Unprecedented training reinforces the country’s preparation for Orion and involved the manipulation of Sabiá virus, the only Brazilian pathogen classified in the highest biological risk class
In the photo, analyst Jacqueline Shimizu from CNPEM in the BSL-4 training laboratory at UTMB, wearing the typical protective gear used in these environments (Credits: Disclosure/CNPEM)
Researcher Jacqueline Farinha Shimizu, from the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio) at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), completed a Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) training at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) in the United States. During her training, she had the unprecedented opportunity to handle the Sabiá virus (SABV), the only Brazilian pathogen classified in the highest biological risk class and associated with cases of hemorrhagic fever recorded in the country. The virus will be one of the agents that can be researched in the Orion project — a laboratory complex for advanced research on pathogens, which will include maximum biological containment facilities (BSL-4), unprecedented in Latin America, being the first in the world connected to a synchrotron light source, Sirius.
The training, which lasted one year, included theoretical activities, practical training, and manipulation of different viral agents in maximum containment laboratories, such as Sabiá, as well as closely watching experiments on other pathogens, such as Ebola and Marburg.
Jacqueline highlights the challenges and lessons learned from the experience. “Working in a BSL-4 laboratory means dealing daily with the responsibility and discipline that this environment demands. It was challenging, but also exciting to be able to manipulate the Sabiá virus and establish protocols that will help Brazil advance research under maximum containment”, says Jacqueline.
The results of Jacqueline’s experience are already beginning to directly impact CNPEM’s research. According to leading Virology researcher Rafael Elias, the training brought concrete advances: “Jacqueline managed to propagate the Sabiá virus in cell culture, generate viral stocks, and standardize quantification and molecular diagnostic protocols. This achievement means that when Orion is operational, we won’t be starting from scratch. We already have accumulated knowledge and protocols tested in a maximum containment environment”, he observes.
The researcher adds that the training also allowed for the evaluation of potential antivirals against the virus. “These initial tests showed that we still need to look for effective molecules against Sabiá. The good news is that we are now able to carry out large-scale screening and contribute to the development of control measures”, explains Rafael.
Strengthening this expertise is strategic for the Orion project, that will offer unprecedented capabilities for research into emerging and neglected viruses, ensuring Brazil’s scientific and technological autonomy to respond to global health threats.
The researcher’s visit connects with a partnership that began last year at CNPEM. In July 2024, the institution received a team from UTMB to conduct introductory training in maximum biological containment (BSL-4) aimed at researchers and technicians who will work at the Orion complex. For the first time, the University took a practical BSL-4 simulation course outside its facilities. On that occasion, the training took place at the CNPEM training laboratory, which currently houses the Training & Qualification Program in BSL-3 laboratories and, in the future, BSL-4 laboratories. The initiative marked a pioneering step in the process of preparing human resources for Orion.
UTMB
Located in Galveston, Texas, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) is part of the University of Texas System and is recognized as a global reference in maximum biosafety, housing some of the world’s most advanced laboratories in this field.
About CNPEM
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) is home to a state-of-the-art, multi-user and multidisciplinary scientific environment and works on different fronts within the Brazilian National System for Science, Technology and Innovation. A social organization overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), CNPEM is driven by research that impacts the areas of health, energy, renewable materials, and sustainability. It is responsible for Sirius, the largest assembly of scientific equipment constructed in the country, and is currently constructing Project Orion, a laboratory complex for advanced pathogen research. Highly specialized science and engineering teams, sophisticated infrastructure open to the scientific community, strategic lines of investigation, innovative projects involving the productive sector, and training for researchers and students are the pillars of this institution that is unique in Brazil and able to serve as a bridge between knowledge and innovation. CNPEM’s research and development activities are carried out through its four National Laboratories: Synchrotron Light (LNLS), Biosciences (LNBio), Nanotechnology (LNNano), Biorenewables (LNBR), as well as its Technology Unit (DAT) and the Ilum School of Science — an undergraduate program in Science and Technology supported by the Ministry of Education (MEC).
Project Orion
Project Orion will be a laboratory complex for advanced pathogen research, and will include Latin America’s first maximum biological containment level facilities (BSL-4), the only labs of this kind in the world connected to a synchrotron light source, Sirius. Currently under construction in the city of Campinas, São Paulo on the CNPEM campus, this project will combine analytic techniques and advanced competencies in bioimaging which will be open to the scientific community and public agencies. By permitting advances in knowledge on pathogens and related diseases, Orion will support health surveillance activities and policies, as well as the development of diagnostic methods, vaccines, treatments, and epidemiological strategies. Orion will support national sovereignty in facing health crises, and has the potential to benefit various areas such as health, science and technology, defense, and the environment.
The implementation of Project Orion is overseen by the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), a social organization linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). The project is part of the federal government’s New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) and funded with resources from the National Scientific and Technological Development Fund (FNDCT) and MCTI, with support from the Ministry of Health (MS). This initiative is part of the federal government’s New Industry Brazil (NIB) stimulus policy and will serve as an instrument of national sovereignty, competence, and security in the fields of science and technology for research, defense, and human, animal, and environmental health. Orion was also planned to strengthen the Health Economic-Industrial Complex (CEIS), an initiative coordinated by the Ministry of Health and intended to meet priority demands from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).
