Major Milestone for TTCI: Honored with the Prestigious NRCT AWARD 2026
October 15, 2026
BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Thailand Hub of Talents in Cancer Immunotherapy (TTCI) has been honored with the prestigious NRCT Award for Research and Innovation Addressing National Challenges (NRCT AWARD) by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), in celebration of the Council's 67th Anniversary.
This national recognition highlights TTCI's outstanding contributions to advancing cancer cellular immunotherapy, strengthening collaborative research networks, and improving access to innovative cancer treatments across Thailand.
The award recognizes the project entitled “Collaborative Research and Development Network for Cancer Cellular Immunotherapy Innovation: Towards Self-Reliance and Advanced Treatment Access in National Hospitals.”
Led by Prof. Nattiya Hirankarn, M.D., Ph.D. from Chulalongkorn University, the initiative brings together leading researchers and academic institutions across Thailand to establish a sustainable national ecosystem for cancer immunotherapy research, development, and clinical translation.
A Nationwide Collaboration Driving Cancer Immunotherapy Innovation
The award-winning project reflects a strong multidisciplinary collaboration among Thailand's leading universities and research institutions.
Project Lead:
● Prof. Nattiya Hirankarn, M.D., Ph.D. – Chulalongkorn University
Co-Investigators:
● Assoc. Prof. Supannikar Tawinwung, Ph.D. – Chulalongkorn University
● Assoc. Prof. Jakrawadee Julamanee, M.D., Ph.D. – Prince of Songkla University
● Assoc. Prof. Muthita Junking, Ph.D. – Mahidol University
● Asst. Prof. Jutharop Phetcharaburanin, Ph.D. – Khon Kaen University
● Prof. Aussara Panya, Ph.D. – Chiang Mai University
Partner Universities: Chulalongkorn University, Prince of Songkla University, Mahidol University, Khon Kaen University, Chiang Mai University, and Thammasat University.
Through this collaboration, TTCI continues to strengthen Thailand's research capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and accelerate the development of innovative cellular immunotherapies for clinical applications.
Key Achievements and National Impact
The project has demonstrated significant progress in scientific innovation, clinical translation, healthcare accessibility, and national policy development.
1. Building an Extensive Research Network
TTCI has established collaborations with more than 35 institutions in Thailand and internationally, fostering multidisciplinary research, technology transfer, and capacity building in cancer cellular immunotherapy.
2. Advancing CAR-T Cell Therapy and Clinical Outcomes
Network-developed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has been administered to more than 35 patients, achieving a reported complete response rate exceeding 80% within the treated patient cohort.
These achievements demonstrate the potential of locally developed cellular immunotherapies to expand advanced cancer treatment options in Thailand.
3. Improving Healthcare Equity and Treatment Accessibility
By developing domestic manufacturing capabilities and strengthening national expertise, the network has achieved an estimated 50%–70% reduction in treatment costs compared with imported therapies.
This advancement represents an important step toward improving access to innovative cancer treatments and reducing dependence on overseas technologies.
4. Strengthening Scientific Research and Intellectual Property
The project has generated substantial academic and innovation outcomes, including:
● 2 international patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
● More than 30 research publications in leading Q1 international scientific journals.
These achievements reinforce Thailand's growing contributions to global cancer immunotherapy research and innovation.
5. Advancing National Policy for Cell and Gene Therapy
TTCI has spearheaded the development of Thailand's first White Paper on Academic-Based Point-of-Care Manufacturing for Cell and Gene Therapy Products.
This policy initiative provides a strategic foundation for strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, improving regulatory readiness, and supporting long-term national self-reliance in advanced therapy development.
NRCT Award Presentation Ceremony
The official award presentation ceremony is scheduled as part of the 67th Anniversary of the National Research Council of Thailand.
Event Details:
● Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
● Time: 9:30–11:30 AM
● Venue: Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat Conference Room, 2nd Floor, NRCT Building 1, National Research Council of Thailand
● Presided Over By: Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI)
The ceremony will recognize research and innovation initiatives that contribute to addressing national challenges and advancing Thailand's scientific and technological development.
Towards a Sustainable Future for Cancer Immunotherapy in Thailand
Receiving the NRCT Award 2026 represents an important milestone for TTCI and its nationwide network of research partners.
Beyond scientific recognition, this achievement reflects a shared commitment to transforming innovative cancer immunotherapy research into accessible, effective, and sustainable treatment solutions for patients across Thailand.
Through continued collaboration among universities, hospitals, researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, TTCI aims to strengthen national capabilities in advanced cellular therapies and position Thailand as a regional leader in cancer immunotherapy innovation.
Together, we are advancing cancer immunotherapy research, strengthening national self-reliance, and bringing innovative cancer treatments closer to patients.
