PUTRAJAYA, April 20 (Bernama) -- Hematogenix, a global leader in integrated laboratory services, and Novotech, Australia’s largest independent contract research organization (CRO) have both signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) to establish strategic partnerships in clinical research.
 
The inking of this MoU with Hematogenix will have the potential to set Malaysia apart from its Asia counterparts as Hematogenix intends to invest in setting up its central laboratory services (that focuses on cancer related research and clinical trials) in this country. Hematogenix is only one of a handful of providers of such services in the USA and a leader in immune-oncology testing for drug development. The establishment of their central laboratory services will be the first of such kind in the Asia region and is anticipated to be the largest globally in due time, surpassing the one in Chicago. Through its Asia operations, Malaysia can expect to attract more global clinical trials into the country, upscale the Malaysian medical talents and bring in more investments into the nation’s economy. 
 
The MoU with Novotech formally consolidates their existing working relationship with CRM. This MoU spells out support in the areas of clinical trial promotion, business development, networking opportunities, clinical trial operations, training as well as in feasibility assessments. With the current Malaysian Economic Transformation Program (ETP) that targets clinical research as one of its main drivers of economic growth, Malaysia has accelerated its efforts to reach out to foreign players in the clinical research field through CRM. Commenting on the MoU, Novotech Executive Director for Asia Operations Dr. Yooni Kim said, “Novotech is strongly focused on Asia-Pacific which is regarded as one of the most attractive regions for clinical trials. The government’s commitment along with CRM’s continuous efforts to develop the Malaysian clinical research industry contribute to increase Malaysia’s attractiveness as a clinical trial destination.”
 
The MoU was signed by the CEO of CRM, Dr. Akhmal Yusof, President and CEO of Hematogenix, Dr. Hytham Al-Masri and Executive Director of Asia Operations, Novotech Dr. Yooni Kim. The signing of the MoU was witnessed by the Director General of Health, Datuk Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah. “The Ministry of Health remains committed in building a thriving clinical research ecosystem in the country to support the needs of medical professionals, industry players as well as clinical trial sites, and we look forward to a fruitful and mutually beneficial partnership that will open up new exciting areas for cooperation in clinical research.” said Datuk Dr. Noor Hisham.   
 
About CRM

Established by the Malaysian Ministry of Health in 2012, CRM exists to advance global health solutions for a brighter, more hopeful future for the people by providing speedy and reliable end-to- end clinical research support for quality studies. CRM’s innate understanding of the local clinical research landscape with the international standards of operations coupled with fundamental backing of the government ministries provide us an incomparable advantage to work with partners from the nascent stages of development to materialisation of the end product, in order to deliver better treatment and high skilled job opportunities.
 
About Hematogenix

Hematogenix Laboratory Services is a global CAP accredited and CLIA certified GCP-compliant cancer research and biotechnology company with locations in USA, Europe and soon Malaysia. Their medical laboratories focus on research and development of cancer related assays and work very closely, collaborate and provide consultation, guidance and testing services to global Pharma companies in Clinical Trials. The company offers a comprehensive array of biomarker development and testing services designed to navigate the complexities of human subject and advance our understanding of the molecular basis of cancer. Hematogenix delivers comprehensive services from Bio-Banking to Companion Diagnostics and clinical trial services as well as provides logistic management of tissue, distributes collection kits, and contributes to standards and procedures required for initiating clinical trials. Powered by a state-of-the-art laboratory information system, Hematogenix facilities and practices comply with a rigorous chain of custody and specimen management practices.  Services include Flow Cytometry, Companion Diagnostics Development, Assay Development, IHC, FISH, ISH, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Real-Time PCR, PCR, mRNA ISH, and Cytogenetics.
 
About Novotech

Established in 1996, Novotech is Australia’s largest independent contract research organization (CRO).  Headquartered in Australia and focused exclusively on the Asia Pacific, Novotech is internationally recognized as a leading regional full-service CRO. With the increasing pace of globalization in drug development, Novotech’s expertise in the vibrant and fast growing Asian region has been instrumental in the success of hundreds of phase I-IV clinical trials from Australia to India. Novotech has its operations in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
 
Click here for photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7b98v5afj4isd1u/AADpvqdzlZuGaRTB_OKmAAEQa?dl=0
 
SOURCE : Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Mr. Syed Hamzah Syed Noordin
Tel      : +6(03) 7960 5153 (ext. 121)
Email : hamzah@clinicalresearch.my 

--BERNAMA