The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) have collaborated to fund the creation of a rapid and accurate diagnostic technology for the early screening of autoimmune diseases such as lupus and arthritis.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Aug. 27, the DOST announced that Filipino researchers, led by DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Jonel Saludes from the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo, are partnering with researchers from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.
“This project is a testament to how the DOST actively seeks out partnerships that will benefit our communities,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said.
“It is our hope that through this initiative, we will be able to bring a diagnostic tool that is both efficient and reliable for the mutual benefit of the citizens of the Philippines and China,” he added.
Addressing bottlenecks
The project, titled "SinoPhil CHARRME: China-Philippines Cooperation for Harnessing and Accelerating Research and Resources on Microvesicles and Exosomes," seeks to overcome current challenges in diagnosing autoimmune diseases by applying peptide science technology.
The DOST explained that the research team will use peptide science and lipidomics to examine biomarkers of autoimmune diseases in patients' bodily fluids.
“If successful, the project will offer a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure for autoimmune diseases, compared to the usual biopsies,” DOST said.
The DOST noted that the project is currently in its third and final year of implementation.
To date, the research team has been able to design, fabricate, and test the microfluidic chip that will be used as the diagnostic tool.
The project is funded by the DOST and is monitored by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).
DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya explained that early screening of diseases is “critically important” for timely intervention.
“By supporting this project, we hope to contribute to the advancement of a minimally invasive diagnostic technology that will cater to a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases,” he added.