Fiocruz Paraná presents technology for breast cancer diagnosis

A technology developed at the Carlos Chagas Institute (Fiocruz Paraná) offers a minimally invasive, fast and low-cost method for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Thus, the proposal uses an advanced biosensor, developed by the team coordinated by the researcher from Fiocruz Paraná, Leonardo Foti, which includes Maria Luiza Ferreira dos Santos, co-author of the idea. The technology was presented at this year's edition of the Bio International Convention (BioConvention), at the 2nd Brazilian Startup Day, in the city of Boston (USA). During the event, the Brazilian Pavilion had the participation of 56 Brazilian companies. The Brazilian delegation included members of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), Consulate of Brazil in Boston, The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Fiocruz and Butantan Institute.

Representatives from Fiocruz were in the Brazilian delegation present at the event (photo: Fiocruz Paraná)

“Participating in the BioConvention is extremely important. This event is recognized as the largest biotechnology meeting in the world, gathering professionals, specialists and investors in the field. It is an opportunity to share technology, establish strategic partnerships and gain international visibility. Moreover, participating in the congress allows us to follow the latest trends and advances in biotechnology, identifying possible collaborations and growth opportunities for the project”, says Foti.

In addition to activities at the Brazilian Pavilion, the event included the 8th Brazilian Summit, in which were discussed the innovation ecosystem, public policies and investments in Brazilian deep techs in healthcare, and the second edition of the Brazilian Startup Day, which provided Brazilian startups with the opportunity to present their businesses and meet with international investors.

The first studies of the project began a few years back and involved a team of health, engineering and biotechnology professionals. “During this period, tests and experiments were carried out to improve the technology, ensuring its effectiveness and safety”, says Foti. “We believe that, through partnerships and investments, we will be able to drive the progress of medicine and contribute to the early diagnosis of breast cancer, benefiting thousands of people around the world”, concludes the researcher from Fiocruz Paraná.

“Tests and experiments were carried out to improve the technology, ensuring its effectiveness and safety”, explained Leonardo Foti (photo: Fiocruz Paraná)

The project has the support of the Fiocruz Entrepreneurship Program, as a pilot technology 1, which seeks to mature and license the technologies developed within Fiocruz, aiming to fulfill the institutional mission and impact public health. Supported by the Immunobiological Technology Institute (Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz) and by Fiocruz Paraná, the project has the collaboration of the Fernandes Figueiras National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescent Health (IFF/Fiocruz) and of the Health Technology Assessment Centers, from the Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS/Fiocruz).

These initiatives, in partnership with the Brazilian Association of Pharmaceutical Inputs Industry (Abiquifi) and ApexBrasil, aim to strengthen Brazil's presence in the international health

scenario promoting innovation, technology exchange and exports by Brazilian companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector.