Brazil aims to launch 100% nationally produced dengue vaccine by 2026
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Health Minister Nísia Trindade on Tuesday (Feb. 25) announced the plan for a large-scale production of the first fully national, single-dose dengue vaccine.
Starting in 2026, 60 million doses are expected to be available annually, with the potential for increased production based on demand and capacity.
“In two years, we hope to be able to vaccinate the entire eligible population [aged 2 to 59],” said the minister during a ceremony at the Planalto presidential palace.
Brazil’s national drug regulator Anvisa is still reviewing the Butantan Institute’s request for the vaccine’s registration, submitted in December 2024. About two weeks ago, the agency required additional information and complementary data while confirming that its analysis of the vaccine’s quality, safety, and efficacy was completed ahead of schedule.
Large-scale production
According to the Brazilian government, large-scale vaccine production will be carried out through a partnership between the Butantan Institute and the Chinese company WuXi Biologics.
“The Ministry of Health will provide the purchasing power,” said the minister, citing the visit of a ministry team to China to “ensure that the federal government will indeed make this purchase."
According to Trindade, the investment amounts to BRL 1.26 billion. An additional BRL 68 million is allocated for clinical studies aimed at expanding the age range for vaccination to include the elderly, as well as evaluating the co-administration of the dengue vaccine with the Chikungunya vaccine, also developed by the Butantan Institute.
Prevention
Brazil continues to prioritize the vaccine in the fight against dengue. However, until mass vaccination begins, the focus remains on reinforcing prevention efforts, surveillance, and strengthening the healthcare network to prevent deaths.
Data from the Arbovirus Monitoring Panel reveal that, in 2025, the country has reported 401,408 probable dengue cases, 160 confirmed deaths, and 387 cases under investigation. The current incidence rate stands at 188.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
