Fiocruz, through the Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals (Bio-Manguinhos), developed the first national messenger RNA (mRNA) platform for vaccines and therapies. The achievement represents a scientific milestone for Brazil by guaranteeing its own capacity for research, development and production of this technology, considered to be at the forefront in the world.
With an entirely national platform and built with the support of the Ministry of Health and resources from the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), Fiocruz now has a technological base that allows for the development of new products in an agile way and at a lower cost. For each disease, all that is necessary is to enter the "genetic information" that will be used to induce the immune response, without the need to restart the process from the beginning. The technology has already been filed with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).
The first vaccine to be developed by Fiocruz with this technology will be against Covid-19. Toxicological tests have already been completed and clinical studies are expected to begin later this year. In addition, research with mRNA is already underway for vaccines against leishmaniasis and tuberculosis, as well as for therapies aimed at diseases such as cancer.
"This achievement is an important milestone to position Brazil at the forefront of biotechnology, reinforcing our strategic role in expanding access to medicines in Latin America and Africa," said Patricia Neves, leader of the Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz RNA project.
Vaccines produced based on mRNA work by giving instructions to the immune system to fight infectious agents effectively and safely. One of the differentials of the Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz platform is the lipid envelope, a layer of fat that protects RNA, developed with its own characteristics. This advance would enable independence from other companies' formulations, avoiding additional costs and strengthening the country's technological autonomy.
This technology is strategic for strengthening the Economic and Industrial Health Complex (Ceis) and the Unified Health System (SUS), as it enables the national production of innovative vaccines in less time and at reduced costs. This expands the Brazilian population's access to state-of-the-art immunizers and contributes to reducing global inequalities in health, placing Brazil at the forefront of world science.
Since 2021, Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a reference center for mRNA vaccines in Latin America. The institute began research in this area in 2018, initially focusing on therapies against breast cancer, and today consolidates its position as a protagonist in public health innovation.
Fiocruz projects that impact lives
The mRNA platform is the theme of the third episode of the Fiotec Apoia series, which presents to society projects of national and international relevance developed by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. In addition to showing the backstage of major studies and research projects, the content explains the role played by Fiotec in the administrative and financial management of these projects.
All episodes of the Fiotec Apoia series are available on the institution's YouTube channel. Watch now!
