Dengue fever is a viral infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Despite concerted dengue control programs, dengue fever remains a major public health challenge in Malaysia. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of 20 June 2015, there were 53,823 cases of dengue with 158 deaths reported in Malaysia in 2015. This is 34% higher compared to the same reporting period in 2014. In one specific period, from 14 to 20 June 2015, there were 2,348 cases of dengue reported, which was 8.6% higher than the number of cases reported in the previous week. Despite continuing efforts in fighting this disease, prevention and control efforts face many challenges and, to date, the approaches have largely been reactive.

This initiative aims to support proposals for collaborative projects that bring together experts from Malaysia and the United Kingdom to focus on commercialisation of dengue-related research and products in Malaysia.

This initiative aims to: 

  • support commercialisation of Dengue research between organisations from Malaysia and United Kingdom
  • provide proactive solutions to Dengue outbreaks in Malaysia
  • provide a platform for industry-academia commercialisation collaboration activities in Malaysia and United Kingdom

Find out more

 Grants awarded

Point-of-Care Molecular Detection & Serotyping of Dengue Virus

UK Institution: University of Bristol

Malaysian SME: RVR Diagnostics Sdn Bhd

A point-of-care molecular diagnostic test that is cost-effective, rapid and accurate. Able to determine the serotype and provide bed-side results within 25 minutes and differentiate Dengue Virus Serotypes 1, 2, 3 & 4. The test is based on isothermal amplification of the viral nucleic acid followed by hybridisation and detection with visible colour change which indicates a positive result without expensive equipment or human skills required.

Rapid, Point-of-Care Dengue Detection Device

UK Institution: University of Southampton

Malaysian SME: Flexilicate Sdn Bhd

A long-range surface plasmon polariton (LRSPR)-based biosensor for fast and easy to use point-of-care dengue diagnostics (Lab-on-a-Chip). The device can detect both the virus (NS1) and the dengue-specific antibody (DENV1-4) in less than 30min with blood sample of only a finger prick. This sensing platform can be further used for prognostic purpose by differentiating the stage of dengue infection where a secondary infection usually results in higher possibility of severe dengue.

Lure-and-Kill Technology for Dengue Vector Control

UK Institution: University of Strathclyde

Malaysian SME: One Team Networks Sdn Bhd

Innovative solution to outsmart Aedes spp  by being target-specific and harmless to all natural enemies of Aedes. MOSQUITO HOME SYSTEM (MHS) is a solution to reduce the population of mosquitoes effectively by luring female mosquitoes nearby to lay their eggs in MHS. All the eggs (100%) cannot develop into adult mosquitoes, and the female adults transfer the chemical to other hidden breeding habitats that no one could find before they die within the next 24 hours.

RetroMAD1 Antiviral Drug as a Therapeutic and Prophylaxis for Dengue’

UK Institution: University of Cambridge

Malaysian SME: X-Vax Sdn Bhd

Potential Therapeutic & Prophylaxis for DENV 1- 4 with 37kDa antiviral protein which consist of 3 antiviral protein domains delivered orally. Cold chain not required and Safety observed in animal models at high concentrations. 2D gel electrophoresis revealed that RetroMAD1 affects the DENV2 life cycle by targeting viral un-coating, replication and translation.

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