Geneva (Switzerland), Bangkok (Thailand), 28 February 2023 – The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) and Mahidol University by the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration on antimicrobial resistance. GARDP and the Siriraj Institute of Clinical Research (SICRES), operating under the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, aim to accelerate the development and access of treatments for drug-resistant infections in Thailand, as well as promote a robust, not-for-profit clinical R&D environment in South-East Asia. According to the World Health Organization, South-East Asia is likely the part of the world most at-risk for antimicrobial resistance, which gravely affects the health and well-being of people across the region.

                         (Left) Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital (Right) Dr. Seamus O’Brien, R&D Director of GARDP

SICRES and GARDP are collaborating on a phase 3 clinical trial to develop a new treatment for gonorrhoea. SICRES provided advice on the trial set-up and conducts the trial in Thailand. Other trial centres are located in Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa and the US. This MOU opens the door to broader possible collaboration in antibiotic R&D.

“We are thrilled to be able to expand our work with SICRES. Their expertise, professionalism, and regional leadership make them an ideal partner for antibiotic development and access in Thailand and the region at large,” said Seamus O’Brien, R&D Director of GARDP. “GARDP and SICRES are committed to pursuing antibiotic clinical research initiatives that are driven by public health priorities.”

“This MOU aims to promote collaboration between the two organizations to carry out non-profit clinical research—this will make Thailand an innovative R&D hub in the region,” said Associate Professor Winai Ratanasuwan, Director of SICRES. “SICRES is eager to use its experience and expertise to collaborate with GARDP.”

The MOU lays out potential areas of collaboration in the clinical development of antibiotic treatments, data management, and approaches to evaluate the health economic benefits of antibiotic treatments. The objective is also to use joint research results to shape policies and increase access to antimicrobial agents for optimal use for patients in need in the region.

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1.Prof. Visanu Thamlikitkul, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, 2. Prof. Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit, Former director & Consultant of SICRES 3. Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital 4. Dr. Seamus O’Brien, R&D Director of GARDP 5. Assoc. Prof. Pinyo Rattanaumpawan, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine 6. Jean-Michel Piedagnel, South-East Asia Director, DNDi

About GARDP

The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership is a Swiss, not-for-profit organization developing new treatments for drug-resistant infections that pose the greatest threat to health. GARDP was created in 2016 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and legally founded in 2018 to ensure that everyone who needs antibiotics receives effective and affordable treatment, no matter where they live. It aims to develop new treatments to fight drug-resistant infections, with a focus on sexually transmitted infections, sepsis in newborns, and infections in hospitalized adults and children. GARDP is funded by the governments of Australia, Germany, Japan, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, the Canton of Geneva, as well as Médecins Sans Frontières and private foundations. GARDP is registered under the legal name GARDP Foundation. www.gardp.org

About the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

The Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital is the oldest medical institute in Thailand. It was founded in 1888 by his majesty the king Chulalongkorn. The institute seeks to produce high-quality medical graduates, research and publications, as well as medical services with international standards. The hospital’s mission is to improve the health and quality of life of Thais and the broader international community. www.2.si.mahidol.ac.th

About SICRES

The Siriraj Institute of Clinical Research (SICRES) is an academic clinical research institute that operates under the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. Our mission is to conduct and support clinical research trials to transform patient care, improve human health, and better the community. We conduct cost-effective clinical research at international standards and provide full-service clinical trial design and management. Our vision is to become the most trusted academic clinical research organization in Southeast Asia. www.sicres.org/