Release
2024/05/09
OSAKA, Japan, May 9, 2024 - Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, Japan; Chief Executive Officer: Isao Teshirogi, Ph.D.; "Shionogi") announced that Shionogi has collaborated with Nagasaki University (Administrative office: Nagasaki; President: Takeshi Nagayasu, M.D., Ph.D.), the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Director: Takashi Wakita), and the not-for-profit research and development organization, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) to create new prevention drugs for malaria. This collaborative research (Research) has been selected for funding by the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund) and will be implemented with their support.
Malaria is one of the three major infectious diseases in the world, alongside AIDS and tuberculosis. It is an infectious disease caused by the malaria parasite, primarily prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and transmitted by mosquitoes (Anopheles). Reportedly, there are approximately 250 million cases of infection and 610,000 deaths worldwide each year*1. Progress has been made with the introduction of two vaccines in the malaria field after decades, yet their partial efficacy, together with the increasing resistance of the parasite to existing treatments, malaria remains a considerable medical need and is globally recognized as a threat to humanity.
Shionogi and Nagasaki University signed an agreement in February 2019 regarding "Comprehensive Collaboration in the Field of Infectious Diseases Centering on Malaria" and have been advancing research on malaria prevention and treatment*2,3. In March 2023, the collaborative research between Shionogi, Nagasaki University, and MMV on the development of a new malaria treatment drugs was also selected for funding by the GHIT Fund*4.
By signing the basic agreement for this collaborative research, the four parties will collaborate on the research and development of new malaria prevention drugs and the creation of candidate compounds.
Shionogi is committed to “Protect people worldwide from the threat of infectious diseases” as our key focus. We are conducting research and development of novel therapeutics and working toward total care, through building awareness, epidemiologic monitoring, prevention, diagnosis, and addressing exacerbations, as well as treating the infection. As a leading company in infectious diseases, we will continue to actively address various infectious diseases, including the world’s top 3 infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and COVID-19, which constitute major public health issues.
【About GHIT Fund】
GHIT Fund was established in 2013 for the purpose of developing medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics using Japanese technologies, knowledges and innovations aiming to control infectious diseases that threaten people especially in developing countries, for example tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases. Since the establishment of the GHIT Fund, we have contributed to the first, second, and third phases of its activities*5.
For more information, please visit GHIT Fund | Global Health Innovative Technology Fund
MMV is a leading product development partnership in the field of antimalarial drug research, development and delivery. Its mission is to reduce the burden of malaria in disease-endemic countries by discovering, developing and delivering new, effective and affordable antimalarial drugs. MMV’s vision is a world in which these innovative medicines will cure and protect the vulnerable and under-served populations at risk of malaria, and help to ultimately eradicate this terrible disease.
For more information, please visit Medicines for Malaria Venture | Developing antimalarials to save lives
【About Nagasaki University】
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University aims to overcome tropical diseases, particularly infectious diseases, and the various health problems associated with them. Shionogi intends to establish Shionogi Infectious Disease Division as a collaborative research division at Institute of Tropical Medicine of Nagasaki University, and accelerate and facilitate drug discovery research for malaria.
For more information, please visit Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University (nagasaki-u.ac.jp)
【About National Institute of Infectious Diseases】
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases leads pioneering, innovative, and comprehensive research on infectious diseases, aiming to control them and enhance the nation's public health care. Additionally, it elucidates the scientific basis of the country's health care administration and provides support for it.
Reference：
1. WHO fact sheets (2023/12/04, 4 December 2023)
5. The first phase, The second phase, The third phase
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations in light of the information currently available, assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. Risks and uncertainties include general domestic and international economic conditions such as general industry and market conditions, and changes of interest rate and currency exchange rate. These risks and uncertainties particularly apply with respect to product-related forward-looking statements. Product risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, completion and discontinuation of clinical trials; obtaining regulatory approvals; claims and concerns about product safety and efficacy; technological advances; adverse outcome of important litigation; domestic and foreign healthcare reforms and changes of laws and regulations. Also for existing products, there are manufacturing and marketing risks, which include, but are not limited to, inability to build production capacity to meet demand, lack of availability of raw materials and entry of competitive products. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For Further Information, Contact:
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