On 15 October 2014, Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Science and Technology, presided over the launch of Biomedical Sensors Network, consisting of 5 major organizations, namely Science for Sustainable Future Institute Foundation, NSTDA, National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI), Pacific Biotech Co., Ltd. and Mobilis Automata Co., Ltd.
With the strength of partners from upstream to downstream, the Network aims to boost the creation of technologies, products and innovations in biomedical sensors that will meet the domestic and international standards for product registrations and certifications.
The import value of diagnostic reagents and devices is estimated at 6,000 – 7,000 million Baht annually. It is therefore imperative that the country develop and produce the tests locally to reduce the reliance on imported products.
The first project to be undertaken by this Network is a portable biosensor device for the measurement of HbA1c, an average level of blood sugar which indicates the degree of control of diabetes. The research and development will be led by Ms. Wansika Kiatpathomchai, Head of BIOTEC Bioengineering and Biosensing Technology Laboratory in collaboration with Dr. Adisorn Tuantranont of NECTEC.