vive la biotec

When most people think of Cuba, they think of cigars and Fidel (and maybe rum).

the partagas factory in havana

Most are amazed to learn that Cuba has a very advanced biotech industry. Cuban biotech developed the world's first meningitis B vaccine. They have become experts at producing cheap generic versions of patent protected drugs for the developing world. Wired recently wrote a pretty good article about the Cuban Biotech Revolution. While the article criticizes their business sense, their hearts are in the right place. I was lucky enough to be allowed to see the work they were doing first hand last year.

signage in the heber biotec lobby

Along with several colleagues, I did a consulting project for Heber Biotec S.A. that considered the impact the lifting of the U.S. embargo would have.

Considering how crippled Cuba was when the Soviet subsidies dried up, it is amazing to see what they've done. In a country where doctors drive taxis because they can earn a better living, biotech is a shining star. Just take a look at Heber's product pipeline and you will be amazed at the products they are working on and how far they've come toward curing some of the world's biggest killers. Cubans may be poor, but at least they have cheap and reliable health care.
a pharmacy in havana

Former President Jimmy Carter has praised their work, while Bush says they are just making weapons (but who doesn't he say that about?). The embargo seems pretty silly when you realize that it prevents life saving drugs not available in the U.S. from reaching Americans who may need them. After decades in effect, it has only served to hurt the average Cuban. Fidel isn't going anywhere. His foresight to move into biotech will assure that he has the cash to remain as feisty as ever in the face of tired American threats.