Ministry outlines effectiveness of drug Heberprot-P

The effectiveness and outcomes of the drug Heberprot-p in the treatment of the diabetic foot in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) was recently discussed at a symposium.

The event was held on Thursday, June 2 by the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown.{{more}}

Heberprot-P, a drug developed by scientists at the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in Cuba, has been credited for a considerable reduction in the rate of limb amputations in countries where it has been implemented.

The drug was recently introduced to SVG.

The diabetic foot, as it is commonly called, refers to foot ulcers found in patients with diabetes. For many years the debilitating condition usually resulted in limb amputation, where in severe cases conventional treatment fails to yield improvement of the condition.

The drug contains epidermal growth factor, which aids in the production of granulation tissue that is part of the healing process in major wounds. Last year, the drug was introduced to St Vincent and the Grenadines and thus far the results of this therapy have proven quite successful.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment Luis deShong noted that diabetic foot ulcers have emerged as a major concern for the Ministry and as such, necessary measures were taken to learn more about Heberprot-p, which has been hailed as a miracle drug.

In addressing the symposium, staff nurse Arianna Taylor offered remarks on behalf of the government of Cuba for this collaborative effort to promote a healthier lifestyle for diabetic patients. Taylor further discussed details on the efficacy of Heberprot-p and outlined treatment guidelines for administering the drug.