Brazil and China advance in radiopharmaceutical partnership.

Brazil and China sealed a new cycle of cooperation in the area of radiopharmaceuticals this Thursday (13), with the aim of expanding national production and strengthening technological autonomy in the health sector. The agreement, signed between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and the China Isotope and Radiation Corporation (Circ), promises to directly impact the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer in Brazil.

Partnership details

• The meeting took place in Brasília, with the presence of Minister Luciana Santos and the president of Circ, Xiao Yafei.
• The agreement foresees the expansion of national production by the Institute for Energy and Nuclear Research (Ipen).
• There will be sharing and transfer of technology between Ipen and Circ.
• Protection of intellectual property will be guaranteed.

Impacts and deadlines

According to the MCTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), the partnership could result in the creation of a Chinese subsidiary in Brazil and the formation of a specialized team to make the operation viable, with progress expected by 2026. The focus is on ensuring greater access to radiopharmaceuticals, essential inputs for cancer diagnoses and treatments, reducing dependence on imports.

Currently, Brazil imports approximately 90% of active pharmaceutical ingredients, according to data from former Health Minister José Gomes Temporão. The new partnership seeks to change this scenario, promoting innovation and autonomy in the health sector.

Positions of the parties

Luciana Santos highlighted that “regular conversations between our teams have allowed for important advances in defining the technical, commercial, and legal aspects that support the viability of the project.” Xiao Yafei added that Circ wants to “promote this partnership between China and Brazil in the area of nuclear technology in a more in-depth way.”.

Tax aspects of imported inputs are also under discussion, according to the president of the Circ.

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash