Searching Lead Compounds of Anti-malarial and Anti-amebic Agents by Utilizing Diversity of Indonesian Bio-resources

Plants, microbes, and other organisms are important resources for drug discovery
Indonesia is a nation rich in biological resources. As substances found in plants and microorganisms have the potential to be used as drugs, these biological resources are highly valuable in drug discovery. The aim of this project is to screen Indonesia’s diverse microbial resources for compounds that might be candidates for drugs to treat malaria and amebiasis. There are no vaccines against these parasitic diseases, and drug treatments are also limited, meaning that new drugs are needed. Technical assistance provided through the project will also enable Indonesia to develop the capability for independent drug discovery research.

Potential for drug discovery in Japan as well as in Indonesia
If compounds that are potential candidates for new drugs are identified, researchers will collaborate with corporations with the aim of their commercialization. If Indonesia becomes capable of developing therapeutic drugs for itself, this will lead to its further economic development. Ensuring that Indonesian biological resources can also be utilized in Japan also enhances Japan’s potential for drug discovery research.