Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in Pichia pastoris (Heberbiovac HB)

What it is

Vaccine based on the hepatitis B surface antigen expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, developed by the CIGB as an alternative to multinational products based on Saccharomyces. It was produced in Cuba and exported to other countries.

Dates of development, clinical trial and registration (c. 1989–1992) vary by source; the first Pichia-based recombinant vaccine of its kind is usually credited to this development but no independent source reliably certifies it, hence the low confidence.

What it led to

• childhood hepatitis B vaccination in Cuba and exports to other countries
• use of Pichia pastoris as a recombinant protein platform
• model of a vaccine with South–South technology transfer

Built on

• Hepatitis B vaccine1963-1986
• Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Cuba (CIGB)1986

Links

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_B_vaccine
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pichia_pastoris