Negócios, Ciência e Política: O Instituto Behring de Terapêutica Experimental no Rio de Janeiro e o mercado latino-americano de produtos biológicos

Abstract

This article analyzes the creation of the Behring Institute for Experimental Therapeutics (Instituto Behring de Terapêutica Experimental) in Rio de Janeiro in 1932 as a subsidiary of the German company Behringwerke and its confiscation by the Brazilian government in 1943. Approaching with a transnational perspective we interpret this venture not solely as German, although it's strong tie with German cultural diplomacy of the period. Beginning in and through Rio de Janeiro the commercial expansion plan for Latin American proved to be timely for preserving the consumer market during the World War II when Germany was barred from trading with the continent. The role of Brazil in giving a tone for the biopharmaceutical market in the region contrast with the most historical work on its relations with Latin American countries. Finally, we intended also to highlight how scientific and business interests could merge, but just presented as an initiative of improving scientific knowledge.