Researchers begin human trials of Brazilian Covid vaccine

Researchers at the Federal University of Minas Gerais announced that their SpiN-Tec Covid vaccine began human trials in Belo Horizonte. If the tests are successful, the first all-Brazilian vaccine could be ready for widespread distribution by 2025.

SpiN-Tec was developed at the university’s Vaccine Technology Center, in partnership with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation — a federally-run biological center. Phase 1 and 2 trials were funded by the Science and Technology Ministry and multiple research bodies at the federal and state levels.

“This is another relevant step by Brazil towards having a national production chain of immunizers. The final result of this research can be reverted into national autonomy for its own production and to meet the needs of the national health system,” said Science and Technology Minister Paulo Alvim.

The new vaccine arrives late to the party, with Brazil rolling out Covid vaccines since January 2021. As of now, 85 percent of the country has had at least one jab of a Covid vaccine, with 80 percent having already completed their first vaccination series. Meanwhile, half of Brazilians have taken booster shots.

Still, the development of an all-Brazilian Covid vaccine is not trivial.

“The knowledge accumulated with the development of SpiN-Tec makes us...