The Special Framework Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation signed between Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia, the National Health Institute of Colombia (INS), and VaxThera represents an innovation model that seeks to join efforts to strengthen local capacities in terms of health sovereignty.

February 28^th, 2025 – As part of the commitment to restore Colombia's health sovereignty, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the National Institute of Health, and VaxThera sign a cooperation agreement to strengthen research, development, and production of biologicals and other health technologies.

This agreement seeks to enhance local and inter-institutional capacity to respond to health emergencies and public health events of interest. The main objective of this agreement is to join efforts to establish long-term scientific, technical, and technological cooperation relationships that promote health sovereignty and the productive development of the country in the biotechnology industry.

The agreement includes multiple initiatives, such as the exchange and training of researchers in the development of key inputs for public health, the promotion of research, and the formulation of joint projects throughout the life cycle of biological products, as well as the technological and knowledge transfer between collaborators and strategic partners. Additionally, this agreement is focused on strengthening human talent in science, technology, and innovation ecosystem for vaccine development, implementing mechanisms to strengthen vaccination in the country, and identifying priority biologicals for local production in the short, medium, and long term.

“This agreement marks milestone in the recovery of Colombia's health sovereignty. With this alliance, we strengthen our installed capacity to develop and produce essential biologicals in the country, ensuring a faster and more effective response to future public health emergencies”, stated the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Dr. Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo.

This effort is framed within the history of the National Institute of Health as a pioneering institution in the production of vaccines and diagnostic tests in Colombia, validating its key role in national public health.

“We continue to strengthen our capabilities in research, development, and production of biologicals in the country. From the INS, we continue to advance in building a more autonomous and innovative health system, reaffirming our commitment to public health and Colombia's health sovereignty”, stated Diana Pava, director of INS.

Jorge E. Osorio, CEO of VaxThera, expressed: “The signing of this agreement is a clear demonstration of VaxThera's conviction that cooperation between the public and private sectors is crucial to ensure that Colombians will be better prepared for public health challenges. Finding these points of convergence allows us to build a more equitable and healthier future for all Colombians and Latin Americans”.

In this way, Colombia reaffirms its commitment to strengthening research and development in health, moving towards greater independence in the production of biologicals. This joint effort between the public and private sectors not only optimizes the response capacity to health emergencies but also contributes to building a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable health system for the country.

Website: www.vaxthera.com    

About VaxThera

VaxThera is a Colombian science-focused company dedicated to the research and development of biologicals for the world. The company aims to generate health independence through research, development, and innovation in biotechnology and health. VaxThera was founded thanks to the collaboration of Seguros SURA Colombia and internationally recognized researchers in the fields of biotechnology and human health. The company is led by a team with over 30 years of experience in the research and development of biologicals.

About Seguros SURA Colombia

With over 80 years of experience, this subsidiary of Suramericana S.A. offers a wide portfolio of insurance solutions and services that deliver sustainable well-being and competitiveness to 12 million unique clients in Colombia through trend and risk management. Its business lines include Life and General segments, both voluntary insurance (Seguros SURA) and mandatory insurance (EPS SURA and ARL SURA). Its value proposition is complemented by health services (IPS SURA), diagnostic aids (Ayudas Diagnósticas), as well as advisory and technical assistance (Consultoría en Gestión de Riesgos).

About Dr. Jorge Emilio Osorio Benítez

CEO and Founder of VaxThera. He is a full professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin, Madison (United States). Additionally, he holds master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin, where he studied emerging viral diseases. He was co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Inviragen, a biotechnology company that developed a new dengue vaccine. He also developed vaccines against chikungunya, influenza, rabies, and many other emerging infectious diseases. He was also Vice President of Research and Vice President of Scientific Affairs for the Commercial Vaccine Division of Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, his industry career has included positions at Heska Corporation (Ft. Collins, CO), Merial LTD (Athens, GA/Lyon, France), and Chiron-Powderject Vaccines (Madison, WI). He has over 30 years of research experience, with an h-index of 37, more than 150 scientific publications in international journals, and 32 patents.

Journalist Contact:

Federico Amaya                                         

Phone. +57 304 618 01 77                         

famaya@vaxthera.com