GHIT Fund Invests in Portable Ebola Diagnostic System
The GHIT Fund is investing approximately JPY 140 million in a portable rapid diagnostic system for Ebola disease. The project is a collaboration between Osaka Metropolitan University, K.K. DNAFORM, and the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB).
The GHIT Fund announced on July 23, 2026, an investment of approximately JPY 140 million (USD 862,000) in a project to develop a portable rapid diagnostic system for Ebola disease. The system is being jointly developed by Osaka Metropolitan University, K.K. DNAFORM, and the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This funding will support early development milestones, including the creation and validation of prototypes for detecting the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of Ebola. These efforts are crucial for preparedness and response, particularly following the World Health Organization's declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern regarding the Bundibugyo virus outbreak in May 2026.
The project utilizes DNAFORM's GenPad platform, a portable isothermal nucleic acid amplification system. This technology is designed for use in remote or resource-limited settings, as it does not require extensive laboratory equipment or a stable power supply, making it suitable for deployment during outbreaks.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of diagnostic tools to align with the global 100-Day Mission, which seeks to ensure medical countermeasures are available within 100 days of identifying a pandemic threat.