Invited Speaker

Global Need for Design and Discovery of new Drugs against Neglected Diseases: ICS-UNIDO Program
Stanislav Miertus
Italy

There is a strong need to promote research and development of new drugs, especially against neglected diseases, which are a serious threat for millions of people worldwide, but especially in developing countries (malaria, tuberculosis, Dengue, HIV etc).

The mandate of ICS-UNIDO is to promote the science and to support the scientific communities of developing countries and of countries in economic transition, in order to contribute to their overall economic and social development through the transfer of applied science and high technology.

In the framework of its Action Plan for 2009, 2010 and beyond, inspired by a multidisciplinary approach, ICS is focusing on rational Drug Design and Discovery as one of four core scientific programs as a contribution to respond to the actual worldwide needs.

Within the Rational Drug Design and Discovery program the focus is on new drugs against Malaria, Tuberculosis, Dengue, HIV and Avian Flu, and in 2010-2011 the program will be further concentrated in anti-malaria, anti-TB and anti-Dengue potential drugs, applying computer design, combinatorial synthesis and inhibitory activity assays.

ICS-UNIDO has already established a global network of cooperating institutions as well as long-term collaborations in the field of Drug Design with important centers in developing countries as well as recognized research centers worldwide.

Among the important cooperation activities included in the ICS-UNIDO Work Program are those with Thai Universities with the support and cooperation of Thai Government, to establish a new drug discovery centre in Thailand as well as the cooperation with other Asian countries (India - anti-malaria, anti-tubercular and anti-HIV compounds, Malaysia - new drugs for Dengue disease) Latin America countries (Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil - focus on anti-tuberculosis, anti-malaria and anti-HIV). Important cooperation programs on anti-malaria and anti-tuberculosis are launched with CSIR South Africa, including other African countries (Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Ghana) as well as with other countries.

Examples of the results of the Cooperative Research Program of ICS-UNIDO in the field of drug Design and Discovery will be presented with particular focus on design and development of new potential drugs for the treatment of diseases widespread in developing countries such as malaria, HIV, Tuberculosis, Dengue, Avian and A Flu.

ICS-UNIDO program of capacity building in Drug Design and Development and of e-learning is also briefly presented.