Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

In September 29, 1994, the UP Board of Regents created the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the National Institutes of Health with its aim of promoting and implementing researches focusing on the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases that pose as major threats and primary causes of mortality in the Philippines.

In February 2, 1995, then President Fidel Ramos issued Proclamation no. 526 constituting the various biotechnology institutes within the University of the Philippines System as the network of the national institutes of biotechnology, and designating said network as a National Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. In September 3, 1998, then University of the Philippines President Emil Q. Javier issued an executive order 98-1 providing for the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the network of the national institutes of molecular biology and biotechnology (BIOTECH).

With strong support from the University of the Philippines and the Department of Science and Technology, today Biotech-Manila is re-invigorating its efforts in advancing medical and health-related biotechnology researches focusing on the top 10 causes of morbidity and mortality in the country. Biotech-manila aims to transform basic science into translational and applied science that could be readily utilized to give solutions to the most pressing problems that we encounter everyday by forging partnerships with health institutions and bio-industries, local and international.

Objectives:

Biotech-manila aims to transform basic science into translational and applied science that could be readily utilized to give solutions to the most pressing problems that we encounter everyday by forging partnerships with health institutions and bio-industries, local and international.

Research Programs:

1. Molecular Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: The Biotek-M Projects.

2. Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases.

3. Biosurveillance.

4. Molecular Biobanking Program.

Research Projects:

- Ongoing:

1. Triple D Targets: UK - Philippines Dengue Diagnostics and Drug Targets Consortium 
2. Responding to the Philippine HIV Epidemic: An HIV Drug Resistance Surveillance Library and Development of Molecular Diagnostics for Drug- Resistance Detection.
   Part 2: Analysis and Prevalence of Pre-treatment Drug Resistance (Year 1 & 2).
3. Improving the Molecular Diagnosis of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis.
4. Field integrated Novel Diagnostics for Flaviviruses (FIND Flaviviruses)
5. Development of Low Cost Point of Care Diagnostics for Simultaneous Detection of Paragonimus westermani and Mycobacterium tuberculosis using RPA technology.

- New (2013-2014):

1. Regional Roll-out of Biotek-M Aqua-Kit (Liquid Format)
2. The Clinical Utility of BIOTEK-M in the Diagnosis and Serotyping of Dengue Virus Infections in the Philippines
3. Product Development of Biotek-M SECO Kit (Lyophilized Format)
4. Prelimenary Study on the Clinical Utility of PCR for Tuberculosis from Semen Samples as Pre-Operative Screening for Tuberculosis Orchitis Among Patients Clinically Diagnosed with Testicular Tumor
5. The Changing Epidemiology of the HIV-Positive Patient before and after Accessible Anti-retroviral therapy: Areas for intervention in the time of a national epidemic

Extension Services:

1. G6PD Confirmatory Test

2. HBV Testing

3. HCV Testing

4. CMV Testing

5. HSV Testing

6. Molecular Diagnostic Tests

Intramural Collaborations (within UPM)

Existing:

Institute of Human Genetics, NIH

(Research Collaboration)

Local Collaborations (MOA, MOU)

Existing:

The Medical City

Research Institute for Tropical Medicine

(Research Collaboration)

New (2011-2012):

National Children’s Hospital

(Research Collaboration)

International Collaborations (MOA, MOU)

Existing:

University of Pittsburgh

University of Virginia

(Research Collaboration)

New (2011-2012):

Rheinische Akademie Koln

(Research Collaboration)

Director

Dr. Edsel Maurice T. Salvaña, MD, DTM&H, FIDSA

Assistant Director

Jesus Emmanuel A. Sevilleja, MD

Research Faculty

Raul V. Destura, Md, FPSMID

Jesus Emmanuel A. Sevilleja, MD

John Mark Velasco, MD, MPH, MSc, DTM&H

Rohani B. Cena, Dvm, MSc

Joy Ann P. Santos, MSc

University Researcher

Angelo D. dela Tonga, MSc

Supervising Science Research Specialist

Bryan E. Schwem, PhD

Affiliate Researchers

Mark Laurence A. Agmata – SRS II

Ma. Jowina H. Galarion-SRS II

Colleen M. Pangilinan –SRS II

Geraldine M. Arevalo – SRS II

Niňa Theresa P. Dungca- SRS II

John Paolo C. Santos – SRS I

Adrian Abarientos- SRS I

John Paolo R. Maulion – SRS I

University Research Associate

Vivienne V. Luzentales, RMT

Mary Grace T. Hernaez. RMT

Administrative Officers

Leila D. Malsit

Alma J. Baria

Project Development Assistant

Carl Arman O. Bernas

Administrative Staff Members

Billy E. Atendido

Meliton T. Balighot

Prince Luege Estabillo

Contact Us

Visit Our Website

http://biotech-manila.upm.edu.ph/index.php