MALAYSIAN GENOMICS TO ADD COMPANION DIAGNOSTICS, CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY TO PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 -- Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd is collaborating with ICARTAB Biomedical Co Ltd (iCARTab) and Advanced Immune Therapeutics Sdn Bhd (AIT) to adding companion diagnostics and cancer immunotherapy based on Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells to Malaysian Genomics portfolio of products and services in Southeast Asia.

Its chief operating officer, Sasha Nordin said under a tripartite licensing agreement signed yesterday, Malaysian Genomics will have exclusive rights for up to 20 years for Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and five other Southeast Asian countries related to CAR T-Cell therapy for solid cancers of organs such as the liver, pancreas and stomach.

“Malaysian Genomics will be among the first companies to offer such cutting-edge services in Southeast Asia. Companion diagnostics and cancer immunotherapy based on CAR T-cells will enhance our portfolio of personalised healthcare products and services for doctors and medical centres.

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"In the longer run, we are looking to explore CAR T-cell therapies for liquid cancers such as lymphoma and leukaemia, and we might also explore the possibility of developing our own CAR T-cell production lab,” Sasha said in a statement today.

He said CAR T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy, which uses patients’ own blood to produce T-cells with CARs on their surface. 

"Laboratory testing is important both before therapy to evaluate patients’ suitability and after therapy to monitor the treatment’s effectiveness," he said.

In addition, Sasha said iCARTab has developed a CAR T-cell therapy for solid cancers, as cancers of solid organs such as the liver, pancreas and stomach are known. 

He said it currently operates two state of the art laboratories in Ningbo and Shandung,China for cell manufacturing at a combined 100,000 sqf of lab space.

AIT, an affiliate of iCARTab China, has been tasked with identifying and managing clinical trials for iCARTab in Southeast Asia.

“We have been in genomics services and genetics testing for more than 15 years, and we have the necessary strengths to support the healthcare community’s drive towards personalised care. 

This is a great opportunity to contribute our genomics and genetics experience towards improvements in fighting cancer,” he added.

Cancers of the lung and liver are two of the most common solid cancers in Southeast Asia. Those of the liver, pancreas, oesophagus, brain and central nervous system, stomach, and mesothelioma in the lungs are among the 10 cancers with the lowest 5-year survival rates.

-- BERNAMA