IA-DATA

Plant Molecular Farming

Project

Cancer immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has transformed the landscape of cancer treatment by enabling the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. However, the high cost and complex production of these therapies limit access, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over half of the world’s cancer patients reside. This project addresses these disparities by leveraging plant molecular farming (PMF) as a cost-effective, scalable, and safe alternative for producing immunotherapy drugs locally in Malaysia. Through innovation in biomanufacturing, the initiative aims to expand equitable access to life-saving treatments while aligning with national healthcare and industrial strategies.

This project aims to develop an affordable, scalable, and sustainable platform for producing cancer immunotherapy treatments using plant molecular farming (PMF) technology. Specifically, we seek to:
  1. Establish a PMF platform in Malaysia for the production of biopharmaceuticals, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)
  2. Build local capacity in biopharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing
  3. Increase the availability and accessibility of life-saving immunotherapy treatments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
  4. Support national strategies to achieve equitable access to high-quality medicines

Our project harnesses the potential of PMF—a cutting-edge bioproduction platform that uses genetically engineered plants to produce high-value therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Compared to traditional mammalian cell-based production systems, PMF offers multiple advantages:

  • Lower production costs and reduced infrastructure requirements
  • Scalability and flexibility, enabling rapid response to emerging healthcare challenges
  • Enhanced safety, due to the elimination of risks associated with animal pathogens
  • Consistent product quality, including uniform glycosylation patterns

Initiatives

  1. Developing pilot-scale production of plant-made ICIs for preclinical evaluation
  2. Collaborating with local research institutions to strengthen Malaysia’s biomanufacturing ecosystem
  3. Hosting knowledge exchange workshops and technical training sessions
  4. Working with policymakers and regulators to create a supportive environment for adopting PMF-derived therapies

Team Members

Daniel Nesan

BoomGrow Productions

Tan Boon Chin

Universiti Malaya

Audrey Yi-Hui Teh

City St George’s,
University of London

LOREM IPSUM

Charmin

Partners

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