Global Health Drug Discovery Institute

How can we leverage media and technology to raise awareness of neglected diseases? At the 3rd Global Development and Health Communication Forum hosted by the School of Journalism and Communication of Tsinghua University on October 19, Dr. Sheng Ding, Institute Director of GHDDI, shared valuable insights on global health communication. He emphasized that while media is not the core of GHDDI’s work, it is a crucial channel for raising public awareness of global health issues. "By utilizing specific contexts in our messaging, we can make neglected diseases more relatable and attract greater public interest," Dr. Sheng Ding highlighted. GHDDI also employs generative AI technology to build information platforms that rapidly disseminate global health-related information, enhancing public awareness and engagement. Despite the challenges that come with rapid technological advances, we remain committed to exploring new methods to promote health equity and raise awareness of global health issues. To learn more about GHDDI’s initiatives, visit: ghddi.org/en #GlobalHealth #AI #PublicHealth #GHDDI #TsinghuaUniversity #HealthCommunication

Exciting progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB)! Researchers have developed a novel semi-synthetic compound, BPD-9, derived from sanguinarine, which shows potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including multi-drug resistant strains. This innovative compound not only targets dormant and intracellular M. tuberculosis, but it may also spare the microbiome and other beneficial bacteria that most antibiotics harm. The study has been published in Microbiology Spectrum. #TB #GlobalHealth #Innovation Learn more: https://loom.ly/t5fhS6k

On October 17th, 2024, the Global Health Drug Discovery Institute (GHDDI) officially established its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and held its first meeting. SAB consists of five leading experts in global health and drug development from both China and abroad, who will provide high-level scientific guidance and strategic advice to GHDDI’s research work. Dr. Manos Perros, Chairman of the SAB, along with board members Professor Wenhong Zhang and Dr. Yongjun Liu, attended the meeting in person. Professor Kelly Chibale and Professor Zhijian Chen participated remotely. The establishment of the SAB marks another significant step for GHDDI in promoting international collaborative innovation and exchange to address global health challenges. Under the guidance of the SAB, GHDDI looks forward to accelerating drug discovery, driving innovation, and improving global health outcomes. #GHDDI #ScientificAdvisoryBoard #GlobalHealth

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently released the 8th annual Goalkeepers Report, reflecting on 25 years of global progress and emerging challenges, particularly in child health. After 20 years of unprecedented advancement, global health progress has stalled over the past five years, exacerbated by COVID-19. Malnutrition is highlighted as the most pressing child health crisis today. While global child mortality halved from 2000 to 2020, ongoing threats like malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia, especially in African children, continue to claim lives. The report stresses the importance of ongoing research into vaccines and treatments for neglected diseases such as malaria and diarrhea, which lack market incentives. The Gates Foundation also recognizes China's growing role in global health research and emphasizes the importance of partnerships, such as the Beijing-based the Global Health Drug Discovery Institute, which is dedicated to addressing diseases impacting low-income populations. The report concludes with a call to action for global commitment to tackling malnutrition and ensuring every child reaches their fifth birthday through sustained investments in health initiatives. #globalhealth #Childnutrition #Goalkeepers2024 #Vaccines #Malaria To learn more about the report: https://loom.ly/SZCeuNE

African researchers are developing an online database of compounds derived from the continent’s rich array of natural products, aiming to unlock their medicinal potential. By harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), they are rapidly screening these compounds to identify promising treatments for diseases like tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and HIV—diseases that are often neglected by the global pharmaceutical industry. At GHDDI, we manage the ReFRAME compound library, which houses over 12,000 clinically safe compounds. Simultaneously, we are leveraging AI to accelerate new drug discovery efforts for infectious diseases that pose significant global health threats. In partnership with Microsoft Research AI4Science team, we have successfully designed several small molecule inhibitors targeting essential proteins in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and coronaviruses. Moving forward, we are committed to applying cutting-edge technologies to explore uncharted areas of life sciences, providing more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to other global health challenges. #AIinHealthcare #drugdiscovery #globalhealth Learn more: https://loom.ly/22FBQcQ

