#Japan #Tokyo #GHIT Fund #Mpox #NIPRO

GHIT Fund Invests $460,000 in Mpox Detection Technology

On December 7, 2025, the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced a significant investment of approximately 70 million yen (around USD 460,000) aimed at developing a prototype detection test for Mpox, previously known as monkeypox. This funding is part of a critical initiative to improve healthcare responses to infectious diseases that have seen alarming increases in recent years, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa.

Understanding Mpox

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus, which has gained notoriety due to its rapid spread, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 170,000 cases of Mpox were confirmed in 141 countries from January 2022 to October 2025. Shocking data from the WHO indicates that approximately 62% of fatalities attributed to Mpox occur in children under the age of five, underscoring the urgent need for efficient diagnostic tools and treatments.

In response to the escalating cases, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern was declared not just once, but twice, emphasizing the seriousness of this health crisis. Although this emergency declaration was eventually lifted in September 2025, public health officials are still concerned about the disease's potential resurgence.

Need for Diagnostic Solutions

The Mpox virus exists in two primary strains, and the risk of increased infection rates varies depending on which clade is present. Current diagnostic systems lack the ability to differentiate between these clades accurately, creating a critical gap in public health responses. Thus, there is an urgent need for simple, rapid diagnostic tests that can effectively distinguish between Mpox clades.

In light of this pressing issue, the GHIT Fund's investment targets the development of a prototype Mpox detection test that utilizes the Iso-PAS method, a cost-effective and straightforward genetic testing technique. The collaboration includes notable partners such as NIPRO Corporation, TBA Co., Ltd., the Japan Institute for Health Security, PATH (USA), and the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB). This diverse partnership aims to create a test that ensures accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for timely treatment and prevention efforts.

Project Goals and Implementation

The objectives of the project are multifaceted:
1. Prototype Development: Create a prototype Iso-PAS Mpox test kit that can reliably distinguish between the different clades.
2. Performance Evaluation: Assess the performance of this prototype using clinical specimens collected from the DRC.
3. Future Registration: Aim for the registration of this test kit with the WHO Emergency Use Listing, which could facilitate its deployment in outbreak regions.

The Iso-PAS method represents a promising solution to the ongoing challenge of timely Mpox detection. This diagnostic capability could be particularly advantageous in settings with limited healthcare infrastructure, thereby enhancing proactive healthcare responses to potential outbreaks.

Commitment to Health Innovation

In a broader context, the GHIT Fund, established as a public-private partnership in Japan, aims to funnel resources toward neglected diseases through collaborations with various stakeholders, including governmental agencies and non-profits. The fund's commitment is not limited to Mpox; it encompasses other diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, aiming for innovative research and technology to address these global health issues.

The GHIT Fund's recent membership in the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness reflects its dedication to staying at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions. By fostering research and development partnerships and acting swiftly in response to emerging health crises, the GHIT Fund embodies a proactive approach to global health security.

As the project unfolds, stakeholders eagerly await advancements in diagnostic technologies, which are essential not just for addressing current health threats, but also for fortifying defenses against potential future public health emergencies.