Bangkok--6 Feb--TCELS
WHO/TDR-TCELS are consulting on the collaboration to set up Thailand’s first innovative center to bridge global scientific collaboration for developing clinical research and study programs on neglected diseases and better access to inexpensive quality drugs among poor populations.
Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences is closely working with the World Health Organization Special’s Program for Research and Training (TDR), an independent global program of scientific collaboration, in order to establish the International Research Collaboration Center for developing clinical trial and medicinal drugs essential for neglected diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis.
“The aim for developing this international research center is to help coordinate, support, influence global efforts to combat a portfolio of major diseases of the poor and disadvantaged which are mostly overlooked by pharmaceutical industry,” Thongchai Thavichachart, TCELS Chief Executive Officer.
once saw a decrease in number of TB and Malaria cases. However the re-emergence of these silent diseases as well as the rising number of infection among people in impoverished rural areas the world during the past few years clearly emphasizes an urgent need for essential health technologies for developing inexpensive and effective drugs and vaccines for markets in the developing countries.
Dr. Thongchai believes TDR’s expertise on research and development as well as healthcare training will help improve existing and newly-developed approaches for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and controlling neglected infectious diseases which are applicable, acceptable and affordable and affordable by developing countries, The work can be readily integrated into the health services not only in Thailand but also regional countries facing problems of neglected tropical diseases.
TCELS is now seeking collaboration with WHO/TDR in anticipation for opportunities for clinical research institutes conducting studies in to be exposed to available international funding programs. This could help strengthen the capacity to implement improved control system for new emerging diseases, so as to reduce the burdensome healthcare and socioeconomic problems among millions of the disadvantaged population all over the world, he says.
This collaboration that is currently being worked to achieve is also welcomed by Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot , permanent secretary to Ministry of Public Health and member of TCELS Board of Directors.
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