On October 6, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) signed a Concession of Use of an Area to install a research and technological development center on drugs at UFRJ Science Park. Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz Reference Center in Drugs Synthesis will foster the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (IFAs – Insumos Farmacêuticos Ativos). First, the substances will be developed in laboratories and, later, as pilot projects focusing on the treatment of old diseases which affect the Brazilian population, such as malaria, schistosomiasis, leishmaniosis, among other neglected diseases. Roberto Leher, Rector of UFRJ, Paulo Gadelha, President of Fiocruz, Hayne Felipe da Silva, CEO of Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz and José Carlos Pinto, CEO of the UFRJ Science Park were present at the signing ceremony.
