This Tuesday (31), the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) announced four proposals for Brazilian vaccines against COVID-19. The idea is that, now, those involved in these four proposals present the necessary documentation, as provided for in the notice.
During the announcement, Minister Marcos Pontes highlighted the importance of science in combating COVID-19: “The pandemic made clear the importance of science, which is the only weapon we have to defeat the virus. The results in one year were expressive. , with a reduction in the number of deaths. This shows the importance of science and of our scientists. Brazil has scientists of very high standing on the international scene, but for science to work it needs irrigation of resources,” he declared.
Brazilian vaccines
Of the four qualified proposals announced at the end of the ceremony, three were developed by public universities and one by the National Service for Industrial Learning (Senai).
The proposals are as follows:
- Spintec MCTI UFMG, from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), composed of RBD/nucleocapsid proteins derived from SARS-CoV.
- UFRJVAC, from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), based on a recombinant protein of SARS-CoV-1 variants.
- Versamune MCTI, from the University of São Paulo (USP), aiming at the “prophylactic treatment of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2.
- RNA MCTI, from the Integrated Campus of Manufacturing and Technology (Senai Cimatec) in Bahia, formulated from a self-replicating Replicon RNA carrier nanoparticle.
Rachel is a research professor at the University of California where she holds the Radcliffe Foundation at The Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past three decades studying courage,and empathy. Rachel Alba is the author of seven bestselling novels.