29 May 2026
Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology (MRIN) of Universitas Pelita Harapan, represented by Juandy Jo, M.D., Ph.D., was invited to participate in a two-day conference in Tokyo aimed at reshaping the global ecosystem for antimicrobial research and development.
Event : Building a New Innovation Ecosystem for Antimicrobial R&D
Date / Venue : 4–5 March 2026 / NCGM, Tokyo, Japan
Organizers : Japan Institute for Health Security & Sir Howard Dalton Centre, University of Warwick
The conference, co-convened by the Japan Institute for Health Security and the Sir Howard Dalton Centre at the University of Warwick, UK, brought together researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to address deep-rooted structural challenges in the antimicrobial R&D pipeline.
Rethinking the antimicrobial innovation landscape
The meeting advanced a vision for a more coordinated, system-wide approach to antimicrobial innovation that embeds R&D within health systems and public institutions rather than relying solely on market-driven incentives. Participants highlighted persistent gaps including a shrinking discovery pipeline, instability in early-stage research, and a disconnect between discovery, development, and deployment. The workshop's central aim was to advance a complementary pathway toward a more sustainable and equitable drug discovery ecosystem for antimicrobials, building long-term resilience and equity in innovation, not to replace existing efforts, but to strengthen and diversify the ecosystem.
Expanding the circle of innovation
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the recognition that antimicrobial innovation is no longer confined to a small group of high-income countries. Countries across low- and middle-income settings, including those in Southeast Asia, are increasingly positioned as co-producers of innovation across the entire R&D lifecycle, contributing scientific, clinical, and manufacturing capabilities. This perspective positions Indonesia and institutions, like MRIN, as meaningful participants in global health security efforts.
Simulation of a system-centred model
Participants engaged in a practical simulation exercise based on the Nakama Model, illustrating how antimicrobial R&D could operate as a coordinated system integrating public research, clinical networks, government coordination, and industry partnerships under a shared public health framework. The exercise demonstrated how diverse actors can contribute complementary strengths within a model oriented towards genuine health needs.
Challenges and the road ahead
Discussions candidly addressed significant practical obstacles, including fragmented financing, critical gaps at transition points in the R&D lifecycle, and the need for governance structures capable of coordinating activity across institutions. The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue with policymakers and funders to support more coordinated and inclusive approaches to the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance.
For the detailed report: https://warwick.ac.uk/sites/lead-amr/publications/tokyo_conference_report_march26.pdf
For the short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXNx-7nCfCI