KUALA LUMPUR: Sponsored clinical research has raked in RM1.16 billion in cumulative gross national income for Malaysia since 2012.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Malaysian government recognises the value proposition of making this country a global clinical trial hub, as well as its qualitative contribution to healthcare.
He said the government values the investments made, and continuously strived to provide value-added benefits for investors here.
The global clinical trial market was valued at over US$80 billion last year, with a projected growth of 6.5 per cent annually, he said.
"Half of this is now very much focused within the Asia-Pacific region, especially in China, South Korea, Japan and Australia.
"Reflecting on this, I believe that the South-East Asian nations are sleeping giants; because as a whole, it is one of the most diverse locations with skilled workforce and supportive infrastructure," he said in his keynote address at the Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) Trial Connect 2024 launch today.
He was speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Dr Dzulkefly, who is CRM chairman, said its establishment to drive and catalyse this industry in Malaysia has proven to be a successful strategic initiative by the ministry.
Commending the global trusted research management organisation,he said CRM had been self-sufficient for the past six years, and significantly and positively impacted the country's clinical research landscape.
This is especially in driving clinical research as a value-based industry, in addition to bringing in valuable foreign direct investments and catalysing local ones, he said.
He said it further supports the downstream growth in this country, especially in enabling domestic production of pharmaceuticals.
"The potential investments in our human capital, expansion of industrial capacity, economic and financial gains from increased exports, as well as Malaysia's advancement in the global value chain is massive.
"We are already observing the ripple effect from the growth of the clinical research industry, with multinational pharmaceuticals and Contract Research Organisations (CROs) growing their presence in Malaysia, thus making this country as a hub in the region."
He said multinational biopharmaceuticals such as AstraZeneca have expanded their clinical research team in Malaysia to support the growing needs of the organisation.
Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk Malaysia has recently been elevated to Clinical Development Centre status, thereby making the centre a regional hub for clinical research operations in South-East Asia, he said.
"Their focus on Malaysia is a testament of our country's performance, competitiveness and potential in this global industry."
As the clinical research industry grows, he said, supporting services such as CROs, laboratories, manufacturing plants and logistic services will see expansion, as well as creating more job opportunities.
He said over 2,700 skilled jobs were recorded in the clinical research field last year.
"We have already observed this in Parexel Malaysia, where its data management centre was set up to support the region.
"Additionally, with the establishment of Hematogenix - a central oncology laboratory with Malaysia being one of only four global locations - has contributed to the employment of scientists and bioinformaticians in the country."
He also acknowledged the role played by clinical research participants in contributing to medical advancement, with over 26,000 participants in Malaysia that have taken part in various global clinical trials so far.
Dr Dzulkefly also expressed gratitude to investigators of clinical trials, whose commitment and perseverance had ensured the quality delivery of studies.
He said their excellent contribution has placed Malaysia in the global clinical trial map.
"A monumental achievement can only be built on a solid foundation, which is the clinical trial community.
"And we can do so only with the spirit of humanity, stability and sustainability."