Associate Professor Dr. Sarintip Tantanee, Acting President of Naresuan University, stated that this collaboration would foster the exchange of academic knowledge through seminars and conferences. It also includes the exchange of data on preclinical testing and new drug development, along with initiatives to develop skilled personnel. The partnership will introduce training programs tailored to preclinical testing services, equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for tasks like drug testing, vaccine research, medical devices, food additives, cosmetics, novel foods, dietary supplements, herbal products, veterinary medicine, biopharmaceuticals, household products, agricultural chemicals, and industrial chemicals.
Additionally, the partnership involves leveraging shared resources, including data, equipment, facilities, and other related factors, to ensure the success of various research and development projects. The agreement spans three years, from December 2, 2024, to December 2, 2027.
During a recent meeting attended by NU administrators, including vice presidents and deans from the faculties of Medical Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Dentistry, as well as relevant officials, it was emphasized that this collaboration would provide dual benefits. It would directly benefit patients and advanced cancer research. Naresuan University, which oversees hospitals like Naresuan University Hospital and Buddhachinaraj Hospital, is well-positioned to implement such initiatives.
Cancer patients often face high costs and long wait time before receiving personalized, effective treatments. The clinical testing model proposed by Welala aims to address these challenges, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
"This collaboration has the potential to develop into a major cancer treatment center for the lower northern region of Thailand," Dr. Sarintip said. "We must also find ways to ensure that every patient can access these services affordably. NU already has a strong team of researchers and connections with universities locally and internationally, which can help expand cancer research in multiple dimensions, benefiting the entire Thai population."
Dr. Pongsthorn Chotikasemsi added that the partnership aligns with Welala's primary goal of making advanced technology accessible to Thai people. "We plan to collaborate with NU on research projects and potentially seek government funding to expand the scope of this initiative. Additionally, in 2025, we will hire 6-20 new graduates from the local area to support this project and train university researchers on the latest technologies, ensuring they remain updated with global research trends through quarterly workshops."
"We've reviewed NU's animal research facilities and found them to meet international standards, with sufficient space for private-sector use. Our goal is to develop this facility to be a new ASEAN hub for drug research and development for new diseases, as NU is well-equipped in every aspect to achieve this," Dr. Pongsthorn concluded.
Source: NXPO
