Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 24 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian economy needs biotechnologies, Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich told reporters as he visited the Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus where he held a meeting on development of the biotechnology industry in the country on 24 May, BelTA has learnt.

Development of the biotechnology industry is one of the 11 priority economic development targets of Belarus set for the period until 2020. The head of state attaches much importance to this industry and supervises the major projects in this field.

Today biotechnologies are researched and promoted not only by research facilities, but also by the Healthcare Ministry. “I would say these technologies have already left the realm of research laboratories: there are a number of production facilities manufacturing biotechnological products,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said. These are new, globally competitive goods. This is done to promote import substitution and expand the application of new progressive technologies of the sixth technological wave.

The Premier noted that everything that has to do with human health will always be relevant. “Banks of stem cells have been created by Minsk Clinical Hospital No. 9 and the National Academy of Science of Belarus,” he informed. These stem cells can last for 15 years; however we are working on technologies to extend their activity period.

“Biotechnologies are technologies for the Belarusian economy. They do not need huge energy and material resources. They are based on intellect, expensive intellect, because there is a pretty big demand for these operations and medicines on the global market,” the Premier said. For example, in the United States alone some 43 million people received treatment using stem cells in 2012.

Belarus is actively involved in stem cells research. Today Belarusian scientists successfully collaborate with their Russian counterparts in this field. According to Mikhail Myasnikovich, Belarus is even outpacing the neighboring country in some ways. Belarus invests tremendous efforts in material resources to make sure that the selection and purification of cells are conducted in a highly professional manner.

Mikhail Myasnikovich noted that soon Belarus will start using stem cells to treat patients. Stem cells are already used to treat trophic ulcer and the treatment has proved rather efficient.

The Premier concluded that Belarus keeps up with the global progress in this field.

During the visit Mikhail Myasnikovich was informed about the activities of the Center for Cellular Technologies of the Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering, production of stem cells, establishment of the international research center Cellular Technologies, as well as certification of the center in compliance with international standards.