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DOST furthers efforts to combat dengue through PCHRD

In the wake of the mounting reported cases of dengue in the country, Secretary Fortunato de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) suggests the use of DOST innovation/product to help in addressing this problem. “Dengue research and development has always been one of the priority research areas as stated in the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) led by the DOST. Through the DOST- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), we have funded a number of research projects and programs that is consistent with the multi-prong approach in the control of Dengue that address different aspects such as diagnosis and treatment. In the area of diagnosis, we funded the development of a rapid diagnostic test (Biotek M) for dengue that can diagnose the disease as early as two to three days after the onset of illness. This will be very helpful in making the early diagnosis of dengue so that prompt management can be done to prevent complications. This will also help decongest the hospitals that are constrained to keep the dengue suspects confined in the hospital for monitoring until the diagnosis is established as well as to alleviate the anguish of patients and their relatives as to the confirmation of the diagnosis of dengue. This diagnostic kit is already available in a number of public hospitals . We have asked the technology developer to make it available to the affected areas of dengue in cooperation with our regional offices and the Department of Health.”

The DOST is also funding the clinical trials for the evaluation of a possible herbal medicine for dengue that has multiple mechanisms of action: anti-viral activity against the dengue virus, can elevate the platelet levels which are seen in the complicated cases of dengue responsible for bleeding and reduction of plasma leakage which contributes to the lowering of blood pressure among the dengue patients. The Phase I clinical trial will just start and completion up to Phase 3 clinical trials is required for certification and approval by the Food and Drug Administrationin (FDA). To date there is no available therapeutic medicine for dengue anywhere else in the world

According to Secretary de la Peña, “We have also supported the development of herbal supplements that can help patients affected with dengue. The herbal supplements that include single and combination herbal preparations are already ready for submission to the FDA. These herbs are derived from folkloric use and have passed safety and toxicity studies.. We have requested the technology developers to make this available at the soonest time possible after satisfying all the regulatory requirements. We are also coordinating with the FDA regarding this.”

Source: http://pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/6473-dost-furthers-efforts-to-combat-dengue-through-pchrd/wriiten by: DOST-Central Office

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2020

The Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) is an annual multi-disciplinary summit that brings together eminent scientific minds and young scientists to foster exchange of ideas among scientists of different generations, cultures and disciplines. The summit will feature talks from Nobel Laureates, distinguished scientists, as well as mathematicians.

Starting this September 2019, the GYSS will be accepting nominations through a web-based system for the Summit to be held on 14-17 January 2020.

Qualifications:

Currently an undergraduate, master’s and doctoral, and young postdoctoral student;
Not older than 35 years of age at the time of the summit;
With genuine interest in science and research;
Shows strong commitment to their principal field of studies and to interdisciplinary work;
Receive the endorsement of an organization that was invited to provide nominees OR receive strong support of their application by their head of department and/or by internationally renowned scientists, through a letter of recommendation;
Fluent in English to actively participate in discussions;
Has not participated in previous Global Young Scientists Summits; and
Does not have a permanent position (scientist with permanent positions, in particular on the professor level, will not be admitted to the Summit).

Registration Process:

Phase 1

The nomination process is web-based. Representatives from invited organizations will be provided with login credentials. Representatives will be asked to provide information on each nominee, including the nominee’s name, email address and institution. Representatives are not required to provide details CVs or academic track records of the nominees. Upon submission through the system, nominees will be informed to submit further details. Only nominees who successfully submit all required information will be considered. Open applicants (i.e. those applying without the endorsement of an invited organization) can also apply, but will be required to submit an additional letter of recommendation from the applicant’s head of department or an internationally renowned scientist.

Phase 2

Nominees will be informed of the status of their applications. Successful nominees will be required to provide further information, such as flight details, poster submissions and their choice of any optional or parallel sessions to attend.

For inquiries you may contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the GYSS website at https://www.nrf.gov.sg/gyss/home.

