SCARDA and NVI collaborate to strengthen global pandemic preparedness and response

On October 6, 2026, The Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development for Preparedness and Response (SCARDA), signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the National Vaccine Institute of Thailand (NVI) to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions through the sharing of information and knowledge, with the aim of enhancing preparedness and response capabilities against future pandemics.

The document was officially signed by Dr. HAMAGUCHI Michinari (Director General of SCARDA) and Dr. Nakorn Premsri (Director of NVI). The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) of Thailand, Mrs. Vipavee Rangsimaporn, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, the Royal Thai Embassy, Tokyo, Mr. TORII Yoichi, Director-General, National Healthcare Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office of Japan and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Because infectious diseases spread across borders, international collaboration is essential. Regional collaboration is particularly important in Asia, given the shared risks of infectious diseases and common challenges in Research and Development（R&D）. SCARDA and NVI agree that we should leverage our joint regional networks and expertise, and identify potential areas for collaboration in R&D for medical countermeasures (MCMs) in preparation for infectious disease emergencies.

By sharing information and insights on the R&D of MCMs, SCARDA and NVI will maintain close communication, deepen our mutual understanding, and advance initiatives to strengthen the region's capacity to respond to infectious disease emergencies.

What is the Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development for Preparedness and Response (SCARDA) ?
SCARDA was established on March 22, 2022, in Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, based on the national strategy (Strategy for Strengthening the Vaccine Development and Production System) approved by the Cabinet on June 1, 2021. It was created as a system to promote vaccine research and development from pre-emergency times and accelerate the development of vaccines in the event of an infectious disease emergency. Furthermore in March 2026, the same strategy was revised to the Strategy for Strengthening Medical Countermeasures (MCMs; Vaccines, Therapeutic Drugs, Diagnostic Drugs, etc.) Development and Production System, and SCARDA's research and development support was expanded to include therapeutics and diagnostics in addition to vaccines. SCARDA conducts extensive information gathering and analysis on the development of MCMs for infectious disease crises and implements strategic funding of research.

What is the National Vaccine Institute of Thailand (NVI) ?
NVI, a government agency functioning as a public authority under the supervision of the Thailand Ministry of Public Health in accordance with the National Vaccine Security Act of 2018 （B.E.2561), manages funds from multiple sources, including the Science, Research and Innovation fund, and has the mission and role of being a funding agency responsible for implementing the national vaccine policy and strategy, promoting vaccine security, and strengthening Thailand's
vaccine R&D capabilities.

NVI has been leading the AVSSR (ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance) network* building trusting relationships and collaboration among countries within the ASEAN region and international development partners.

* This is a network of the 11 ASEAN member states, aiming to strengthen vaccine stockpiles and emergency response capabilities in the region, and in the future to promote research and development cooperation in the region. In addition to annual stakeholder meetings, regular training and capacity-building activities are conducted.

Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development for Preparedness and Response (SCARDA)
Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004 Japan
Tel：+81 3 6841 1146
E-mail：scarda-inq"AT"amed.go.jp
*Please replace "AT" in the above email address with "@.