On February 26th, 2024, in Hanoi, a momentous milestone unfolded as The Marshall Centre, affiliated with the University of Western Australia (UWA), and Huro Biotech Company formalized their collaborative efforts through a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony.
During the event, Professor Barry Marshall, the Australian Nobel laureate in 2005 for his discovery of the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and gastric ulcers, stated, “With over 80% of the Vietnamese population infected with H. pylori bacteria and the alarming situation of Vietnam being the country with the highest antibiotic resistance rate in the world, my colleagues at The Marshall Centre, UWA, and I aspire to collaborate with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and the Australian government to assist the Vietnamese people in treating and reducing mortality rates from colorectal cancer. The collaboration with HURO marks the initiation of numerous forthcoming projects in Vietnam. It is my fervent hope that our collaboration with Huro Biotech will not only augment knowledge and comprehension but also introduce enhanced treatment modalities for this deleterious bacterium in Vietnam, thereby paving the way for an expanded network dedicated to research, training, and H. pylori treatment for patients worldwide.”
To date, numerous scientific studies have indicated that Helicobacter pylori bacteria are considered silent invaders, affecting over half of the world’s population. It is the leading cause of gastric ulcers and a significant risk factor for gastric cancer.
In countries like Vietnam, the challenge lies not only in the prevalence of H. pylori bacteria but also in the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance, a global crisis identified by the World Health Organization as one of the top 10 community health threats humanity must confront.
The Marshall Centre, UWA, stands as a leading global research hub, dedicated to leveraging advanced technologies to identify, comprehend, and prevent infectious diseases. Established in 2007 after Professor Barry Marshall’s Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering H. pylori, the Centre has since expanded its research to encompass various infectious diseases, including bacteria and viruses.
The University of Western Australia is among the world’s top universities, currently ranked 72nd globally. Established in 1911, it is a member of the Group of Eight, which comprises leading research universities in Australia. The university boasts a distinguished history in both teaching and research, with numerous renowned experts among its faculty. Many of its academic disciplines are ranked within the top 50 globally. With 26,000 students, of which nearly 26% are international, UWA is situated in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. Perth is a vibrant city experiencing rapid growth and is renowned as one of Australia’s fastest-growing urban centers.
HURO Biotech Joint Stock Company, a leading Science and Technology Enterprise in Vietnam, pioneers research and applications of next-generation health solutions derived from microorganisms. With a steadfast commitment to long-term safety and sustainability, their work aims to combat antibiotic resistance on a global scale. Leveraging insights from The Marshall Centre’s expertise in H. pylori bacteria, HURO Biotech is poised to develop innovative solutions to address this health challenge. Their systematic research approach, emphasizing long-term safety, promises breakthrough benefits for patients and healthcare professionals alike.
During the signing ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Duy Khanh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HURO Biotech, highlighted the potential of non-antibiotic products in fighting H. pylori. He saw this event as a great stride for both science in combating H. pylori and for HURO Biotech. Mr. Khanh stressed the importance of teamwork and global collaboration for success. As an investor and leader, he pledged to contribute to this noble journey, filled with challenges yet promising glory and pride in the years ahead.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Andrew Goledzinowski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to Vietnam; Mr. Chris Morley, Trade Commissioner of Australia in Vietnam; representatives from the government of Western Australia; and representatives from the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam.
For further information, please contact:
University of Western Australia
Ms. Hannah Vũ, Director of External Relations
Email: hannah.vu@uwa.edu.au
HURO Biotech Joint Stock Company
Ms. Phương Thảo, Senior Marketing Manager
Email: thaontp@hurobiotech.com
Phone: (+84) 909 906 450
