In response to the chikungunya virus circulation, Cuba's health system has launched an intervention using Biomodulina T to protect those over 70 in Havana. This national science-based strategy aims to bolster natural defenses and reduce inflammatory aftereffects. The study involves nearly 700 people at the Abelardo Ramírez polyclinic.
On December 8, a health intervention began at the Abelardo Ramírez polyclinic in Plaza de la Revolución municipality, targeting adults aged 70 to 74, who are vulnerable to chikungunya due to immunosenescence—a natural aging of the immune system that weakens defenses against infections and heightens excessive inflammatory responses.
Biomodulina T, a Cuban-produced immunomodulator, regenerates T cells in the adaptive immune system, priming the body to fight viral infections and curb damage such as viral replication and chronic joint inflammation. Alexis Labrada Rosado, PhD and director of Research and Development at the National Center for Biopreparations (BioCen), explains: "Biomodulina T works by regenerating T cells, which are key to the adaptive immune system that learns and remembers pathogens".
Led by Dr. Odalis María de la Guardia Peña, a second-degree immunology specialist at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology, and Dr. Liz Caballero González, the study compares Biomodulina T with its Belarusian analog Timalin. It tests two regimens: a novel short 5-day course and a proven 6-week one from the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. De la Guardia Peña notes: "It has a very good safety profile, with few adverse reactions and of minor magnitude", supported by over 30 years of Cuban production.
Beyond prevention, it assesses therapeutic benefits for those already infected with lingering effects like arthralgia. Labrada Rosado adds: "In these patients with inflammatory sequelae, Biomodulina T could also have a therapeutic effect". The site was chosen for its research expertise, large elderly population, and recent arbovirus suspicions.
This ethics-supervised intervention applies established treatments to enhance quality of life, while gathering data for future strategies. Biomodulina T is also approved for pediatric thymic hypoplasia and under study for post-chemotherapy cancer recovery, exemplifying Cuba's integrated public health approach.
