The seventh edition of the International Symposium on Immunobiologicals, promoted by Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz in a partnership with Fiotec, took place between 2 and 4 May. The symposium focused on fomenting innovation, cutting-edge knowledge generation, and networking among specialists and students to accelerate the development of biotechnology solutions for public health problems.

During the three days of the event, specialists from Brazil and abroad were invited to present research data and fomented discussions regarding the field of biotechnology. These specialists included Health Surveillance Secretary Ethel Maciel; Samir Sodha, from the World Health Organization; Jarbas Barbosa, from the Pan-American Health Organization; and Patricia Oliveira Pereira Tagliari, representing Anvisa. These professionals were spread between about twenty debate tables, which were held both in person and remotely.

The first day included debates about the worldwide population immunization scenario, its challenges and the National Immunization Program (PNI in the Brazilian Portuguese acronym), directed to the Brazilian population. The general concern for these researchers is the fact that the society as a whole now has less trust on the immunization program against diseases, which, according to Barbosa, can be caused by different factors, such as environmental disasters, increased inequality in access to health, and political ideals.

On the second day there were presentations of research works on new approaches and therapies for various types of cancer. Some debates also addressed the management of biotechnology production development. The focal point of the third day of lectures was infectious diseases, such as HIV and malaria. There were discussions on rapid tests, antigenic tests and others.