17-20 March 2025 | Media
UM-Affordable Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group Launch: Pioneering Global Healthcare Solutions through Collaboration and Innovation
By Reporters | Project Syndicate | Nurul Izzah Anwar
The Universiti Malaya Affordable Diagnostics and Therapeutics (UM-ADT) initiative was launched in March 2025, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s mission to bridge healthcare gaps and advance medical innovation through affordable diagnostics and therapeutics. This transformative initiative, under the umbrella of the International Affordable Diagnostics and Therapeutics Alliance (IA-DATA), brings together scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and industry leaders to redefine equitable healthcare access for ASEAN, IsDB-linked countries, and the Global South.
UMADT aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, driving breakthroughs in cancer and infectious through accessible and scalable diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. UMADT focuses on creating a strong quadruple helix partnership between academia, industry, government, and civil society, positioning Malaysia as a global leader in affordable healthcare innovation.
Strengthening Stakeholder Collaborations
UMADT conducted a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya which brought together local and international experts to strengthen collaborations and align research goals with national healthcare priorities. Key focus areas included capacity-building and training, as well as knowledge and technology transfer strategies aimed at positioning Malaysia as a frontrunner in medical innovation.
Revolutionizing Affordable Cancer Treatment with Drug Repurposing
The Artesunate Repurposing Drug Mechanism & Novel Trials for the Global South (ARDENT-GS) Consortium was also established, dedicated to studying the mechanism of action of artesunate across multiple types of cancer. During a two-day expert workshop, specialists in pharmacology, oncology, microbiology, infectious disease and bioinformatics discussed research frameworks focused on network pharmacology, bioinformatics and molecular biology. A number of expert talks were delivered on the current understanding of mechanisms of action of artesunate as an anticancer therapy. The consortium will focus on drug repurposing for colorectal, nasopharyngeal, and HPV-related cancers initially.
A key highlight of the meeting were discussions around two Phase 2 clinical trials repurposing artesunate for colorectal cancer and precancerous cervical lesions. These studies are due to open to recruitment at Universiti Malaya and a number of Ministry of Health sites in May 2025.
Building a Diagnostics Hub for Pandemic Preparedness
The UM-ADT meeting also focused on the development of diagnostics hub for pandemic preparedness at the Malaysian Life Science Accelerator (MyLiSA). Initial tests in the pipeline include the development of an accurate, affordable point-of-care RT-PCR test for dengue variants and a 4-in-1 test for dengue,P.knowlesi, leptospirosis and melioidosis. A specialised dengue diagnostic workshop was held at the UM Innovation Incubator Complex (UMX) industry-academia partnerships driving affordable diagnostic solutions. The workshop focused on training and capacity building, assay development, clinical validation and regulatory compliance.
