Singapore sets up immunology network

SINGAPORE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Singapore set up Tuesday an Immunology Network to intensify research on the human immune system which is a field strategic to Singapore's biomedical sciences initiative.

The network, set up by A*STAR, Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research, will strengthen and expand the country's capabilities in immunology at A*STAR laboratories, the universities, national health centers and hospitals, said the agency in a statement.

It will also foster collaboration and coordination across basic, translational and clinical activities related to immunology for better translation of scientific research into medical application.

In the longer term, the network aims to establish partnerships and collaborations with local and international bio-technology and pharmaceutical companies in areas of antibody platforms, cancer immunotherapies, vaccine development and diagnostic kits for infectious diseases.

It has three key research programs in the areas of cancer immunology, immune disorders and immunity to infections.

It is led by its inaugural chairman Philippe Kourilsky, currently the chairperson of Immunology at College de France and former director general of the Pasteur Institute in France.

"Understanding the immune system is critical given its key role in major causes of illnesses and death. The inauguration of the Network is a milestone in the history of immunology research in Singapore," said Kourilsky, adding that "Going forward, the Network will concentrate on building up translational medical research capability in the field of immunology, with the long term aim of developing preventive vaccines and therapeutic cures."

S. Iswaran, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, who launched the network, said: "Immunology will play a critical role in bringing research from the bench to the bedside of patients whoneed new cures and vaccines to treat and prevent serious diseases. It will also at the same time contribute to Singapore's economic growth by attracting interest and investment from the biopharmaceutical industry."