The State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), the most important state research foundation in Brazil with a budget second only to the National Research Council, has singled out six major biomedical research centers for long-term support. Facilities devoted to human genome research, structural molecular biotechnology, cancer research, applied toxinology, cell-based therapy and sleep studies will receive funding for up to 11 years, with review after 6 years. FAPESP will supply materials and staff.

Mayana Zatz, coordinator at the Human Genome Center at Sao Paulo University, says that they hope to increase “understanding of the most prevalent genetic diseases in Brazil as well as the ethnic complexity of mixed and isolated Brazilian populations such as Amazonian Indians.”

Glacius Oliva, who directs Structural Molecular Biotechnology at the University, intends to use FAPESP funding to boost research into diseases inherent to Brazilians, such as Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis and yellow fever, but neglected by the international community.

At the Center for Applied Toxinology at the Butantan Institute where bradykinin was discovered in 1949, research focuses on compounds derived from naturally occurring toxins from snake venom, insect-bites and pathogens. Center director, Antonio Carlos Martins de Camargo, says that work will focus on antihypertensive and vasodilator drugs, anticoagulant factors and neurotoxins. Brazil has never developed a proprietary drug.