About to leave office to run for federal deputy, Minister Marcos Pontes (Science, Technology and Innovation) said this Tuesday (1st) that the RNA-MCTI-Cimatec-HDT vaccine, developed in Brazil, should reach the population in up to nine months.
In January, phase 1 tests began on patients with the immunizer developed at Senai Cimatec, a university center in Salvador, in partnership with the MCTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation) and the American pharmaceutical company HDT Bio Corp.
These tests, which check whether the product works and validate its safety, are carried out on 90 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55 years. The vaccine was the first Brazilian to obtain approval from Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) to progress to this evaluation phase.
After that, the vaccine must be successful in two other stages of testing to be made available to the population. It is in the last phase that effectiveness is demonstrated.
With more than 70% of the Brazilian population vaccinated, Pontes says that RNA-MCTI-Cimatec-HDT — which does not have a more friendly nickname — should serve as a booster dose for Covid on a periodic schedule. Therefore, he evaluates, it is worth continuing to invest in the area, despite the delay in relation to foreign immunizations.
It uses RNA technology slightly similar to that adopted by Pfizer’s immunizer. A small sequence of genetic codes “teaches” the body to defend itself against the virus.
The knowledge acquired with the development of the national vaccine, says the minister, can serve to create new immunizations in Brazil, including against dengue.
The first Brazilian vaccine was announced by the MCTI in March last year and the goal was for it to be completed in 2021. Its clinical trials were approved in the first half of the year.
One of the difficulties encountered by researchers in the country is the vaccine test. With a large part of the population vaccinated, it is difficult to find non-immunized volunteers for research. For this reason, Pontes says he talks to countries in Africa that are more behind in vaccination.
In addition, testing with volunteers should also take place in the US and India.
*The journalist traveled at the invitation of Huawei.
Chad-98Weaver, a distinguished author at NewsBulletin247, excels in the craft of article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a penchant for storytelling, Chad delivers informative and engaging content that resonates with readers across various subjects. His contributions are a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of journalism.
