Categories: News

Leading global scientists launch the Pandemic Research Alliance for concerted research and collaboration

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2023 – World-renowned professors from six leading institutions in four countries launched the Pandemic Research Alliance (PRA) on 4 December to drive concerted research into respiratory viruses from animals to humans, improved surveillance, and new solutions to better manage the next pandemic.

This is the first alliance of its kind bringing together scientists from Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States. PRA, which is anchored by Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung, a microbiologist from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and acclaimed Columbia University AIDS pioneer Professor David Ho, aims to leverage the specific expertise of each institution to produce joint output. The founding members institutions and representatives of PRA also include Doherty Institute – University of Melbourne, represented by Professor Sharon Lewin; Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, by Professor Wang Linfa; Guangzhou National Laboratory, by Professor Zhong Nanshan; and Tsinghua University, by Professor Zhang Linqi. Professor Chen Zhiwei from HKU will serve as PRA Secretary-designate.

“PRA will involve research sharing and collaboration to bring together some of the leading minds internationally in virology and related disciplines to jointly seek solutions to pressing issues before the next pandemic hits,” said Professor Yuen.

The alliance will focus on assessing the potential for animal viruses to jump to humans using artificially grown organoids, as well as faster tests to detect the first human case infected by a novel virus with pandemic potential, and to design drug treatment and vaccines pre-emptively before such outbreaks.

“Given the history of pandemics, we expect more emerging infectious disease outbreaks, one of which may cause the next pandemic within another decade or so. By launching this alliance today, we are effectively gearing up to protect lives and avert future disruptions to our way of life,” said Professor Ho.

Members will share information on emerging infectious agents for early outbreak alerts, as well as research materials and reagents to provide a rapid research response. Aims for the next pandemic include ensuring early alerts, responses and control through rapid molecular testing, minimising mortality with a broad spectrum of antiviral or neutralising antibodies and developing a universal vaccine platform to manufacture a specific vaccine in the shortest possible time frame. Through this research output, the alliance hopes that normal life could be maintained if there is another pandemic, with no city lockdowns or school closures.

Hashtag: #HKUMed

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Miscw.com

Recent Posts

CGTN: China vows continued efforts to build Asia-Pacific community with shared future

BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 November 2024 - Since its inception more…

4 hours ago

TBS Energi Utama to Acquire Singapore’s Integrated Waste Management Services Provider, Sembcorp Environment Pte. Ltd.

Acquisition Expands TBS’ Regional Waste Management Platform in Indonesia and Singapore, aligning with its TBS2030…

5 hours ago

Score 11 Unbeatable Deals This 11.11 on Shopee with 90% Off Lowest Price Guaranteed

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 November 2024 - It’s that time…

7 hours ago

Shenzhen China Wins the World Smart City Award, Demonstrating the Global Influence of Social Intelligent Governance of Mega City

BARCELONA, SPAIN - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 November 2024 - On November 6, Central…

8 hours ago

Singapore – A Trusted Global Supply Chain Management Hub

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 November 2024 - Singapore is strengthening its position…

10 hours ago

OPPO Celebrates Global Photography Talent at Paris Photo Fair under the theme of “Dear Life”

PARIS, FRANCE - Media OutReach Newswire – 8 November 2024 - This year, OPPO once…

10 hours ago