Stay connected with TTCI for more updates on research achievements, collaborative initiatives, and advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
Official Website: www.ttci-th.org
This national recognition highlights TTCI's outstanding contributions to advancing cancer cellular immunotherapy, strengthening collaborative research networks, and improving access to innovative cancer treatments across Thailand.
The award recognizes the project entitled “Collaborative Research and Development Network for Cancer Cellular Immunotherapy Innovation: Towards Self-Reliance and Advanced Treatment Access in National Hospitals.”
Led by Prof. Nattiya Hirankarn, M.D., Ph.D. from Chulalongkorn University, the initiative brings together leading researchers and academic institutions across Thailand to establish a sustainable national ecosystem for cancer immunotherapy research, development, and clinical translation.
A Nationwide Collaboration Driving Cancer Immunotherapy Innovation
The award-winning project reflects a strong multidisciplinary collaboration among Thailand's leading universities and research institutions.
Project Lead:
● Prof. Nattiya Hirankarn, M.D., Ph.D. – Chulalongkorn University
Co-Investigators:
● Assoc. Prof. Supannikar Tawinwung, Ph.D. – Chulalongkorn University
● Assoc. Prof. Jakrawadee Julamanee, M.D., Ph.D. – Prince of Songkla University
● Assoc. Prof. Muthita Junking, Ph.D. – Mahidol University
● Asst. Prof. Jutharop Phetcharaburanin, Ph.D. – Khon Kaen University
● Prof. Aussara Panya, Ph.D. – Chiang Mai University
Partner Universities: Chulalongkorn University, Prince of Songkla University, Mahidol University, Khon Kaen University, Chiang Mai University, and Thammasat University.
Through this collaboration, TTCI continues to strengthen Thailand's research capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and accelerate the development of innovative cellular immunotherapies for clinical applications.
Key Achievements and National Impact
The project has demonstrated significant progress in scientific innovation, clinical translation, healthcare accessibility, and national policy development.
1. Building an Extensive Research Network
TTCI has established collaborations with more than 35 institutions in Thailand and internationally, fostering multidisciplinary research, technology transfer, and capacity building in cancer cellular immunotherapy.
2. Advancing CAR-T Cell Therapy and Clinical Outcomes
Network-developed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has been administered to more than 35 patients, achieving a reported complete response rate exceeding 80% within the treated patient cohort.
These achievements demonstrate the potential of locally developed cellular immunotherapies to expand advanced cancer treatment options in Thailand.
3. Improving Healthcare Equity and Treatment Accessibility
By developing domestic manufacturing capabilities and strengthening national expertise, the network has achieved an estimated 50%–70% reduction in treatment costs compared with imported therapies.
This advancement represents an important step toward improving access to innovative cancer treatments and reducing dependence on overseas technologies.
4. Strengthening Scientific Research and Intellectual Property
The project has generated substantial academic and innovation outcomes, including:
● 2 international patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
● More than 30 research publications in leading Q1 international scientific journals.
These achievements reinforce Thailand's growing contributions to global cancer immunotherapy research and innovation.
5. Advancing National Policy for Cell and Gene Therapy
TTCI has spearheaded the development of Thailand's first White Paper on Academic-Based Point-of-Care Manufacturing for Cell and Gene Therapy Products.
This policy initiative provides a strategic foundation for strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, improving regulatory readiness, and supporting long-term national self-reliance in advanced therapy development.
NRCT Award Presentation Ceremony
The official award presentation ceremony is scheduled as part of the 67th Anniversary of the National Research Council of Thailand.
Event Details:
● Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
● Time: 9:30–11:30 AM
● Venue: Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat Conference Room, 2nd Floor, NRCT Building 1, National Research Council of Thailand
● Presided Over By: Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI)
The ceremony will recognize research and innovation initiatives that contribute to addressing national challenges and advancing Thailand's scientific and technological development.
Towards a Sustainable Future for Cancer Immunotherapy in Thailand
Receiving the NRCT Award 2026 represents an important milestone for TTCI and its nationwide network of research partners.
Beyond scientific recognition, this achievement reflects a shared commitment to transforming innovative cancer immunotherapy research into accessible, effective, and sustainable treatment solutions for patients across Thailand.
Through continued collaboration among universities, hospitals, researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, TTCI aims to strengthen national capabilities in advanced cellular therapies and position Thailand as a regional leader in cancer immunotherapy innovation.
Together, we are advancing cancer immunotherapy research, strengthening national self-reliance, and bringing innovative cancer treatments closer to patients.
Stay connected with TTCI for more updates on research achievements, collaborative initiatives, and advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
Official Website: www.ttci-th.org
