By Murniati Abu Karim
Photos by Ikhwan Hashim and Izwan Azman
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 July 2024 — Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), through its Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mirxes, a Singapore-headquartered RNA technology company. The partnership aims to develop a blood-based early detection test for colorectal cancer in Malaysia. The MoU exchange ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang at the National Bioeconomy Showcase 2024 (NBiO Showcase 2024).
Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Malaysian men and the second most common in women. It is also the country’s third leading cause of cancer death. The current recommended screening test, immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT), has limitations. It detects blood in stool, but sensitivity towards early stage of colorectal cancer is low, and the test can be inconvenient. A blood-based test will advance screening and early detection of colorectal cancer in Malaysia, making it more accurate, convenient and accessible.
This partnership leverages UMBI’s expertise in cancer and molecular biology research, as well as Mirxes’ proprietary miRNA technology, and experience in the development and commercialisation of early cancer detection solutions. It will also utilise archived biospecimens from UMBI and The Malaysian Cohort Biobank, Southeast Asia’s largest biobank, to identify biomarkers for an accurate and sensitive colorectal cancer early detection test.
Cancer early detection tests improve treatment success and patient survival rates, leading to significantly improved health and economic outcomes. This partnership between UKM and Mirxes also extends beyond the current focus on colorectal cancer, paving the way for the potential development and commercialisation of a wider range of made-in-Malaysia blood-based cancer early detection tests such as those for stomach and lung cancers. These tests have the potential to generate significant revenue, estimated to reach RM400 million in the next five years.
The MoU also includes staff exchange and training programmes for knowledge transfer between UKM and Mirxes, as well as the establishment of a joint laboratory for translational research and clinical testing.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance cancer detection and treatment in Malaysia. By combining our research expertise with Mirxes’ innovative technology, we are set to make substantial progress in the fight against colorectal cancer by developing a more effective and patient-friendly screening method for early detection, potentially saving many lives. This collaboration not only supports our mission to improve public health but also strengthens our efforts in the fight against colorectal cancer,” said Professor Datuk Dr. A Rahman A Jamal, UMBI Senior Principal Research Fellow and project leader.
“A strong and like-minded local partner is crucial for the deployment of our proprietary miRNA technology and commercialisation of novel cancer screening tests,” added Dr Zhou Lihan, Co-Founder and CEO of Mirxes. “We’re delighted to collaborate with an established partner like UKM, gaining insights to critical unmet needs in Malaysian cancer screening and access to valuable patient cohorts for test development and validation. Malaysia is a key market for Mirxes, and we’re committed to co-developing and making accessible our portfolio of blood-based cancer early detection tests, starting with colorectal cancer.”
