Thammasat University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University and Novo Nordisk Sign MOU to Expand Clinical Trials and Combat Cardio-Metabolic Diseases in Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand, 11 November 2025 Thammasat University Hospital, the Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, and Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand clinical trials at the hospital, building on their previous collaboration to tackle Diabetes and Obesity. This new agreement aims to drive positive change in the management and treatment of cardio-metabolic diseases in Thailand.

The MOU, titled “Together Towards Tomorrow: Shaping the Future of Cardio-Metabolic Care Through Clinical Research,” was signed at Thammasat University Hospital, a prominent institution located in the suburbs of Bangkok, marking a significant extension of collaboration between the organisations. The MOU was signed at the time when Thailand is witnessing a rising number of individuals living with cardio-metabolic diseases—with an estimation that over 45 percent of Thai individuals are classified as overweight or obese and that there are at least 6.1 million people living with diabetes in Thailand. The two non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose not only a significant public health challenge but also a growing economic concern.

Clinical trials are a cornerstone of healthcare. To safely introduce new treatments and delivery systems to patients, it is essential to assess their safety and effectiveness. Clinical trials also generate value across the medical sector and beyond—providing patients access to cutting-edge innovations and delivering economic returns through facility development and local job creation.

Cardio metabolic diseases are inter-related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and chronic kidney diseases. Clinical trials are critical to secure safe and effective means to tackle these diseases before it develops other complications. 

Assoc Prof Dilok Piyayothai, MD, Director of Thammasat University Hospital, added, “This MOU represents a crucial milestone in our long-standing efforts to advance cardio metabolic care in Thailand. Our hospital’s effort to tackle diabetes and obesity has already shown the potential for collaborative research to make meaningful impacts in tackling the two non-communicable diseases. Thammasat University Hospital is confident to excel our expertise in the field as we are moving towards our fourth decade, our vision is to provide better and safer holistic care for the people.”

Assoc Prof Auchara Tangsathapornpong, MD, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, stated, “There is an urgent need to deepen our knowledge through clinical trials to develop innovations that can address these pressing cardio metabolic diseases while ensuring the safety of our local populations. Through working together, we can look forward to the future that is safer and healthier for people living with cardio metabolic diseases.”

Mr Cihan Serdar Kizilcik, General Manager of Novo Nordisk, remarked, “Novo Nordisk places great value on research and development, particularly in clinical trials, as we are committed to driving innovation for better health outcomes. Between 2020 and 2023, our investment in R&D in Thailand has increased by 25 percent annually. And our investment was around THB 370 million from 2019 to 2023. In addressing complex conditions such as cardio-metabolic diseases, these clinical trials are critical in not only expanding our shared knowledge but also ensuring patient safety. We are confident this partnership will yield new innovations that benefit all Thai citizens.”

The partnership between Novo Nordisk and Thammasat University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University is set to facilitate various clinical trials aimed at identifying more effective treatments and interventions for patients facing serious health challenges. Together, the organisations are committed to advancing medical knowledge and improving health outcomes through evidence-based research and innovation.