Brazil has launched the world’s first single-dose dengue vaccine, marking a major breakthrough in global public health and vaccine innovation. The development comes from the Butantan Institute, which has begun administering the vaccine to primary healthcare professionals as the first recipients.
This vaccine is not only the first of its kind designed for single-dose administration, but also the first dengue vaccine developed entirely with Brazilian technology.
The official launch ceremony was attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Health Minister Alexandre Padilha, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, and other federal and regional authorities.
Brazil’s Ministry of Health confirmed the purchase of 3.9 million doses of the vaccine, which is intended for individuals aged 12 to 59 years. The rollout represents a strategic step in addressing the country’s recurring dengue outbreaks, which affect millions of people annually.
According to the Butantan Institute, production capacity is projected to scale up significantly, reaching up to 25 million doses by the end of the year through strategic partnerships. This expansion is expected to strengthen Brazil’s preparedness for epidemiological challenges and position the country as a global contributor to dengue control.
During the event, the federal government announced an investment of over $267 million to modernize and expand Butantan’s industrial complex under the New Growth Acceleration Programme – Health (PAC).
The funding will support: Modernisation of serum production facilities, development of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology platforms, construction of new plants to produce vaccine inputs for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and HPV
Health Minister Alexandre Padilha described the moment as historic for Brazil’s scientific and industrial advancement.
“Today we are witnessing a milestone that places Butantan among the world’s leading centres of innovation and industrial technology,” Padilha said.
He added that every solution developed by the institute is focused on saving lives and advancing science.
Beyond vaccines, Butantan is preparing to expand into the production of oncology medicines, a move aimed at reducing treatment costs within Brazil’s public health system.
Reports indicate that by 2024, the institute had already achieved the capacity to meet Brazil’s full domestic vaccine demand. With further expansion underway, Brazil is expected to support immunisation efforts in other countries, strengthening its role in global health.
Dengue fever remains a major public health concern across tropical and subtropical regions. The introduction of a single-dose vaccine simplifies immunisation logistics, increases compliance, and could significantly reduce infection rates in high-risk areas.
Brazil’s breakthrough is being seen as a transformative step in the global fight against dengue and a demonstration of how national investment in science and technology can produce world-class health solutions.
