Fiocruz, the University of Coimbra (UC), and the Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS Pharma) formalized (4/24) a partnership for the launch of the drug primaquine in Portugal, used in the fight against malaria. The signing of the collaboration between the institutions aims at developing the Research/Investigation Protocol in Science, Technology, and Technological Development, with the aim of supporting the validation process, in Portuguese territory, of the drug developed by the Institute of Drug Technology (Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz), which serves as a reference for Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS). The partnership also provides for the strengthening of scientific cooperation between Portugal and Brazil, consolidating historical ties and opening up new opportunities for sharing knowledge and innovation in the area of health.
The formalization ceremony took place in the Senate Room of the University of Coimbra (photo: University of Coimbra)
While in Portugal, the president of Fiocruz, Mario Moreira, highlighted the social impact of the partnership. "This is another step in Fiocruz's internationalization process, strengthening the partnership with Portugal, which is currently expanding rapidly. We hope that the supply of this strategic input, which combines years of effort by our institution in Brazil, will also support the cure of people affected by malaria in Portuguese territory," he said.
The director of ICNAS Pharma, Antero Abrunhosa, was also present at the signing of the partnership. "ICNAS Pharma, drawing on its experience in marketing innovative drugs, will be the entity responsible for submitting the application to Infarmed and managing the authorization of the drug on the domestic market," he explained.
During the event, the dean of UC, Amílcar Falcão, highlighted the fact that both are public institutions that “make things happen” and described the project as “emblematic,” representing “an opening of market, opportunities, and doors.” Falcão also recalled that the university is for "learning and sharing".
The formalization ceremony took place in the Senate Room of the University of Coimbra and was attended by other representatives from the three institutions involved, including the Vice-Dean of the UC, Nuno Mendonça; the Director of Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz, Jorge Mendonça; the Director of ICNAS, Antero Abrunhosa; the Technical Director of ICNAS Pharma, Olga Calado; and the Regulatory Affairs Coordinator at Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz, Soraya Mileti.
The Director of Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz, Jorge Mendonça, said that this launch is a milestone in the history of the institution. "Primaquine is the first drug to be registered in Portugal, precisely the one that has become a reference in Brazil. It will certainly be enriching to learn about the specificities of other regulatory agencies. It is also important to contribute to other health systems, ensuring that the population has access to quality medicines."
According to the Vice-Dean of the UC, Nuno Mendonça, this process was only possible thanks to the innovative nature of the three major entities involved, who saw the opportunity of entering the Portuguese market with the first Brazilian drug. He also emphasized the importance and uniqueness of primaquine for the treatment of malaria, especially within the Community of
Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). "Once again the UC has honored its tradition of always innovating," he said.