SiSP Partners with Takeda Japan to Advance the Discovery of Bioactive Natural Compounds Targeting Macropinocytosis
SiSP researchers collaborate with Takeda Pharmaceutical of Japan to accelerate the discovery of new drugs derived from Thailand's rich biodiversity of natural products.
Origins of the Partnership
Initiated in 2019, Thai researchers have had the unique opportunity to participate in a specialized capacity-building program focusing on high-throughput screening (HTS). This was made possible through a multi-lateral agreement among the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS), the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (BPIPO).
After completing an intensive 2-3 month training period in Japan, our research team returned to Thailand to undertake pioneering research and development projects. These projects harnessed the extensive natural product library at the Excellence Center for Drug Discovery (ECDD), Faculty of Sciences, Mahidol University. The initial project (2020-2021) focused on screening natural products for their applications in neurology, oncology, and enhanced drug delivery via modulation of macropinocytosis.
Fostering Innovation in Natural Product-Based Drug Discovery
SiSP researcher Ms. Supawan Jamnongsong was chosen to work closely with experts from Takeda Pharmaceutical at their Shonan Health Innovation Park. The team at Takeda imparted specialized training on macropinocytosis assays with a goal to discover bioactive natural compounds. These compounds hold the promise of not only improving drug delivery but also addressing the complex issue of cancer drug resistance through systems-based multi-omic approaches.
“The partnership offers our team the invaluable experience of conducting research in an industrial setting. More significantly, it opens up new avenues in understanding and resolving cancer drug resistance via macropinocytosis”
A Synergy of Expertise
This collaborative effort between SiSP, TCELS, ECDD, and Takeda Pharmaceutical is a beacon for the future of natural product-based drug discovery. It unifies academic research, industrial innovation, and Thailand's rich natural biodiversity to create new possibilities in drug discovery.
By focusing on natural product resources, this collaboration represents a significant leap forward in Thailand's capacity to develop high-quality, affordable pharmaceuticals. We are not just working on drug discovery; we are reshaping the future landscape of global healthcare solutions.
