Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz and the Butantan Institute held the 25th Annual General Assembly of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) from October 16th to 18th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in São Paulo. For the first time in São Paulo, this three-day event brought together over 40 vaccine manufacturers from 15 developing countries dedicated to research and innovation aimed at democratizing access to vaccines.

According to the CEO of DCVMN, Rajinder Suri, the meeting was an opportunity to share strategies and solutions for better preparedness against future health emergencies. Also present at the opening panel was the chairman of the DCVMN board, Adriansjah Azhari. The event featured founding member Akira Homma, former president of Fiocruz and former director of Bio-Manguinhos, who is currently a senior scientific advisor to the institute, along with other authorities from important international institutions.

Fiocruz president Mario Moreira recorded a video message for the event's opening. He highlighted the role of Fiocruz and Butantan in strengthening Brazilian science and how DCVMN helps expand this effort beyond the country's borders. “We are century-old institutions working to provide our population with access to quality products. We have collaborated with international organizations to ensure that this fundamental right, health, is accessible to all.”

Mauricio Zuma, director of Bio-Manguinhos, emphasized that DCVMN has become a vital ally to public health over its 25 years of existence. “We are gathered to share knowledge and promote innovation so that more and more vaccines reach those in need. We will actively explore our capabilities in production and research for a healthier and more sustainable world.”

Mauricio moderated the panel “New technologies supporting global immunization” and participated in the CEO Forum - "Strategic direction of DCVMN horizon 2050." Bio's pharmacovigilance physician, Patricia Mouta, participated in the panel “Innovate: international Network for vaccine safety and surveillance study.” The scientific leader of the RNA project at Bio-Manguinhos, Patrícia Neves, was involved in the panel “mRNA technology transfer program by WHO/MPP.”

The Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN International) is the largest alliance of public-private vaccine manufacturers in the world and has been crucial in combating COVID-19. To date, 60% of the COVID-19 vaccines manufactured globally come from network members. This event was also an opportunity for the world to prepare for the next pandemic.

Looking to the future of global health, discussions took place regarding priority vaccines: polio, tuberculosis, dengue, malaria, and meningitis. Another important debate focused on how to utilize digital technology and the impact of AI in vaccine manufacturing and the supply chain. Vaccines currently under development on the mRNA platform were also discussed.

This is one of the most important annual events for Bio-Manguinhos, which not only contributes to serving the Brazilian population through the SUS but also operates globally, exporting vaccines to countries in need. We share knowledge not only for the sake of public health but for a world with equitable access to healthcare.

Journalist: Gabriella Ponte
Image: Bio-Manguinhos