Trained at the University of Havana's Faculty of Biology in Microbiology, Morera joined the CIGB as a student through internships. In 2013, this distinguished researcher earned her Doctorate in Biological Sciences with a thesis linked to the development of this candidate.

"I was able to carry out its design, its conformation, animal tests, and eventually become part of human trials, which is a great opportunity for a researcher since this was an idea that gradually began to materialize," she said.

"Since joining the CIGB, I started in the Molecular Oncology department working on molecules related to rheumatoid arthritis, until later I entered the cancer immunotherapy laboratory," Morera explained.

As she recounts, her work has always been related to Cuban science's battle against cancer. The year 2015 was decisive for her; she became the group's principal specialist and project leader, a role toward which her training had been oriented for several years.

"When I entered the laboratories, previous studies of a vaccine candidate in DNA vaccine format already existed. We set ourselves a new challenge: to transform that candidate into a protein-type format," she stated.

From there, studies began on cloning this molecule, developing a process to obtain it, and initiating animal testing. "We began evaluating different types of models and demonstrated the potential of this candidate, with a very potent antimetastatic effect in several of them."

"This possibility was demonstrated because this factor, VEGF, is overexpressed in more than 90% of tumors and plays a very important role in an essential process for cancer," Morera Díaz explained.

This molecule plays a crucial role within tumors, which often evade the immune system response, and there is strong evidence that VEGF induces part of the immunosuppression, Morera affirmed.

"This candidate also has an important role in forming the cellular response, inducing CD8 T lymphocytes that directly attack tumor cells. Therefore, we have three functions: cutting off blood flow to the tumor, immune restoration of the individual, and a direct effect on attacking the tumor."

HeberSavax underwent two Phase 1 clinical trials between 2011 and 2013 to obtain safety evidence, developed in patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to any type of treatment. Many patients began to achieve long-term responses.

"We had two patients with metastases after having had ovarian cancer who progressed to a complete response and have been alive for more than 14 years," Morera noted.

These are the results of years of work by Morera, a young CIGB researcher trying to develop one of the most effective cancer vaccines produced in Cuba. This coincides with the 40th anniversary of the founding of the scientific center, a bastion of Cuban biotechnology.

"For me, the CIGB was the inspiration for my career. From the moment I saw the results obtained here, I said: I want to be there. The CIGB, along with my children, is another passion of mine and makes me feel complete—the opportunity this institution has given me to train and grow professionally," she stated.

Morera Díaz outlined her next objectives: to continue developing the HeberSavax candidate. *"We are focused on a very complex disease like cancer, where it is known that a single therapy cannot be effective. Therefore, we are already creating new candidates, such as active immunotherapy based on PDL-1."*

"We want to continue advancing clinically with this candidate. So far, we have taken sure steps. We will introduce it in various types of cancer where there may be benefit for patients. That is our fundamental challenge. My dream is that HeberSavax can knock on the doors of all Cuban patients who could benefit from this drug," she concluded.