On January 14, 2022, the inauguration ceremony of the work of modernization and readjustment of the physical space of the Central Vivarium of the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), which over the years has incorporated new attributions and a diversity of activities, which led to its renaming to the Division of Support for Teaching, Research and Innovation (DTAPEPI).

Currently, DTAPEPI is responsible for the production of animals under controlled conditions, free from pathogenic microorganisms, for the genetic and sanitary control of experimental animals, as well as the cryopreservation of animal embryos for research. It also hosts part of the multi-user services and equipment of the Multi-user Equipment Network Program (PREMiUM) of the FMUSP and Hospital das Clínicas of FMUSP.

“With the restructuring of the area, it was possible to organize the Biotechnology and Innovation Nucleus, the pilot nucleus of the USP Biotechnology Network, established by the Dean of Research. This nucleus will make it possible to advance in the development of more complex cell models, replacing, when possible, the use of experimental animals. The measures are in line with good experimentation practices, which aim to reduce, refine and replace the use of animals in scientific research", said Prof. Roger Chammas, Vice-Director of FMUSP and Technical Director of Support for Teaching and Research at DTAPEPI.

DTAPEPI offers training workshops for researchers and students at the FMUSP; and it is also the seat of the Committee for Experimentation and Use of Animals, which cares for the ethical use of experimental animals.

The transformation of the DTAPEPI building was carried out with the aim of increasing quality, control and safety during project development. New equipment was purchased. The internal flow of people circulation was redefined. The rooms have individual temperature control and soon it will be possible to do digital monitoring, in real time, of temperature and humidity. Specific spaces were built for laundry, sheds for pigs and anterooms for cleaning and dressing, with ultraviolet lights that promote the removal of particles from the air. Complementary materials were acquired, such as cages, drinking fountains, tables and aquariums. In addition to paintings, adjustments to floors and ceilings, etc.

At the opening of the new space, Prof. Dr. Sylvio Roberto Accioly Canuto, Dean of Research at USP, declared that “this reorganization of the vivarium at FMUSP is very important, with gains for research, teaching and university extension. Having a space within what governs the legislation is a great satisfaction, because it provides a high-quality experimentation environment”.

Also present at the event were Prof. Jose Otavio Costa Auler Junior, Vice-Director of the Faculty of Medicine Foundation, Dr. Felipe Neme de Souza, Executive Director of FMUSP, Carlos Eduardo de Lemos, Administrative Director of DTAPEPI, veterinarian Dr. Eduardo Pompeu, coordinator of the Ethics Committee in Experimentation and Animal Use of the FMUSP, and other Professors and collaborators of the FMUSP.

Prof. Roger Chammas highlighted: “the main capital that exists at DTAPEPI, however, is our human capital and I thank all the people who collaborated in these last years, for the achievements that culminated in the creation of a modern space and even more suitable for research with animals at the FMUSP”.

The DTAPEPI readjustment work was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), the Studies and Projects Financing Agency (FINEP), the Faculty of Medicine Foundation and the Zerbini Foundation.

Currently, DTAPEPI supplies mice, free of pathogens and within the strictest sanitary, biological and ethical standards, to all units of the USP Network (FMUSP, FMUSP-RP and ICB-USP) and the Vivarium Network of the National Council for Scientific Development. and Technology (CNPq), from all over Brazil. And, when there are remnants, animals can be directed to projects by external institutions.

Through an integrated system, established in 2010, and created exclusively to meet the demands of the vivarium, the processes and communication were standardized for the request of animals. In this way, both students, Professors and/or Researchers, after approval by the Ethics Committee, make their requests through a standard digital form, which guarantees the transparency of the requests and can be monitored synchronously.

With the modernization of the physical structure of DTAPEPI, two aspects of humanization were implemented. The development of an outdoor space for the use of employees, which has a partnership with Horta da FMUSP to promote activities for planting and harvesting fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. And, the concession of the walls of one of the corridors for the transformation into a welcoming environment, for the use of cultural initiatives, such as the already installed I Collective Photographic Exhibition "Memories Memories and Memories", which displays photos taken by people from the FMUSP community.

For more information, visit https://biot.fm.usp.br/