Dr. Jan Felix Drexler, Professor at the Institute of Virology of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and one of GLACIER’s Principal Investigators, has been awarded this year’s Memento Research Prize for his achievements in the diagnosis of new viral diseases. The award recognizes contributions to the research and development of preventative measures, diagnostics and treatments for neglected diseases in poorer countries.
“With climate change and the decline in biodiversity, new viruses are emerging – for example the Zika virus, which infected many people in 2016, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean. Or the chikungunya virus, which spreads from Africa and Southeast Asia to Central and South America. An infection causes severe fever and sometimes long-lasting joint pain. The main vectors of these viruses, known as emerging viruses, are mosquitoes.
In the affected regions themselves, there are often hardly any opportunities to reliably diagnose an infection, reports Jan Felix Drexler: “The Global South is usually not viewed as a relevant market by companies in the Global North that develop diagnostics.” The result: detection methods for emerging viruses are often not sufficiently tested for use in poorer countries. “Since there are usually no locally developed and produced alternatives, they are still imported for a lot of money – and there are also high tariffs and distribution fees. Accordingly, there is inadequate and delayed diagnosis,” explains Prof. Drexler.
Detect outbreaks early with new tests
The researcher has therefore set himself the goal of developing innovative diagnostic tests for emerging viruses. He and his team have already achieved this for the Zika virus. He is also developing novel detection methods for other viruses that are transmitted by blood-sucking insects in order to support diagnostic laboratories in structurally weak regions. “The rapid and reliable diagnosis of these infections is the basis for optimal patient care as well as successful monitoring and combating of outbreaks,” emphasizes Drexler.
For this commitment, Jan Felix Drexler was awarded the Memento Research Prize on November 16th. The prize is awarded by an alliance of Doctors Without Borders, Bread for the World, the BUKO Pharma Campaign and the DAHW German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Aid and is endowed with 5,000 euros.”