The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund  announced a substantial investment of approximately JPY 1.64 billion (USD 10.8 million) dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutic solutions for malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This funding will support four pivotal projects, reinforcing the GHIT Fund's commitment to addressing health challenges faced by the world's most vulnerable populations.

The funded projects showcase robust international collaborations between Japanese entities like Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Nagasaki University, and Eisai Co., Ltd., and global institutions such as the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). These partnerships highlight the GHIT Fund’s role in fostering global innovation through strategic alliances.

Investment Details:

• Malaria Initiatives: About JPY 444 million (USD 2.9 million) is allocated to two projects focusing on the development of a malaria chemoprevention drug and a therapeutic drug. These initiatives involve collaborations with entities like the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and the Scripps Research Institute.
• Neglected Tropical Diseases: Approximately JPY 1.2 billion (USD 7.9 million) will support the advancement of treatments for diseases such as onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and Chagas disease. Partnerships include those with University Hospital Bonn, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).

Strategic Impact: Since its inception in 2013, the GHIT Fund has played a crucial role in bridging Japanese and global partners, accelerating the research and development of drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for neglected diseases. To date, the GHIT Fund has invested in 36 projects, including clinical trials, leveraging a total of JPY 33.2 billion (USD 219 million) to combat diseases that disproportionately affect impoverished regions.