On November 16-17, 2023, the GHIT Fund held a meeting of the Hit to Lead Program (HTLP) Expert Panel for the discovery of lead compounds in the early stages of research and development.

The HTLP Expert Panel consists of members from three Product Development Partnerships (PDPs), the TB Alliance, the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), as well as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Each member has extensive knowledge and experience in drug development.

The HTLP Expert Panel Meeting is held twice a year to discuss new partnerships and collaborations, and to promote R&D in the target diseases of tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

The HTLP Expert Panel and GHIT Fund's investment team also visited Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Eisai Co., Ltd., and Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd., collaborators of PDPs on screening and HTLP projects. We discussed the progress of the projects, acceleration of product development, and new collaboration opportunities with Japanese pharmaceutical companies. During their visit to the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), participants exchanged views on future collaboration and outlook on drug development.

Visiting Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

Visiting Eisai Co., Ltd.

Visiting Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd.

Visiting AMED

Based on the knowledge gained through these opportunities, we will address global health challenges through Japanese innovation and global partnerships.