Historically, the discovery of new drugs requires at least 10 years of research and costs over 1 trillion won (A billion dollars). However, there has been a rise of more cost-effective drug development. Physicians and scientists dedicated to resource poor communities that do not have access to medical care are using their know how to develop pharmaceutical treatments at a lower cost.

Over the past 10 years, the international organization – Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi) has dedicated itself to developing treatments at 1/5th the cost for neglected diseases such as malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, etc.. Governments, universities, pharmaceutical companies work jointly with DNDi for research and development, providing resources and expertise, in order to help developing countries.

DNDi used IPK’s Phenomic screening technology for a collaboration to find treatment for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Mr. David Shum, Head of Assay Development & Screening group at IPK says, “With Phenomic screening technology, We can identify and optimize compounds that will lead to promising quality candidates for further late stage development.”

Source: Chosun Ilbo (September 13, 2016)