Agustín Correa, co-founder of the startup Scaffold Biotech, presented the results of the tick vaccine they are developing at a working breakfast attended by Uruguay’s President, Yamandú Orsi, and other national authorities.
Correa emphasized that the vaccine showed 90% effectiveness in field trials, and noted that a validation study is already underway, led by the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, to confirm its efficacy. Once verified, the vaccine will be offered for productive use as part of the ministry’s tick control plan.
The announcement took place during a breakfast organized by the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, aimed at connecting decision-makers and authorities with the work being done in science and innovation.
At the same event, Minister of Livestock Alfredo Fratti also spoke. “This is fantastic (…) We have to dream of a better, more ambitious country, with research at full throttle. Because this isn’t an expense — it’s an investment, and this is proof. It’s about to become tangible,” said the minister regarding the vaccine.
Carlos Batthyány, Executive Director of the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo and General Partner at LAB+, highlighted the institute’s commitment to promoting scientific research as a tool for addressing societal challenges.
The breakfast also featured two other speakers who shared their perspectives on how science can contribute to the country’s development.
Economist Tamara Schandy, founder of the financial consulting firm Exante, which advises banks and businesses, noted that Uruguay has grown at an average rate of 1% per year over the past decade — “less than a third of the global economic growth rate.” She concluded: “If we want to grow at rates above 2%, we need to improve productivity, strengthen the workforce, and attract more investment.”
Finally, Bruno Gili, a public policy expert and current advisor to the Presidency on the restructuring of the national science, technology, and innovation system, was clear about the role of science in development: “It’s not about reinventing the wheel — it’s about understanding how the world works.”
