PATH and Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz commit to boosting technological platforms and increasing local production

Leia em português.

Rio de Janeiro, 29 October 2024 – PATH, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to health equity through innovation and partnerships, and the Institute of Immunobiological Technology Bio-Manguinhos, the research, development, innovation, and production unit of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), today launched a new collaboration aimed at accelerating the innovation, production, and access to vaccines, diagnostics, and biopharmaceuticals in Brazil, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The initiative, outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the institutions, seeks to foster the local development of technologies that meet regional needs and promote health equity.

The MoU outlines the following key objectives:

• Development of in vitro diagnostics (IVDs): Partnering to increase the production of diagnostic tests and enhance diagnostic capabilities in Brazil and Latin America.
• New technological platforms: Leveraging platforms such as microarray adhesive patches and blow-fill-seal delivery devices to expand access to innovative and affordable health solutions in the region.
• Strengthening local production of vaccines: Supporting local manufacturing of vaccines to tackle emerging and neglected diseases, such as yellow fever.
• Expanding production capacity: Working jointly to increase production capacity in compliance with new international standards, enabling the products and knowledge generated to benefit Latin America and the Caribbean.

PATH and Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz formalized this strategic partnership during the visit of PATH President and CEO Nikolaj Gilbert to Brazil, coinciding with his participation in G20-related events. At the Institute, he was received by Rosane Cuber, Deputy Director of Quality, and Luiz Lima, Deputy Director of Biological Production. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in establishing partnerships to strengthen local and regional manufacturing of health products, one of Brazil’s main health-related goals as the current G20 president.

“Supporting the strengthening of national and regional manufacturing capacity is a critical step in building resilient health systems that can effectively respond to outbreaks. This is why PATH is proud to partner with Bio-Manguinhos on this important work," says Gilbert. "Together, we can strengthen capacity in local production of essential health products and develop new innovative solutions that will advance health equity in Brazil and Latin America."

This partnership builds upon a long history of collaboration between PATH and Bio-Manguinhos. For instance, Bio-Manguinhos, as one of the main global suppliers of yellow fever vaccines, welcomed PATH’s sustained support for more than a decade to secure international quality requirements. This ensures the vaccine can access global markets, including endemic countries in the Americas and Africa. With this MoU in place, the partners are discussing broadening the collaboration to other diseases of public health importance.

Regional production and health emergencies

The recent increase in mpox cases in South America, notably in countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Peru, highlights the importance of robust regional capacity to respond to emerging outbreaks and other health challenges. In this context, the MoU reinforces the commitment to local diagnostic production, aiming to increase response capacity to public health emergencies and guarantee equitable access to essential technologies. The partnership also aligns with the Brazilian government’s commitment to strengthening its capacity to respond to emergencies and national disasters.

The collaboration between Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz and PATH reflects both organizations’ commitment to health equity and innovation. Bio-Manguinhos, known for its pioneering role in the development and production of vaccines, diagnostic kits, and biopharmaceuticals for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), will contribute its expertise in research and development in its areas of work, while PATH will bring its experience in multisector partnerships and compliance with new international quality standards needed for innovative public health technologies.

“Bio-Manguinhos has a long history in supplying vaccines, biopharmaceuticals and diagnostic kits to the Brazilian SUS and other countries through international agencies. We are committed to equitable access to cutting-edge immunobiologicals to the Brazilian population and other low- and middle-income countries. This partnership with PATH reinforces our commitment to provide innovative and accessible solutions, as well as to enhance our capacity to respond to public health demands in Brazil and the Latin America and Caribbean region,” says Maurício Zuma, Bio-Manguinhos director.

About

PATH is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance health equity through innovation and partnerships. With a presence in 70+ countries, 40+ years of experience forging multisector partnerships, and expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.

The Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals (Bio-Manguinhos) is the unit of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) responsible for research, innovation, technological development, and the production of vaccines, diagnostic kits, and biopharmaceuticals, primarily aimed at meeting the needs of national public health. Founded in 1976, Bio-Manguinhos has a prominent role on the international stage, not only by exporting surplus production to over 70 countries but also through the exchange of experiences and information, technical-scientific events, and partnerships with public and private institutions via Technology Transfer Agreements, Partnerships for Productive Development (PDPs), and indigenous development projects. These initiatives contribute to expanding its portfolio, which includes over 50 products.

Media inquiries:

PATH: Amber Kiwan, akiwan@path.org

Bio-Manguinhos:

Manager Talita Wodtke | talita.wodtke@bio.fiocruz.br |+55 (21) 991.005.588

Journalist Marcela Dobarro| marcela.dobarro@bio.fiocruz.br | +55 (21) 977.076.173