Research Institutes, Centres and Units - Universiti Sains Malaysia

International linkages
As we gain the track record in technology innovation and product development, we have
gained the attention of Finlay Institute, Havana, Cuba that would like to collaborate with
us to develop diagnostics for third world countries. We currently sealed the collaboration
by forming smart partnerships in the development of diagnostics for typhoid, cholera,
dysentery and tuberculosis using monoclonal antibodies and Immunochromatography
technology platforms. A grant of RM 3 million has been allocated to achieve these goals.
In the quest of developing cheap micro-fluidicsdiagnostics in terms of a universal PCR
disc, a device has been developed in collaboration with Deakin University, Australia.
The device can be used to replace the conventional PCR machine for DNA diagnostics
and deliver results within 30 minutes.
In terms of pharmacogenomics, we have a strong collaboration with Yale University
in the development and advancement of pharmacogenomics especially in relation to
AIDS. Other collaborations include with the University of Western Australia in Perth,
African Institute of Biotechnology in Zimbabwe and Universitas Gadja Mada in Indonesia.
Grant Acquisitions
Thus far based on our track record, we were able to acquire grants from national
and international funding agencies and institutions. We were also fortunate to obtain
recognition from the industry and the Malaysian Venture Capitalists. We have thus far
been able to attain a total of USD 4 million from government grants, USD 368,000
from 3 European.
Union Grants and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at USD 65,000 . We have also
created a mark with the local business community and received contract research
grants of USD79,167 for bioequivalent studies.
Sustainable Health: Development of Rapid Diagnostics for Third World
Countries
The world market for in vitro diagnostics was about USD30 billion dollars in 2000
with nearly 50% based on biotechnology. (Technology Review, Helsinki). It has been
predicted that molecular diagnostics and genomics will be seeing the greatest growth
in the next 5-10 years time due to faster development turn around time, requires
minimal regulatory barriers and can have competitive production cost. It is imperative
to note that diagnostics developed canbe focused on diseases that would benefit
Malaysia and the Asian region since the current diagnostics available do not focus on
Asian needs. What is also important to note is that diagnostics made for Asian needs
would also be required by the Latin American market. Hence diagnostics addressing
Asian problems can also have high sales volume since half the world’s population is
located in this region. Even though investigative diagnostics are important to find the
infected individual so as to provide treatment and control the spread of an outbreak,
yet annually, 1 million people die of malaria, 4.3 million of Acute respiratory infections,
2.9 million from enteric infections, 5 million of AIDS and tuberculosis. Millions still die