The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of China have jointly funded the development of a rapid and precise diagnostic technology that can be used for the early screening of autoimmune diseases such as lupus and arthritis.

Filipino researchers, led by DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Jonel Saludes of the University of San Agustin (USA), Iloilo are collaborating with researchers from the Tsinghua University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

“This project is a testament to how the DOST actively seeks out partnerships that will benefit our communities…It is our hope that through this initiative, we will be able to bring a diagnostic tool that is efficient and reliable for the mutual benefit of the citizens of the Philippines and China,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said.

The project entitled, “SinoPhil CHARRME: China-Philippines Cooperation for Harnessing and Accelerating Research and Resources on Microvesicles and Exosomes” aims to address existing bottlenecks in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases by utilizing peptide science technology.

Through the use of peptide science and lipidomics, the research team will examine the biomarkers of autoimmune diseases from the bodily fluids of patients.  If successful, the project output will offer a minimally-invasive diagnostic procedure for autoimmune diseases, compared to the usual biopsies.  The project is currently in its third and final year of implementation. To date, the research team has been able to design, fabricate, and test the microfluidic chip that will be used as the diagnostic tool.

“Early screening of diseases is critically important for timely intervention. By supporting this project, we hope to contribute to the advancement of a minimally-invasive diagnostic technology that will cater to a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases,” DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya said.

The project is funded by DOST and is monitored by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).