GHIT Fund and Thailand Science, Research and Innovation (TSRI) Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Partnership

The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund) and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership, aiming to create opportunities for joint funding (Co-Funding) in research and development for diseases including malaria, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and potential pandemic pathogens.

GHIT Fund invests in (grants for) the R&D of therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics for infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and NTDs that threaten the health of low- and middle-income countries. Since its establishment in 2013, GHIT Fund has made over 140 investments totaling more than 40 billion yen, driving R&D and product development in global health. TSRI, a government agency under Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, is responsible for formulating national strategies and policies for science, research, and innovation (SRI) in Thailand. It promotes research and innovation by allocating the SRI budget (Thailand RISE Fund) to government agencies, universities, research institutions, and other organizations in line with national strategies.

The strengthened partnership between the two organizations will expand TSRI's opportunities for additional financial support to research institutions such as universities, research institutes, and companies in Thailand that GHIT Fund invests in, as well as domestic and international R&D partners, including those in Japan, conducting R&D in Thailand. Thailand has a long track record and world-leading research institutions in the field of parasitic and infectious diseases, including malaria and neglected tropical diseases. This collaboration is expected not only to provide funding but also to accelerate and advance R&D by pooling the knowledge of both countries, contributing to the resolution of global challenges. The main areas of collaboration are as follows:

Main Areas of Collaboration through Strengthened Partnership 1) To create opportunities for joint funding (Co-Funding) for research institutions in Thailand or R&D projects conducted in Thailand, to promote the product development of therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics for infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and NTDs. 2) To further promote R&D in infectious disease areas such as NTDs by revitalizing research and technological innovation in Thailand and Japan. 3) To promote the sharing of expertise and knowledge through workshops and human exchange regarding infectious diseases such as NTDs.

GHIT Fund will continue to expand and strengthen partnerships as a bridge connecting pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutions in Japan and overseas, promoting product development for infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and NTDs.

About GHIT Fund Co-Investment: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/coinvestment/jp

*1 GHIT Fund provides 'grants' for product development projects.