#Japan #Tokyo #GHIT Fund #Tuberculosis #Neglected Diseases

Significant Investment by GHIT Fund to Combat Global Health Challenges

On October 28, 2025, the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund declared a major financial commitment of approximately JPY 1.73 billion (USD 11.6 million) allocated towards four critical research and development (R&D) initiatives focusing on tuberculosis (TB), neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and malaria. This investment signifies a concerted effort to advance health solutions for some of the world’s most urgent and devastating infectious diseases.

Addressing Tuberculosis with Innovative Diagnostics

Among the key projects, an investment of JPY 390 million (USD 2.6 million) is directed towards developing a revolutionary rapid diagnostic tool for TB. The disease continues to pose a severe threat, infecting over 10 million individuals globally and claiming approximately 1.3 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The collaboration encompasses international partners including the Stop TB Partnership, FUJIFILM Corporation, and various research institutions across Cameroon, Nigeria, and Germany. The focus is on enhancing diagnostic accessibility, particularly in low-resource settings where many patients go undiagnosed. This innovative approach is named the FUJIFILM SILVAMP TB LAM II, utilizing a urine concentration device (UCD) to detect TB without the need for sputum samples. This method is particularly advantageous for severely ill patients and children, enhancing early detection and supporting global TB eradication efforts.

Advancements in Leishmaniasis Prevention

In another impactful project, the GHIT Fund has earmarked JPY 681 million (USD 4.5 million) for a Phase I clinical trial of a leishmaniasis vaccine. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that poses significant health challenges, especially in endemic regions. Conducted by researchers from the Ohio State University and Nagasaki University, this project aims to assess the vaccine's safety and immunogenicity among healthy volunteers in Brazil and Kenya. The FDA has already approved this initiative, marking a vital step toward providing an effective vaccine to combat this neglected disease.

Tackling Strongyloidiasis and Strengthening Malaria Diagnostics

Among the additional funded projects, the GHIT Fund will invest approximately JPY 666 million (USD 4.4 million) into two further initiatives: one involves the development of a rapid diagnostic test for strongyloidiasis in collaboration with various international partners, while the other focuses on malaria diagnostic research. Leveraging expertise from multiple institutions, the objective is to create effective diagnostics that can streamline detection and treatment, ultimately reducing disease burden in affected populations.

A Broader Commitment to Global Health

The GHIT Fund, formed as a public-private partnership aimed at addressing neglected diseases, has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and expertise across Japan and globally since its inception in 2013. This latest round of investments brings the total amount committed by the fund to approximately JPY 41.0 billion (USD 275 million), emphasizing the critical need for ongoing support and innovation in global health solutions.

The collaborations involved in these projects span across 11 countries, representing a significant global response to health challenges that disproportionately affect underserved communities. The GHIT Fund is committed to bridging the gap in drug, vaccine, and diagnostics development for diseases that have long been neglected in the global healthcare agenda.

As these projects evolve, the hope is to significantly enhance early diagnosis, improve treatment and ultimately save lives, laying the groundwork for a healthier future for vulnerable populations worldwide.