Diaz-Canel pays tribute to prominent Cuban scientist

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15 January 2021

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Havana, Jan 15 (Prensa Latina) President Miguel Diaz-Canel paid tribute on Friday to Jorge Gavilondo Cowley, one of Cuba's most prominent scientists from the second half of the 20th century, who died recently.

'Our most heartfelt homage to the life and work of Jorge Gavilondo Cowley, founder of biotechnology in Cuba, a member of honor of that great force that we are celebrating today: Cuban science,' he tweeted.

One of his contributions was the development of the first monoclonal antibodies in 1981, like Itolizumab, known for its goods results in treating severe Covid-19 patients.

Gavilondo's professional background included cellular and molecular biology, experimental immunology, recombinant and monoclonal antibodies, experimental oncology, vaccines against cancer, cellular radiobiology, cell culture and diagnostic systems.

Under his leadership, the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center in Havana obtained the therapeutical vaccine against cancer, HeberSaVax, today on clinical trials.

He was also president of the Latin American Immunology Association, disseminated the results of Cuban biotechnology and represented the country before organizations and at international events.

Gavilondo received many prizes and recognitions, especially the Carlos J. Finlay Order, granted by the Council of State of Cuba.

In addition, he published some 150 scientific articles, seven patents and five books over 40 years of professional career.