V. Sivaji from Bangkok
Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (MGRC), a leading genomics and biopharmaceutical specialist, announced today a series of collaborations to grow its customer base in Thailand as well as exploring opportunities for research and development (R&D) of new products and services.
The pioneering venture was held at the JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok which was graced by the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Thailand, His Excellency Datuk Jojie Samuel along with MGRC Chief Executive Officer, Sasha Nordin and Mohamed Hafiz Md Shariff, Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Bangkok.
MGRC signed a supply and collaboration agreement with Acquest Healthcare Stem Cell Research and Development Co. Ltd. (Acquest) to produce CAR T-cells for supply to Acquest’s customers.
Acquest is a well-established provider of various cell therapies to hospitals, specialist doctors, and patients in Thailand. It operates a state-of-the-art clinical laboratory and also the largest privately-owned specialty human cell culturing facility in the country.
MGRC also signed a supply and collaboration agreement with Salus Holdings Co. Ltd. (Salus) to supply biopharmaceutical and genomics products and services to Salus’ customers.
Salus is a specialist in wellness and health screening using science and technology for early disease detection and managing programmes for lifestyle intervention based in Bangkok, Thailand.
Finally, they signed a Letter of Intent with Marine Group Co. Ltd. (Marine Group) and Salus on collaborative research in the use of genetic screening tests and formulated cosmetic products containing certain cell therapy ingredients on the regeneration of skin and hair of patients.
Marine Group is an aesthetic and wellness specialist with a network of over 42 centres under the brands Slim Up™, Skin Doctors™, and Biocell™.
In commending the parties involved for the signing, Datuk Jojie said that the cooperation and collaboration between these four Malaysian and Thailand companies in this field of advanced preventive and precision healthcare as most encouraging.
“Malaysia and Thailand hold so much potential in various areas of healthcare. Thailand is already known as an international centre for medical tourism. Meanwhile, Malaysia has been using national biotechnology policies as a driver of economic growth since the early 2000s.
“Just last week, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob officially launched the country’s National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 or DBN 2.0. Malaysia’s policy targets of DBN 2.0 are to see biotechnology companies contribute 5% to the country’s GDP and to support biotechnology companies to go global,” said Jojie.
“This policy supports Malaysia’s goal of achieving a high-technology nation status by 2030.
Meanwhile, Sasha said that they are looking forward to a fruitful relationship with our Thai partners, Salus and Acquest.
“These collaborations are part of our strategy of growing our customer base and increasing our presence overseas through working with business partners who have an established presence in their respective market segments.” he said.
Dr. Roland Neff, CEO of Acquest, said, “This collaboration is the first step as both parties explore the possibilities of conducting joint R&D that can result in new products and services that can be commercialised.
We have a state-of-the-art clinical laboratory in Bangkok and also the largest privately-owned specialty human cell culturing facility in the country.”
Choy Hong Yang, Director of Salus, said, “At Salus, we use science and technology to provide services on disease detection, prevention and life-span improvement. This collaboration with Malaysian Genomics will enable us to leverage on their genetics knowledge and expertise to offer more products and services while the strategic cooperation is in keeping with our core value of joint innovation to offer new technologies to our customers.”
Ms. Songsuda Panich, Founder of Marine Group, said, “Skin Doctor, Slim Up and BioCell centres are always striving to provide the latest in skin and aesthetic science and technology for our customers. We look forward to collaborating with Malaysian Genomics and with Salus Healthcare on research and development involving cell regeneration products.”
Also present at the event was Ms Parntip Kulyawimal CEO of Slim Up, Ms Suthida F (Corporate Strategy Director),Dr Roland Neff (Head, Research), Patrick Dick (Director & International Project Coordinator) of Acquest among others.
