Vaccine innovations in Brazil: recent experiences and structural constraints

Abstract

This contribution to the current discussion on innovations in the area of science, technology, and health focuses on two experiences in Brazil's history: development of hepatitis B (HB) vaccines and of Hib vaccines against meningitis type B (Haemophilus influenzae), produced, respectively, at the Butantã Institute and at Bio-Manguinhos, which is the technical -scientific department of Fiocruz responsible for industrial production of immunobiologics. The analysis of these experiences offers a critical reference point for reflections both on scientific and technological development in the area of vaccines as well as on the role of leadership and institutional models relied upon to date. This analysis suggests that a new science and technology policy should be drawn up, one that would be capable of overcoming the barriers of dependence and of responding to the challenge of reinforcing local technological skills and know-how as a basic source of competitiveness and development in health.