A revolutionary action has been launched by Mahidol University in cooperation with the Mahidol University Foundation, which is governed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
At the recent” Human Conversation for Systematic Innovation” function, global innovators, administration experts, and health researchers gathered to form a new direction for Thai medicine, fostering powerful innovations that drive economic growth and cultural well-being.
A key show of the occasion was the start of the Mahidol Foundation for Sustainability Fund, established to support cutting-edge health improvements, especially in cancer therapy. The bank aims to raise one billion ringgit to create the MU-Bio Plant, Thailand’s second facility dedicated to producing cell-based treatment, known as” Living Drugs”. These ground-breaking treatments provide a promising alternative to conventional treatment, giving cancer patients new hope, and considerably expanding cell therapy research in Thailand.
Thailand’s commitment to economic growth and sustainability highlights the value of creativity in breaking the middle-income bait. Successful innovation requires a balance of desirability, feasibility, and viability, as noted by Prof Steven Eppinger of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ). By adopting a human-centered style approach that focuses on understanding human needs, utility, and economic conservation, Thailand you develop solutions with solid business possible. Incremental improvements, combined with iterative innovation and critical thinking, are essential to unlocking the country’s potential and building a sustainable economy.”
Payong Srivanich, CEO of Krungthai Bank, delivered a special talk on’ Empowering Thailand’s Economy Through Innovation’ at the fundraising event.
Transforming Cancer Treatment in Thailand
Dr. Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a well-known business tycoon and philanthropist who is the president of the Mahidol University Alumni Association and a member of the Mahidol University Foundation’s committee, praised the university’s commitment to utilizing its extensive knowledge of the health sciences to make meaningful, real-world impact possible across 37 faculties and 11 major hospitals.
Dr. Somsak said,” This event marks the beginning of our ambitious fundraising campaign to establish Thailand’s first Cell and Gene Therapy facility.” This innovative initiative aims to reduce Thailand’s reliance on expensive imported medications and lower the cost of the country’s healthcare system by providing affordable, cutting-edge cancer treatments.
Assoc Prof Yodchanan Wongsawat, Vice President for Research at Mahidol University, elaborated on plans to repurpose existing pharmaceutical facilities, which have already seen over one billion baht in investments, into a state-of-the-art” Living Drug “factory. He noted that the transformation would need to be finished in a billion more baht.
” Innovation in healthcare is a resource-intensive process. Clinical trials alone demand significant funding, which underscores the importance of community support through fundraising,” said Assoc Prof Yodchanan.
Prof Steven Eppinger, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, delivered a lecture on’ Systematic Innovation through Human-Centered Design,’ followed by a Q&, A session moderated by Assoc Prof Dr Vichita Ractham, Vice President for Corporate Communications and Branding at Mahidol University.
Pioneering Research and Global-Standard Therapies
Mahidol University has achieved significant advancements in cell- based cancer therapies, including CAR T-cell therapy and mRNA-based treatments. These treatments, which have already been used in Thai patients, conform to international standards and have the potential to make advanced cancer treatments more affordable and accessible.
Prof Dr Suradej Hongeng, from the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, highlighted the university’s progress in cell and gene therapies.
” Since 2024, we have successfully applied CAR T-cell therapy to treat cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, as well as autoimmune diseases like SLE. These innovations are 100 % Thai-developed, with patents registered both domestically and internationally, “he said.
Looking ahead, Mahidol University is exploring personalised medicine innovations, including circular mRNA technology, which could revolutionise cancer treatment by tailoring therapies to individual patients.
Assoc Prof Yodchanan Wongsawat, Vice President for Research, and Prof Suradej Hongeng, Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, participated in the panel discussion titled” Revolutionizing Thai Healthcare Through Innovation.”
A Vision for Holistic Well-Being
The Mahidol Foundation for Sustainability Fund was officially established on 7 January 2025, to advance research and innovation in disease prevention, treatment, and health promotion, while ensuring healthcare accessibility for all Thais. Pilot projects include the Mahidol Jongjatemetheewit Award, the PharmTOP Center of Excellence, and initiatives supporting cell-based cancer therapies.
This initiative aligns with the vision of Prof Piyamitr Sritara, President of Mahidol University, who is committed to using the university’s achievements to benefit society both nationally and globally.
We aim to improve the quality of life for Thai people and advance public health on a global scale, said Professor Piyamitr,” by developing innovative solutions that address current and future health challenges.”
At the fundraising event titled” Human Interaction for Systematic Innovation,” held at Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Dr. Somsak Leeswadtrakul, president of the Mahidol University Alumni Association and committee member of the Mahidol University Foundation, delivered welcoming and opening remarks.
Support the Cause
Public donations are encouraged to help this transformative initiative, according to the Mahidol Foundation for Sustainability Fund. Krungsri Bank allows donations to be made to the account number” Mahidol University Foundation” ( Account No. 157-1-324-344 ). All donations are tax-deductible.
This initiative will transform Thailand’s healthcare system, ensuring that all citizens receive equitable, high-quality care, and positioning the country as a leader in cutting-edge medical research.