Brazil opens maximum-security lab to study world’s deadliest viruses

Brazil has made a leap in global health security with the launch of Orion, Latin America’s first maximum-security biolab for advanced pathogen research. Spanning 322,000 square feet, Orion is set to become one of the most advanced pathogen research centers worldwide.

Housing BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs — biosafety levels that dictate the degree of security required — Orion is equipped to handle some of the world’s deadliest viruses, including Ebola and Brazil’s own Sabiá virus, which causes hemorrhagic fever.

What sets Orion apart is its unique connection to Sirius — Brazil’s powerful synchrotron light source. This is the first time in history that a BSL-4 lab has been linked to a synchrotron, giving scientists unmatched precision to study pathogens at the molecular level.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CNPEM (@cnpem)

Researchers will use cutting-edge imaging techniques such as cryo-microscopy and electron microscopy to explore how viruses and bacteria affect human cells, tissues and organs. This will significantly advance the understanding of how infectious diseases spread, ultimately aiding in the development of vaccines, treatments and diagnostics.

The biolab is designed to speed up the development of critical health interventions, particularly in a region like Latin America, where emerging infectious diseases are a constant threat.

As deforestation continues to push human populations closer to natural reservoirs of unknown pathogens and climate change drives species into more populated areas, facilities like Orion will be crucial for rapid response and containment.

This state-of-the-art complex will allow Brazilian researchers to study local pathogens that were previously inaccessible due to a lack of proper containment facilities. Brazil will no longer need to send biological samples abroad for research. This cuts down on delays in diagnosing and treating diseases.

This self-reliance will also position the country as a global leader in infectious disease research.

Orion also emphasizes education and training, with a comprehensive program designed to teach Brazilian scientists and technicians how to safely work in high-containment labs like BSL-3 and BSL-4. This is a significant milestone for Latin America, as it strengthens the region’s ability to respond swiftly to health crises.

Developed in partnership with international institutions, this training program not only enhances Brazil’s research capabilities but also cultivates a new generation of experts who can work in some of the world’s most secure lab environments.

However, such a high-tech facility comes with its share of challenges.

Maintaining a BSL-4 lab is no small feat, as seen in similar labs like the Galveston National Laboratory in Texas, which requires around $12 million annually for maintenance and security alone. While these costs are substantial, CNPEM, the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials overseeing Orion, remains confident in securing additional funding and partnerships to ensure the lab’s long-term sustainability.

The Brazilian government has already committed 1 billion reais — about $180 million — toward Orion’s construction, signaling its importance in the country’s broader health and scientific strategy.