CAMAGÜEY.- Yaritza Rodríguez Beltrán was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 30 years ago. That motivated her to study Medicine and choose the specialty of Traumatology, in which she is studying her 2nd year. She is part of the 212 volunteers participating in the clinical trial of the drug Jusvinza for the treatment of this disease.

“I have improved a lot, I feel a little more energetic, now I just have to wait to complete the nine doses. I trust in the effectiveness of this medication, from my dual role,” commented Yaritza.

The research began before the arrival of COVID-19 and due to its pharmacological properties, Jusvinza was also used during the pandemic with positive results.  Recently, the third phase of the trial began with a larger group of patients from the eastern provinces.

Dr. Raúl Cepero Morales, specialist in Rheumatology, explains that “during this first month, a weekly subcutaneous injection is administered, and then continue with a monthly injection for the next five. Although it is too early to observe favorable results, I can assure you that there have been very few adverse effects,” declared the specialist.

Jusvinza is a synthetic peptide derived from a cellular stress protein. The drug developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) has an immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory function.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune and inflammatory disease with a prevalence of between 1 and 2% of the Camagüey’s population. This mainly affects the joints, such as those found in the wrists, hands, feet, spine, knees and jaw. Its symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function.

“Among the main alterations of rheumatological diseases such as this type of arthritis is the involvement of the immune system, which attacks the healthy tissues of the joints. Therefore, Jusvinza is expected to control the disease,” said Dr. Cepero.

Alfredo Vicente Betancourt, another of those who benefited from this trial, says that since the beginning of the treatment the inflammation in his hands and ankles has decreased considerably, so he can now use the rings that he likes so much again.

“About three years ago I was diagnosed with the disease and since I started treatment with prednisolone and methotrexate, the symptoms have decreased. Now with the rehearsal I feel perfectly fine. I have not felt any side effects, the wasp prick and that's it; “I can dance like a spinning top,” says the 69-year-old patient.

So far Jusvinza has proven to be effective and safe for those who receive it, but we will have to wait for the next reactions. In the coming months, research will continue on this bulb-shaped hope for other people with rheumatoid arthritis to regain mobility and well-being.

Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez