients.
