AsianScientist (Mar. 13, 2018) – Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Innovation, a Division of J&J (China) Investment Ltd., has announced the three finalists that will receive S$5.1 million (~US$3.9 million) in support of research projects for up to three years through the J&J Innovation World Without Disease Grant Call Collaboration with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR).
The grant call was aimed at advancing the discovery and development of solutions to prevent, intercept and cure diseases. J&J Innovation and A*STAR selected the three research projects from more than 40 highly-qualified applicants from Singapore’s public sector. The winning applications sought to pursue novel approaches in the areas of eye health, cancer and liver disease.
A team from the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) will study light and outdoor patterns for the prevention of myopia. The disorder affects 83 percent of young Singaporean adults and data from this study has the potential to inform health policy and shape school and community outdoor programs.
Additionally, a joint team from the Singapore Immunology Network, the p53 Laboratory, the National University of Singapore and the National Cancer Centre Singapore will study a novel antibody with the potential to benefit the several millions of people living with cancer. The antibody is expected to be useful in individuals who are believed to have a faulty p53 pathway despite having a normal p53 gene.
Last but not least, a team consisting of researchers from the the Genome Institute of Singapore and National University Health System will conduct a program for the early detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), allowing timely disease interception and the potential to reverse liver damage. NAFLD is a disease associated with metabolic syndrome that is increasing in prevalence and currently affects up to 40 percent of the population in Singapore.
“Asia Pacific is a world-leading innovation hotspot with strong capabilities in healthcare research and a steady increase of research funding in the fields of science, technology and innovation. With the region’s aging population and growing burden of disease, our team understands the importance of investing in innovative solutions today to address tomorrow’s healthcare challenges,” said Dr. Dan Wang, Head of Asia Pacific Innovation Center, J&J Innovation.
“We look forward to seeing impactful work completed by the World Without Disease Grant Call recipients over the next three years, and extend our gratitude to A*STAR for their strategic partnership in this novel approach.”
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Source: Johnson & Johnson Innovation; Photo: Shutterstock.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
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