Hematogenix, a US-based global clinical research central laboratory specializing in oncology (cancer research) has established the first central oncology laboratory for clinical trials in Malaysia. The project’s accumulative investment is worth MYR 39 million (USD 9 million) and is anticipated to advance the value chain into research and development (R&D) and related services in the local pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
Located in the tech development hub of Cyberjaya, Hematogenix laboratory was officiated by Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on 23 July 2022. Khairy underscored that the health ministry’s partnership with Hematogenix will encourage more local collaborations, particularly in the provision of cutting-edge diagnostics services as well as lead to knowledge sharing and training for scientists. This will directly benefit cancer patients, as various tests for cancer biomarkers are now available locally with a shorter waiting time for diagnosis. The Cyberjaya facility is now in operation with 40 trained and qualified members including pathologists, PhD and Masters’ degree qualified scientists, medical technologists, bioinformaticians, and software developers.
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Investment Development) Lim Bee Vian said the entry of Hematogenix in Malaysia is expected to draw more global clinical trials into the country. This project is made possible through Malaysia’s investment policies, incentives, talent development and availability, and facilitation in bringing in biological samples and machinery. Hematogenix has started its global operation in 2007 and entered Malaysia in June 2021. It received accreditations from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and is currently operating in the European market in Manchester, United Kingdom; the China market in Shanghai; and in the Asia Pacific region via Cyberjaya.
(Sources: MalayMail; The Star)
