The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund has announced a total investment of approximately JPY 578 million (USD 4.0 million) in four projects aimed at developing new diagnostics and drugs for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and malaria. This investment marks a significant step in addressing critical global health challenges that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

GHIT’s First Investment in Trachoma Diagnostic Development – JPY 280 Million (USD 2.0 Million)

The GHIT Fund has made its inaugural investment in the development of a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for trachoma, contributing approximately JPY 280 million (USD 2.0 million) to this effort. Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, leads to blindness if untreated. Currently, more than 103 million people across 39 countries remain at risk.

In collaboration with Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD), Medical & Biological Laboratories, Co. Ltd. (MBL) in Japan, The Carter Center (USA), and Big Eye Diagnostics, Inc. (USA), and with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this project aims to enable early detection and appropriate treatment, significantly advancing the goal of eliminating trachoma as a public health issue by 2030.

Additional Investments in Malaria and Chagas Disease Projects

In addition to the trachoma diagnostic project, the GHIT Fund is investing in three other projects:

• Malaria Drug Discovery Project: Approximately JPY 150 million (USD 1.0 million) has been allocated to a collaborative effort involving Nagasaki University, The University of Tokyo, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV).

• Chagas Disease Diagnostic Development: A JPY 70 million (USD 0.49 million) investment is directed towards developing an RDT for Chagas disease, led by Nagasaki University, Tulane University, and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).

• Malaria Drug Discovery Project: A further JPY 70 million (USD 0.48 million) investment is allocated to a project involving The University of Tokyo, MMV, the University of Oxford, and the University of Dundee.

These initiatives represent a concerted effort to combat diseases that have long been overlooked in global health agendas.

GHIT Fund’s Track Record and Future Commitment

As of September 30, 2024, the GHIT Fund has invested in 33 projects, including 11 discovery projects, 14 preclinical projects, and 8 clinical trials, with a total investment of JPY 33.8 billion (USD 236 million) since its inception in 2013. The GHIT Fund remains committed to addressing neglected diseases that impact the world’s underserved populations through partnerships that drive research and development of innovative health solutions.