The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand co-funding opportunities for research and development targeting malaria, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and other infectious diseases with pandemic potential.

 

Since its inception in 2013, the GHIT Fund has invested in more than 140 projects, pumping a total of 40 billion yen into drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for infectious diseases prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. TSRI, a government agency under Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, spearheads national strategies and allocates the Thailand RISE Fund to research institutions, universities, and other organizations.

 

The partnership will focus on three key areas:

 

Driving product development – co-funding R&D for drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics targeting malaria, tuberculosis, NTDs, and infectious diseases with pandemic potential, carried out by Thai institutions or implemented in Thailand.

 

Strengthening research ecosystems – boosting innovation in both Thailand and Japan and fostering progress in infectious disease research.

 

Knowledge sharing and capacity building – through joint workshops and collaborative networks focusing on NTDs and related diseases.

 

The collaboration promises expanded funding for Thai universities, research institutes, companies, and global research partners working in Thailand. Leveraging Thailand’s world-leading expertise in parasitic and infectious disease research, the initiative aims to go beyond financial support. 

 

“By combining the expertise of both nations, it aims to significantly accelerate research and development and make meaningful contributions to solving global health challenges,” the partners said.

 

Moving forward, the GHIT Fund will continue to act as a “catalyst to connect the bridge among pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutions in Japan and abroad, further promoting partnerships that advance product development for malaria, tuberculosis, NTDs, and other infectious diseases.”