The space is 70 m² and boasts advanced technological infrastructure. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) opened last Friday (10/10) its first high containment laboratory for research with biomodels, classified as biosafety level 3 (NBA3).
The new facility represents a strategic advancement for Brazilian science, expanding the country's capacity to conduct studies on infectious agents relevant to public health. It is the first space of its kind in the IOC – and one of the few existing in Brazil.
Currently, the IOC It has two conventional NB3 laboratories, dedicated to in vitro experiments, which are already a benchmark. Unlike these units, the new facility follows even more rigorous protocols, allowing in vivo studies on the interactions between pathogens and their hosts. This approach is essential for health surveillance and vaccine development.
André Nunes de Sales, coordinator of the Animal Experimentation Center (CEA/IOC), highlighted the impact of the new structure.
"This new laboratory is capable of promoting high biological containment and reducing occupational risks. We can now handle pathogens that were previously impossible. For the public, this means faster responses to health emergencies," he emphasized.
Measuring 70 m², the space boasts advanced technological infrastructure and consists of four main areas: two quarantine and inoculation rooms and two dedicated to experimentation. The environment allows up to four scientists to work simultaneously.
Board of IOC and Presidency of Fiocruz during the inauguration of NBA3. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The director of IOC, Tania Araujo-Jorge, highlighted the relevance of NBA3 for collaborative research work.
"This space can be used by scientists from all over Rio de Janeiro. It's a huge benefit for the city. We'll be able, for example, to further collaborate with research conducted at universities," he celebrated.
Vice President of Research and Biological Collections at Fiocruz, Alda Maria Cruz, pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic left important legacies and boosted scientific advances.
“Biomodel studies are fundamental to public health; they are a kind of master key to discoveries,” he emphasized.
Marco Horta, coordinator of the NB3 Platform IOC, reinforced the strategic character of the new structure.
"These laboratories play a central role in the country's health surveillance, translational research, innovation, education, and training. The more people we educate and train, the faster our response to emergencies," he commented.
The laboratory follows strict safety protocols. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The creation of the new laboratory was a long-standing demand of researchers, with the aim of enabling studies on certain pathologies that require a high level of containment. The new structure will allow for expanded research, ensure faster responses, and strengthen the Institute's scientific autonomy.
"We need this infrastructure to develop medicines and vaccines, for example. If we don't have a safe environment to work with high-risk pathogens, we won't be able to conduct countless studies," said Marcelo Alves Pinto, head of the Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology at IOC, which will use the space in studies with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
In addition to opening space for new lines of research, the laboratory will also strengthen ongoing studies, with a direct impact on several areas of the Institute, such as Virology and Immunology.
The NBA3 project was developed in partnership with the company Biotec and included a parliamentary amendment from Congressman Paulo Ramos.
The space is 70 m² and boasts advanced technological infrastructure. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) opened last Friday (10/10) its first high containment laboratory for research with biomodels, classified as biosafety level 3 (NBA3).
The new facility represents a strategic advancement for Brazilian science, expanding the country's capacity to conduct studies on infectious agents relevant to public health. It is the first space of its kind in the IOC – and one of the few existing in Brazil.
Currently, the IOC It has two conventional NB3 laboratories, dedicated to in vitro experiments, which are already a benchmark. Unlike these units, the new facility follows even more rigorous protocols, allowing in vivo studies on the interactions between pathogens and their hosts. This approach is essential for health surveillance and vaccine development.
André Nunes de Sales, coordinator of the Animal Experimentation Center (CEA/IOC), highlighted the impact of the new structure.
"This new laboratory is capable of promoting high biological containment and reducing occupational risks. We can now handle pathogens that were previously impossible. For the public, this means faster responses to health emergencies," he emphasized.
Measuring 70 m², the space boasts advanced technological infrastructure and consists of four main areas: two quarantine and inoculation rooms and two dedicated to experimentation. The environment allows up to four scientists to work simultaneously.
Board of IOC and Presidency of Fiocruz during the inauguration of NBA3. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The director of IOC, Tania Araujo-Jorge, highlighted the relevance of NBA3 for collaborative research work.
"This space can be used by scientists from all over Rio de Janeiro. It's a huge benefit for the city. We'll be able, for example, to further collaborate with research conducted at universities," he celebrated.
Vice President of Research and Biological Collections at Fiocruz, Alda Maria Cruz, pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic left important legacies and boosted scientific advances.
“Biomodel studies are fundamental to public health; they are a kind of master key to discoveries,” he emphasized.
Marco Horta, coordinator of the NB3 Platform IOC, reinforced the strategic character of the new structure.
"These laboratories play a central role in the country's health surveillance, translational research, innovation, education, and training. The more people we educate and train, the faster our response to emergencies," he commented.
The laboratory follows strict safety protocols. Photo: Rudson Amorim
The creation of the new laboratory was a long-standing demand of researchers, with the aim of enabling studies on certain pathologies that require a high level of containment. The new structure will allow for expanded research, ensure faster responses, and strengthen the Institute's scientific autonomy.
"We need this infrastructure to develop medicines and vaccines, for example. If we don't have a safe environment to work with high-risk pathogens, we won't be able to conduct countless studies," said Marcelo Alves Pinto, head of the Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology at IOC, which will use the space in studies with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
In addition to opening space for new lines of research, the laboratory will also strengthen ongoing studies, with a direct impact on several areas of the Institute, such as Virology and Immunology.
The NBA3 project was developed in partnership with the company Biotec and included a parliamentary amendment from Congressman Paulo Ramos.
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