A new Cuban drug is currently in the clinical trials which would serve as a treatment of acute hemorrhoidal crisis with recombinant streptokinase suppositories. The said study proves to have satisfactory results in patients in the easternmost province of Guantanamo.

In an interview with the Cuban News Agency, Dr. Elvira Mulgado Poch, a colorectal specialist, said that the study is sponsored by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. It is particularly aimed to confirm the effective results and safety of the drugs to help patients combat hemorrhoids.

Mulgado also added that their study is composed of three phases. The first phase is performed in volunteer patients from the 15 hospitals in 10 Cuban provinces. During the course of the study, it was revealed that after 24 hours since the start of the treatment, the pain, burning, redness, itching and discharge symptoms in hemorrhoids disappeared and that a slight increase in anal volume persisted. She also noticed that the clinical results are consistent with the known effects of drugs currently used by hemorrhoid sufferers today. Mulgado also hopes that this discovery of the Cuban drug would be a significant contribution to the substitution of the imports. It is also targeted that this new drug will contribute to the human welfare within and even outside Cuba.

The clinical trial protocol is entitled “Theresa-3” (Treatment of hemorrhoidal crisis with recombinant streptokinase suppositories). According to its medical statistics, half of the world’s population over the age of 50 has to deal with hemorrhoids. Mulgado also explained that the suppository drug is expected to lessen the drug spending if you try to compare it with the traditional hemorrhoid treatment using decongestion drug, rectal ointment, anti-inflammatory, and bath seats. She also added that this Cuban product offers other advantages such as it will reduce the recovery time of the patient and his reintegration in his working life.

The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnoloy of Cuba has been developing biological products obtained through methods of modern biotechnology. Its very first achievement involved the cloning and expression of genes in Escherichia coli and yeast. It is also successful in the production of various recombinant proteins through “large-scale fermentation procedures” and also the diagnosis by hybridization techniques of different viruses. CIGB now employs over 700 researchers, scientists and engineers. It is primarily focused on vaccine research and production together with genetic engineering of plants and animals.

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