Portalegre hosts new biotechnology and parasite surveillance initiatives

The Portalegre district in Portugal is becoming a hub for scientific and industrial development through two distinct projects.

The ZOA-NET project, a collaboration between the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine of the NOVA University of Lisbon and the Polytechnic University of Portalegre, is establishing an aquatic parasite surveillance network. Funded by approximately 250,000 euros, the initiative uses environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to monitor zoonotic trematodiases, such as fascioliasis, in rivers and reservoirs. This “One Health” approach involves local communities and schools to detect pathogens and aquatic snail vectors non-invasively.

Simultaneously, biotechnology company FINAO Biotech is expanding its operations in the Portalegre Industrial Zone by constructing a new manufacturing unit and a research center. The company, which produces medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and dietary supplements, aims to increase production and international exports. This expansion follows the development of H-Apyzil, a wound treatment product created locally.