CENTRE FOR MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY (CIM)

The centre for molecular immunology is a closed-loop research and development biotechnology facility. CIM has developed products for cancer treatment and other autoimmune diseases using cultivated higher cells. Since 1980, they have worked extensively on monoclonal antibodies, producing several tons of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies annually.

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PRODUCT: EPOCIM

EPOCIM is a Human Erythropoietin Alpha Recombinant, that significantly increases haemoglobin levels. Erythropoietin is used for prophylaxis and treatment of anaemia in patients with chronic renal failure. EPOCIM is indicated for patients during chemotherapy, on antiretrovirals, as prophylaxis and as treatment of anaemia of prematurity.

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IMPORTANCE TO JAMAICA

The population of patients in Jamaica with Chronic renal Failure is estimated at 327 per million. Most patients diagnosed with chronic renal failure are waiting to start dialysis. Dialysis is not the ideal outcome for these patients, it is the gold standard treatment until a renal transplant is available. Weekly, it cost approximately eighty thousand ($80,000.00) Eighty thousand Dollars for a patient awaiting dialysis to maintain life.

The cost of the erythropoietin supplement is a significant portion of this cost. EPOCIM, at a lower cost, will provide saving to the government and the patient during the phases of maintaining life. The government of Jamaica spends over fifty million per quarter on emergency dialysis and treatment for these patients. An affordable drug would lead to significant savings that could be otherwise allocated.

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