RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A fully Brazilian vaccine against Covid-19 – Versamune – is currently the most advanced in Brazil and may be included in the National Immunization Plan (PNI) at the end of this year on an emergency basis, according to Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovations Marcos Pontes.
The vaccine is currently in its trial phase authorized by the Brazilian health regulatory agency ANVISA.
According to the Minister, Versamune is expected to enter phase 3 trials in the second half of this year. The goal is for the vaccine to be available for the population next year.
“My plan is mainly for next year, so that we will no longer need to import vaccines, tackle cost and logistics problems. Everything will be national and manufactured by a Brazilian company,” the Minister said.
Strategies
According to Pontes, Brazil currently has 15 domestic vaccine strategies against Covid-19. Research, development and creation of infrastructure for the production of these vaccines will enable not only a permanent structure for the development of immunizers against the novel coronavirus but also for studies of other diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.
“We will be able to produce other vaccines, and be much better prepared for other potential pandemics. It was a whole strategic effort by the Ministry and a very important legacy for the country”.
The fight against the Covid-19 pandemic is one of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations’ (MCTI) work fronts. The Minister also cited the portfolio’s efforts with respect to the launching of satellites, rockets and the use of the Alcântara Space Center, in Maranhão.
“In two and a half years we have taken a leap of decades in the space program,” he said. Marcos Pontes highlighted the signing of the technological safeguards agreement with the United States in 2019, a 20-year old demand, and the public call for companies to operate in the base.
Three North American and one Canadian companies were selected. “We hope to have commercial launches from Alcântara next year.”
Pontes also mentioned the Amazônia I satellite, the first fully national (technology and manufacturing) launched into orbit in February this year. According to him, with the release of the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development, projects like this will be boosted, such as 5G technology, graphene production, and even space tourism.