In 2021, Bio-Manguinhos Institute produced 153 million doses of another COVID-19 vaccine (recombinant vaccine) in collaboration with biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
Based on concrete experience
From the Vaccine Technology Complex in Rio de Janeiro, one of the largest production centers in Latin America, Bio-Manguinhos guarantees self-sufficiency to comply with the routine vaccination program of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. It exports vaccines against diseases such as yellow fever and meningitis to more than 70 countries through the PAHO revolving fund and other UN distribution mechanisms.
In 2021, the institute administered more than 233 million vaccine doses, including 153 million doses of a recombinant Covid-19 vaccine produced in collaboration with biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
„The development of an mRNA vaccine from fiocruz is a fundamental step forward in the development of immunobiology. With this project and the support of WHO, we reaffirm our commitment to science and technology at the service of people,” said Nicia Trindade Lima was the leader of Feocruz.
„We intend to enter the first phase of replication and production next year to carry out the necessary clinical studies,” said Luis Lima, deputy director of manufacturing at the Bio-Manguinhos Institute.
From the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Synergium Biotech is studying how to develop a pilot-scale vaccine model, while learning from Afrigen’s experience and sharing lessons learned with Bio-Manguinhos.
The agency was founded during another health emergency, the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, and for the past two years PAHO has provided influenza vaccines for the revolving fund.
„Having this capacity established here allows us to challenge and look for other projects that allow us to bring other technologies and other products to the region,” said Fernando Lobos, business development director at Synergym Biotech.
For Lobos, the PAHO platform offers a unique opportunity for collaboration that benefits science and public health. „The truth is that there are times when we see a group very united in seeking a specific goal, not specific but long-term,” he said.
“It’s not a plan, it’s a project. This is the beginning of a long road that will bring us many options and vaccines for the region. This technology opens up a great field of future work for us, and without a doubt it should have a strong impact on the health situation in the United States and on everyone who has access to vaccines,” said Lobos.