Novartis plans tropical disease research centre

Novartis is to establish a new US$122m tropical diseases research centre in Singapore to advance medical research into progressive infectious and parasitic diseases affecting the developing world, such as tuberculosis and dengue fever.

Historically there has been little focus on funding research in this area, as the financial returns have been unattractive. 'Tuberculosis and dengue fever remain major, and increasingly prevalent, public health problems around the world, particularly in developing countries. We believe that investments of this kind need to be undertaken if significant advances towards the treatment and prevention of these diseases are going to be realized,' said Dr Daniel Vasella, chairman and ceo of Novartis.

The institute will employ 60 scientists and technicians, and will interact with Novartis centres worldwide and the international network of tropical disease institutes. It will also receive support from Singapore Economic Development Board's US$600m r&d fund, set up in June 2000 to promote private r&d activities over the next five years.