The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund announced approximately ¥1.06 billion, or $6.8 million, in investments across nine research-and-development projects in a release distributed October 28 at 10 p.m. Eastern.
The Japan-based fund said the projects address malaria, neglected tropical diseases and emerging or re-emerging infections, including Ebola. The announcement concerns research funding rather than newly approved treatments or demonstrated clinical benefits.
About ¥450 million, approximately $2.9 million, is allocated to advancing a rapid diagnostic test for trachoma through clinical validation, regulatory approval and eventual program use. The fund’s project description identifies U.S. partners including Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases, the Carter Center and Big Eye Diagnostics, alongside Japan’s Medical & Biological Laboratories.
Another project aims to develop a whole-blood rapid test distinguishing dengue virus serotypes and chikungunya, with planned clinical evaluations in Thailand and Peru.
GHIT reported 53 ongoing projects as of September 30, including discovery, preclinical and clinical-stage work. Dollar equivalents in the announcement use the fund’s September 30 exchange rate, rather than a current market conversion.
Sources GHIT Fund announcement via PR Newswire: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/total-investment-of-approx-usd-6-8-million-in-product-development-for-malaria-ntds-and-other-emerging--re-emerging-infectious-diseases-such-as-ebola-disease-302922648.html