GlaxoSmithKline and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) have announced a collaboration to research and develop medicines to treat neglected tropical diseases in the world’s poorest countries.

Scientists from the two companies will work together to find cures for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, tuberculosis and malaria.

The collaboration builds on a relationship, established in 1985 to manufacture vaccines for public health priorities in Brazil, including polio measles, mumps and rubella.

The partnership has also supported the development of research and manufacturing capabilities in Brazil, through technology transfer and scientific collaboration.