Cuban Scientist María del Carmen Domínguez Awarded 2026 Latin American Women in Chemistry Prize

Dr. María del Carmen Domínguez Horta, a researcher at Cuba's Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), has been honored with the 2026 Latin American Women in Chemistry Prize in the "Industry Leadership" category. This prestigious award is presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Latin American Federation of Chemical Associations (FLAQ) in recognition of her work on Jusvinza, Cuba's first therapeutic peptide-based medication.

The announcement was made during the 37th Latin American Chemistry Congress and the 31st Peruvian Chemistry Congress, held in Lima, Peru, from October 12 to 15, 2026, as reported by the CIGB on social media this past Friday.

Leadership in the Chemical Industry

The "Industry Leadership" category honors women in the chemical, pharmaceutical, or biotech industries who have shown sustained innovation, commercial success, and tangible societal benefits, according to the source.

Domínguez was acknowledged for her leadership in the design and development of Jusvinza, from its preclinical stages to regulatory approval, spearheading multidisciplinary teams and fostering international collaborations throughout the process.

An Innovative Immunomodulator

Jusvinza is an immunomodulatory drug whose active ingredient is a modified peptide ligand derived from the human cellular stress protein HSP60. Initially conceived to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the drug gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Center for State Control of Medicines (CECMED) authorized its use in severe and critical patients in June 2020.

Following its promising initial results, its use expanded in Cuban healthcare institutions from April 2021, and the project was awarded the Technological Innovation Prize by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment through Resolution 1 of 2021. More recently, clinical trials have begun with Jusvinza for treating residual polyarthritis in convalescent Chikungunya patients.

Regarding the drug's name, Domínguez shared in an interview with Periódico Girón: "I was very pleased that it was decided to call it Jusvinza, which is essentially a blend of: Just to save your life and fill you with hope."

Career and Contributions

Hailing from Jovellanos in Matanzas province, Domínguez has dedicated her entire career to the CIGB, where she has led the "Development of Immunomodulatory Drugs for Autoimmune Diseases" project since 2000. She is also a founding member and full professor of Biochemistry at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), educating students from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and serves on the Expert and Scientific Committee against COVID-19.

The award further acknowledges her efforts in promoting gender equity in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through mentoring, workshops, lectures, and scientific outreach activities in schools and communities.

A Bright Spot Amidst Crisis

The recognition comes at a time when Cuba is facing one of its worst crises in decades, characterized by widespread medication shortages, prolonged blackouts, and a massive exodus of professionals, including scientists and doctors, who have left the island, often abandoning their professions due to deteriorating living conditions. Domínguez's career stands as a noteworthy exception in this challenging landscape.

Established in 2021 by the ACS and the FLAQ, the Latin American Women in Chemistry Prize celebrates outstanding women from Spanish-speaking Latin America whose careers exemplify scientific excellence, innovation, and a commitment to advancing the sciences. Upon receiving the title of Illustrious Daughter of Jovellanos, Domínguez summed up her philosophy with a phrase that also defines this new recognition: "I have merely fulfilled the duty of helping others. I am honored by such a distinction and will carry it with the Marti conviction that all the glory in the world fits in a grain of corn."