Singapore, Dec. 9 -- Japan-based Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund has announced an investment of approximately JPY 70 million ($460,000) for the development of a prototype detection test for mpox (monkeypox).

Although the emergency declaration was lifted in September 2025, mpox cases continue to be reported in neighboring countries, and the risk of severe complications and re-emergence remains a concern.

Mpox is mainly classified into two strains/clades, and infection rates and disease severity vary depending on the type. Locally, diagnostic systems currently available for identifying the clades remain insufficient, and developing simple and rapid diagnostic tests with clade distinguishing capabilities is urgently needed ...