As we approach the International Day of Charity, GHDDI reflects on the transformative power of collaboration and generosity in advancing global health. Founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Tsinghua University, and the Beijing Municipal Government, GHDDI is a not-for-profit research organization dedicated to developing new drugs for neglected diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, with a focus on improving the health of vulnerable populations. Our mission is driven by a commitment to serve the public good, ensuring that scientific innovation addresses unmet medical needs. At GHDDI, we believe that breakthroughs in the lab must translate into real-world solutions for those who need them most. By integrating resources, knowledge, and expertise from our global partners, we strive to deliver impactful solutions that prioritize health over profit. On this meaningful day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our founders, partners, supporters, and the wider community who share our vision of a healthier world for all. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in global health, fueled by the power of giving. #drugdiscovery #malaria #TB #globalhealth

STAT recently published a special report on the challenging journey of developing malaria vaccines. Ruth Nussenzweig’s identification of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) became the blueprint for the vaccines. Over the decades, researchers have continuously improved methods, leading to the effective RTS,S and R21 vaccines. The introduction of these vaccines has significantly reduced malaria cases and saved lives. Due to limited commercial returns, securing sustainable funding has been a major challenge. Support from GSK and other partners was crucial for the successful development of RTS,S, while the University of Oxford overcame financial hurdles in R21’s Phase 3 trial with help from the Serum Institute of India. These vaccines are not just scientific achievements but symbols of hope in global health, showcasing the power of collaboration and focus on public health issues with low commercial returns. We honor everyone involved in fighting neglected diseases. Let’s work together for global health! #malaria #vaccine #globalhealth #EndMalaria Learn more: https://loom.ly/VgqnlPU

At GHDDI, we're leveraging AI to pioneer new treatments for neglected diseases. In 2019, Jinjiang Guo, a computer science expert, joined us, inspired by his aunt, a doctor in Africa. Witnessing the devastating impact of diseases like malaria, which kills 600,000 people annually yet receives limited funding, he chose to dedicate his skills to meaningful change. By integrating AI, we’ve dramatically improved the drug discovery process. For instance, our AI model can screen a library of 450,000 compounds, increasing the hit rate for compounds with strong inhibitory effects from approximately 0.7% to 5%. Our collaborative approach, combining expertise in biology, chemistry, physics, and AI, has led to significant advancements. We're now exploring generative AI to create new compounds, potentially overcoming resistance issues. At GHDDI, we're committed to accelerating drug discovery and bringing hope to those most in need. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gV7W6uUZ #AIinHealthcare #DrugDiscovery #NeglectedDiseases #GHDDI #GlobalHealth #InnovativeResearch

At Tsinghua University, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman emphasized the critical role of global collaboration in addressing pressing challenges like infectious diseases and climate change. He praised China's significant contributions, including those of the Global Health Drug Discovery Institute (GHDDI), a collaboration between the Beijing Government, Tsinghua University, and the Gates Foundation. Suzman highlighted GHDDI's promising antimalarial research as a key example of how Chinese innovation is making a global impact. He urged young innovators and researchers to harness their talents for the greater good, stressing that cross-border cooperation and a commitment to service are essential for creating a healthier, more equitable world. Stories of successful collaboration, such as GHDDI’s efforts in malaria eradication and agricultural advancements, underscore the transformative power of shared expertise. #GlobalHealth #Innovation #Collaboration #PublicHealth #TsinghuaUniversity #GatesFoundation #GHDDI Learn more: https://loom.ly/JVVmcbk

Tuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its position as the world's deadliest infectious disease, with 1.5 million deaths in 2022. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB continues to devastate low and middle-income countries. The existing BCG vaccine, over a century old, only protects young children and is ineffective against the most common adult TB form. However, a new vaccine, M72/AS01E, shows promise. Field trials have begun in South Africa to test its effectiveness. This vaccine demonstrated 54% efficacy in earlier trials, raising hopes among health experts. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust, the trial aims to include 20,000 participants across seven countries, including South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Dr. Limakatso Lebina from the Africa Health Research Institute highlights the significant potential of M72. Despite past funding challenges, the development pipeline for TB vaccines is now stronger, with several candidates in earlier testing stages. A successful vaccine could prevent millions of TB cases and deaths, significantly reducing the global burden. Even a 50% effective vaccine could avert 44 million cases and 5 million deaths by 2050, easing the issue of drug-resistant TB strains. Efforts to combat TB must also address socio-economic factors, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to TB control. #TB #Vaccines #GlobalHealth #M72Vaccine #MedicalResearch #EndTB Learn more: https://loom.ly/uRoe5Xg