Thailand-Cuba cooperate on drug production against fatal diseases

BANGKOK, May 3 (TNA) - Thailand-based Siam Bioscience Co., Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with two Cuban drug manufacturers, which allows the Thai firm to receive a transfer of innovative technology on the production and distribution worldwide of biopharmaceutical drug used for treating fatal diseases. Songpon Deechongkit, Managing Director of the Thai drug company, told journalists on Saturday (May 3) that the MOU was signed recently with senior executives of Cuba's Centre of Molecular Immunology (CMI) and CIMAB S.A. Under the MOU, Siam Bioscience is contracted to manufacture biopharmaceutical drug, which is vital for treating cancer, autoimmune and other chronic diseases, but its availability in Thailand now is very expensive and it is, therefore, extremely difficult for the poor to access to the medication. Established since 1994, CMI has produced biopharmaceutical drug and has continuously developed it. The drug is now widely used in more than 30 countries worldwide. Dr. Sanoh Unakul, Chairman of Siam Bioscience's Board, said that his company has cooperated with CMI since 2010 and has launched primary production thereafter, noting that the agreement covers a research and development (R&D), as well as production of Bio similar drug, also used for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. (TNA)