Fiocruz receives authorization for mRNA Covid-19 vaccine trials

Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has authorized the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) to begin human clinical trials for its domestically developed mRNA vaccine against Covid-19. This marks the first time mRNA technology has been fully developed within the country, including the genetic structure and the lipid nanoparticles used for delivery.

The Phase 1 clinical study is scheduled to begin recruiting 90 healthy volunteers, aged 18 to 59, in the first quarter of 2027. The trials, conducted in Rio de Janeiro, will focus on evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine when used as a booster dose. Participants will be monitored for one year.

Beyond Covid-19, the mRNA platform is intended to serve as a versatile technological base for future medical advancements. Researchers aim to adapt the technology to develop treatments for tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, dengue, malaria, and even cancer therapies. To support this technological expansion, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has invested significant resources into the health industrial complex, including the implementation of a new RNA Competence Center in Belo Horizonte.