SHAREHOLDERS of genomics and genetics testing company, Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd approved its proposed diversification into biopharmaceutical, and healthcare products and services business on cancer immunotherapy, expected to kick off in December.
In a statement today, Malaysian Genomics CEO Sasha Nordin said the diversification would provide the company with a new income stream for long-term advantage with development of its own cell laboratory to drive future commercialisation of various cancer immunotherapy products and services.
“Biopharma and healthcare will potentially contribute 25% or more of group net profits by as early as December next year,” she said.
Malaysian Genomics will have exclusive rights to offer the Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell cancer immunotherapy treatment to Malaysia and Southeast Asia for up to 20 years, under a tripartite licensing agreement signed in June with ICARTAB Biomedical Co Ltd and Advanced Immune Therapeutics Sdn Bhd.
According to Sasha, cancer immunotherapy based on CAR T-cells would enhance the portfolio of personalised healthcare products and services for doctors and medical centres towards the group’s vision to become a leader in innovative and accessible healthcare products.
“This is a great opportunity to contribute our genomics and genetics experience towards improvements in fighting cancer. The two most common solid cancers in Southeast Asia include lung and liver cancer while liver, pancreas, oesophagus, brain and central nervous system, stomach, and mesothelioma in the lungs are among 10 cancers with lowest five-year survival rates,” she added. – Dec 1, 2020
