Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases (NITD)
The Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases (NITD) was set up in 2002 as a Public-Private Partnership between Novartis and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) with the goal of discovering novel treatments and prevention methods for major tropical diseases. Dengue fever and tuberculosis were collectively selected as the diseases on which to focus, with the possibility to expand to other disease areas in later years. Malaria has since then been added as a third focus area in mid 2006.
The scope of the NITD's activities range from target discovery through to screen development and compound optimisation. The Institute also strives to become a centre of excellence in the area of Dengue fever, tuberculosis and malaria, to contribute to the education of young scientists, and to be a role model for public-private-partnerships in South East Asia. Within the next few years the NITD aims to achieve the following specific goals:
- At least two compounds in clinical trials by 2008
- At least one novel and attractive compound on the market by 2012
In those developing countries where these diseases are endemic, the Novartis Group intends to make treatments readily available without profit.
The NITD has now grown to over 100 researchers and supporting staff since its inception in 2002.
