KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian-produced research and development antiviral solution to combat dengue fever is ready for clinical trial, thanks to over a decade of scientific translational research partnership between Universiti Malaya’s Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC) and a local bioscience company, Herbitec Sdn Bhd (HSB), an indirect subsidiary of Tanco Holdings Bhd.
TIDREC and HSB are collaborating with Qualitas Medical Health Group to launch the first clinical trial for a breakthrough remedy in the fight against dengue.
The trial aims to prevent severe dengue by translating laboratory discoveries into effective treatments.
A successful clinical trial will boost the target of zero mortality from dengue by 2030, which is set by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) sustainable development goals.
Universiti Malaya deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Professor Ir Dr Kaharudin Dimyati said the partnership between TIDREC, HSB and Qualitas exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful progress in scientific research and healthcare innovation.
“Together, we have pooled our expertise, resources, and collective determination to address this pressing public health challenge.
“As we embark on this historic clinical trial, I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to excellence in research, patient care, and community health. The highest scientific rigour, ethical integrity, and patient-centred care standards will guide our collective efforts.
“Through meticulous observation, analysis, and collaboration, we will strive to generate robust evidence to inform clinical practice and policy decisions in the fight against dengue,” he said in a statement.
Dengue fever is an increasing danger to health worldwide, and Malaysia is now joining the fight against this debilitating and potentially fatal viral disease.
From 2000 to 2019, WHO documented a ten-fold surge in reported cases worldwide, from 500,000 to 5.2 million.
TIDREC executive director Professor Sazaly Abu Bakar thanked HSB and Qualitas for their pivotal roles in support of this initiative.
“HSB’s supply of Noden, an innovative product for dengue treatment, and Qualitas hosting the clinical trials in their dedicated clinics exemplify the mutually beneficial collaboration between academia and the private sector.
“This partnership would serve as an example of how laboratory research findings could impact the real problems faced by the community,” he said.
