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Risk of mortality in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern 202012/1: matched cohort study

BMJ 2021; 372 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n579 (Published 10 March 2021) Cite this as: BMJ 2021;372:n579

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Covid-19: variants and vaccination

Linked Opinion

Increased risk of mortality in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern 202012/1

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Cuba and China jointly develop a vaccine against new strains of SARS-CoV-2.

Dear Editor

China and Cuba join efforts to obtain a vaccine, called Pan-Corona, that is effective against different strains of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and prevents Covid-19.

Scientists from the Cuban Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) develop the product in an open facility in the city of Yongzhou, Hunan province (center), for research between the two countries. The project arose at the request of the Chinese side and has the approval of the Cuban Ministry of Science and Technology.

This vaccine is based on combining parts of the virus that are conserved and not so exposed to variation to generate antibodies, with those directed at cellular responses. It is a strategy that could protect against epidemiological emergencies of new strains of the coronavirus that could exist in the future. There is a good state of bilateral ties in the biotechnology branch, where Cuba contributes experience and personnel, while the Chinese side supports with scientific capacity, equipment, logistics and resources.

Last year, the assembly of the Yongzhou joint biotechnology innovation center was completed, with equipment and laboratories designed by Cuban specialists. Projects and technologies obtained by Cuban scientific personnel will be developed there.

Kind Regards

Competing interests: No competing interests

22 March 2021
Mercedes Maria Lopez Rodriguez
Doctor
Dr. Ramon F. Duarte Chaviano, Dr. Lidia De la cruz Perez, Dr Mercedes De leon Castillo, Dr. Grace Alicia de Lara Garcia, Dr. Elena Batista Ortega, Dr. Odalys Rodriguez Guillen, MSc Ihosvany Castellanos Santos, Dr. Marlene Ramirez Gonzalez, Lic. Yousy Ortega Leon, Dr Sorahi Santander Garcia
MINSAP
Francisco Javier Zerquera 15. Trinidad. Cuba.