PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry aims to develop Malaysia into a major centre for clinical research, including genomics.
Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this commitment was reflected in Clinical Research Malaysia’s (CRM) strategic partnerships with Hematogenix Laboratory Services (Hematogenix), a global leader in integrated laboratory services, and Novotech, Australia’s largest independent contract research organisation.
“The ministry continues to support the ecosystem for the development of clinical research in the country,” he told a press conference, here, today.
“For instance, the government allows researchers and doctors one day off weekly to conduct clinical research.
“Over the years, we have been working with Novotech to bring quality research to Malaysia and promote the country as a platform for clinical research.
“Hematogenix is new in Malaysia. The company will add more value in clinical services. Hopefully, the healthcare industry in Malaysia will focus on genomic studies.”
Dr Noor Hisham witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between CRM and Hematogenix, and between CRM and Novotech.
CRM’s MoU with Hematogenix has the potential to set Malaysia apart from its Asian counterparts as the company intends to set up its central laboratory services, which focuses on cancer-related research and clinical trials, in the country.
Its Asian operations are expected to attract more global clinical trials to the country, upscale local medical talent and bring in more investment.
The MoU between CRM and Novotech consolidates their working relationship and support in clinical trial promotion, business development, networking opportunities, operations, training as well as feasibility assessments.
The signatories were CRM chief executive officer Dr Akhmal Yusof, Hematogenix president and chief executive officer Dr Hytham Al-Masri and Novotech Asia operations executive director Dr Yooni Kim.
“This partnership opens up new areas and opportunities for our country to look into clinical research in genomics, as well as make Malaysia a centre for quality clinical research,” said Dr Noor Hisham.
“The ministry is also working with the Institute of Medical Research to upgrade doctors’capacity to carry out clinical research.
“Once Hematogenix sets up its office here, the ministry and the company will train scientists and doctors in clinical research, especially genomics.”