Vaccines: From Public Health to Big Business

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Industry Dynamics
• Global Health Policy
• Vaccine Development and Manufacturing

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global vaccine demand and production.
• Brazil's position within the BRICS economic bloc is examined in relation to the vaccine industry.
• The historical shift of vaccine production from specialized entities to large pharmaceutical companies is analyzed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the current dynamics of the global and Brazilian vaccine industries.
• To compare industrial policies for vaccines in Brazil, China, and India.
• To evaluate the role and performance of key Brazilian vaccine manufacturers.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of industrial policies.
• Review of historical trends in vaccine manufacturing.
• Case study of Brazilian institutions (Biomanguinhos/Fiocruz, Butantan Institute).

Main Results:

• Brazil's vaccine industry faces challenges and opportunities amid global shifts.
• Significant differences exist in vaccine industrial policies among Brazil, China, and India.
• Technology transfer mechanisms at Biomanguinhos/Fiocruz and Butantan Institute show both successes and limitations.

Conclusions:

• Brazilian vaccine institutions play a crucial role in public health.
• Technology transfer is vital but requires strategic management for optimal outcomes.
• The vaccine industry's evolution necessitates adaptive industrial and public health policies.