#Japan #Tokyo #GHIT Fund #NTDs #Schistosomiasis

GHIT Fund's Investment in NTD Research Projects

The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund has announced a substantial investment of approximately JPY 1.7 billion (around USD 11.4 million) aimed at advancing research and development (R&D) for diagnosing and treating schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This funding targets five innovative projects, emphasizing the critical need for effective diagnostics and treatments for diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations worldwide.

Addressing Schistosomiasis

Among the projects receiving funding, approximately JPY 780 million (USD 5.2 million) will be allocated to the development of new diagnostic tools for schistosomiasis. This disease, which affects around 250 million people globally, primarily occurs in African regions where contaminated freshwater exposes individuals to parasitic infection. The two primary species responsible for schistosomiasis in Africa are Schistosoma haematobium, which targets the urogenital tract, and Schistosoma mansoni, which affects the intestines and liver.

Current diagnostic methods face significant challenges, including low sensitivity levels and quality issues, making it difficult to accurately determine infection rates. In response, the GHIT Fund has partnered with various organizations, including Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases and Medical Biological Laboratories, to develop effective rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). These initiatives are designed to improve the assessment of infection status in endemic regions, ultimately aiding in public health decision-making regarding treatment policies and surveillance efforts.

Innovative R&D Projects

Aside from the schistosomiasis diagnostics, the GHIT Fund is also investing an additional JPY 932 million (USD 6.2 million) across three other promising R&D initiatives aimed at tackling distinct NTDs. These include:
1. Phase I Clinical Trials for Dengue Vaccine: A collaboration between VLP Therapeutics and Nagasaki University is underway to assess the safety and efficacy of a new dengue vaccine. This development is crucial as dengue fever remains a significant public health threat in various tropical regions, impacting millions of individuals annually.
2. Chikungunya Virus Screening Project: Together with Medicines for Malaria Venture and Eisai Co., this initiative aims to identify effective treatments for chikungunya virus, which causes debilitating symptoms and has seen increased outbreaks globally.
3. Chagas Disease Screening: Collaborating with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative and Shionogi Co., this project seeks to develop new therapeutic options for Chagas disease, which is endemic in several Latin American countries and poses a threat to public health.

Ongoing Commitment to Global Health

As of March 18, 2025, the GHIT Fund has made significant strides by investing in 35 projects since its inception, totaling JPY 37.5 billion (USD 251 million). This portfolio not only underscores Japan's commitment to combating neglected diseases but also highlights an international collaborative effort involving governmental bodies, pharmaceutical companies, and NGOs in addressing health inequalities faced by affected populations.

The GHIT Fund acts as a vital conduit, mobilizing Japan's expertise in research and technology to develop innovative solutions for neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and tuberculosis. Through strategic investments in diagnostic and therapeutic projects, the fund aims to facilitate better access to healthcare, enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from these afflictions.

For more detailed project descriptions and updates, interested parties can visit the GHIT Fund's official website.