Source: http://pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/6469-call-for-nominations-global-young-scientists-summit-gyss-2020

CVHRDC Conducts Training on Basic Research Methods (Cagayan and Batanes)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) thru the Cagayan Valley Health Research and Development Consortium (CVHRDC) conducted its final training on basic Research Methods for this year at N-Hall, University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao last July 3-5, 2019.

During the opening ceremonies, Rev. Father Renillo H. Sta. Ana, University president immediately challenged the participants to improve the quality of health researches in the region by incorporating what they’ve learned from the three-day training.

“We do research for knowledge and truth. We do knowledge for mission and excellence.”, Fr. Renillo stressed as he concluded his message.

The 60 participants from different high schools, state universities, higher education institutions, and regional line agencies were tasked to draft a proposal concerning the pressing health issues of today.

The draft research proposals such as Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis, Mental Health, Heavy Metal and Microbial Detection, Neglected Tropical Diseases, and Immunization were presented and panned during the training.

Meanwhile, presented proposals shall be improved and edited by the proponents to be submitted on August to the Technical Review Board for evaluation and endorsement of funding.

CVHRDC Chair calls for quality health researches

DOST 02 Director Sancho A. Mabborang, Chairperson of Cagayan Valley Health Research and Development Consortium (CVHRDC) and the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGDC), encouraged members of the health consortium to consider engaging into researches related to gender issues during the conduct of CVHRDC 2nd Quarter Meeting at ISU-Cauayan.

Moreover, he highlighted the harmonized call for proposals to all areas of research (Health, Agriculture and Engineering). Also, he announced that the Tuklas Lunas Development Center will be launched on August and he is expecting strengthened partnership among regional line agencies and institutions in coming up with health R&D thru this center.

Meanwhile, the consortium Chairperson requested representatives fro Southern Isabela General Hospital (SIGH), Philippine Drug and Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Region II Trauma and Medical Center (RIITMC) to share their institution's health research thrusts and to identify areas where the consortium may provide assistance to raise the bar of health researches conducted in the region.

DOST-PCHRD supports development of a more affordable, accessible HIV Drug Resistance Diagnostic Tool

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCHRD) funds a research which aims to develop a diagnostic kit for the detection of drug resistant Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Once made available in the market, this breakthrough technology will create a positive impact on the lives of people living with HIV not only in the Philippines but around the world.

“Having a test kit that will detect the resistance of HIV to drugs at the start of medical care allows doctors to decide on the best treatment options for their patients,” explained Dr. Edsel Salvaña, Project Leader from the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health (UPNIH) in the recent installment of the Talakayang HeaRTBeat series organized by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on 21 May 2019 at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon City.

As explained by Dr. Salvaña, the problem with HIV is it can become resistant to medication even at the start of treatment. This means some drugs may not work on the patient. Knowing the resistance of HIV to drugs is very crucial especially for our country where there is only a limited number of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) available.

Another challenge in the process of HIV diagnosis is the availability of only two organizations in the country that can test for the virus – namely the UPNIH and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) – it takes a long time to get the results, and the cost of the test itself is quite expensive.

The research project of Dr. Salvaña focuses on the use of an automated DNA sequencing tool that can potentially help diagnose HIV resistant cases faster and at a lower cost. The ultimate goal is to produce a kit that is accessible, affordable, and world-class possibly by 2023. “There is no cure yet (for HIV). Kung masyadong mahal (yung tools), edi ibababa natin yung cost para we can also take care of the Filipino patients,” he stressed.

As of the latest, 42 HIV cases were said to be reported daily in the Philippines, which is higher than the data recorded in the same period last year.

Source: Macan J. (30 May 2019). DOST-PCHRD supports development of a more affordable, accessible HIV Drug Resistance Diagnostic Tool. Retrieved from: http://pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/6453-dost-pchrd-supports-development-of-a-more-affordable-accessible-hiv-drug-resistance-diagnostic-tool-2