Oxitec Joins Prime Minister David Cameron on Brazil Trade Mission as Exemplar UK Export Business

Oxitec Joins Prime Minister David Cameron on Brazil Trade Mission as Exemplar UK Export Business PR Newswire SAO PAULO, Brazil, October 1, 2012 SAO PAULO, Brazil, October 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxitec, the UK Biotech company pioneering an innovative new approach to combating Dengue fever, joined a UK trade mission to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro last week led by UK Prime Minister, David Cameron. Oxitec is a UK science export success story: it is collaborating with Brazilian companies to transfer new technologies developed in the UK to fight dengue fever. Dengue fever is a growing global problem and a major health concern in Brazil. The Oxitec solution to insect-borne diseases harnesses advanced genetics to create 'sterile' male insects. In Brazil Oxitec has partnered with Moscamed, a leading Brazilian company and the University of Sao Paulo to deliver the Oxitec solution in the country. In July 2012 at a ceremony attended by Brazilian Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, Moscamed formally opened a new facility which will enable production of Oxitec's mosquitoes locally. The company has demonstrated success in trials in both the Cayman Islands and Brazil and is developing a range of products in both public health and agriculture. Oxitec was part of a strong delegation of British businesses travelling with the PM from the UK with representation from science, energy, defence and sports sectors.