Japan's Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. has signed a collaboration agreement with GSK's Global Health Unit (GSK GH) for the development of an anti-dengue virus antibody. Under this agreement, GSK GH will perform activities and evaluate potential funding for the initiation of clinical studies of AID351.
The anti-dengue virus antibody joint development project to overcome dengue fever, one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs" as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), has been advancing through collaboration between Chugai Pharmabody Research (CPR), Chugai Pharmaceutical's research base in Singapore, and A*STAR Singapore Immunology Network (A*STAR SIgN), with an antibody derived from A*STAR SIgN and the National University of Singapore (NUS) as the lead. During this period, the project has received grant funding twice from the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund.
“GSK Global Health’s goal is to change the trajectory of high burden infectious diseases in lower income countries. Dengue disease is one of the neglected tropical diseases, for which there is a gap in treatment. It exists in countries with tropical or subtropical conditions with vector-favorable climate conditions and poverty impeding access to efficient health care coverage. Our ambition is to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together,” said GSK Chief Global Health Officer Dr Thomas Breuer.
“Our mission is to dedicate ourselves to adding value by creating and delivering innovative products and services for the medical community and human health around the world, and we are implementing initiatives to contribute to global health. Through this collaboration with GSK GH, we aim to accelerate the development of a treatment for dengue fever, one of the neglected tropical diseases, and bring hope to patients suffering worldwide. We hope to make significant progress towards realizing innovative treatment to address this serious social issue,” said Chugai’s President and CEO Dr Osamu Okuda.
