A new chapter in healthcare innovation unfolded today as Pharm-D Sdn Bhd joined forces with AGTC Genomics, a leading genomics center specialising in next-generation sequencing (NGS). Two companies formalised a strategic distributorship agreement, signaling a mutual commitment to enhance availability and accessibility of genetic screening to facilitate the advancement of precision medicine in Malaysia.

This partnership aims to improve patient outcomes and transform the healthcare landscape, by making sophisticated genetic diagnostic tests more accessible and affordable, through combined expertise and networks of both companies.

Key representatives of the signing ceremony were Mr Kean Ping Lim, CEO of Pharm-D Malaysia, and Professor Dr Chee-Onn Leong, CEO of AGTC Genomics, alongside an audience of esteemed healthcare professionals and stakeholders from both companies.

During his address, Mr Lim of Pharm-D shared the company’s vision of reshaping healthcare through its four (4) core pillars of business: Proprietary Research and Development, Specialty Medicines, Supply Chain and Distribution Management, and Manufacturing.

Mr Lim (Kean Ping), CEO of Pharm-D Malaysia, delivering a speech during the ceremony.

“Our first three pillars remain our priority as we now venture into services, marking an evolution into providing genetic diagnostic tests to complement our products,” said Mr Lim, CEO of Pharm-D Malaysia. “Pharm-D has always been driven about making a difference and finding ways to address critical gaps in healthcare wherever possible, and this cannot be done without strategic partnerships.

…This partnership (of Pharm-D) with AGTC Genomics is a testament to our commitment to bridging healthcare gaps and delivering life-changing innovations.”

Professor Dr Leong, CEO of AGTC Genomics, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing AGTC Genomics’ dedication to making precision medicine more accessible through sophisticated diagnostic tools.

Professor Dr Leong (Chee-Onn), CEO of AGTC Genomics, delivering a speech during the ceremony.

“Our mission has always been to make Precision Medicine accessible and affordable to save lives,” said Professor Dr Leong. “For too long, these tests have been out of reach for many in Malaysia mainly due to accessibility and affordability. This collaboration with Pharm-D allows us to not only bring make diagnostic tools more accessible to the region, but also integrate them into a comprehensive care system that includes treatment solutions.”

Professor Dr Leong also highlighted the importance of early detection, particularly in conditions like cancer and rare diseases such as inborn metabolic disorders (IEM) and genetic disorders, which often can be detected during the newborn stage.

“The earlier these conditions can be detected, the better the outcome can be for both patients and healthcare providers. What we are doing here is, working together to provide healthcare providers with solutions they need to both diagnose and treat,” he added. “Early diagnosis, particularly for conditions like IEM or certain cancers, can pave the way for timely interventions that can significantly improve patient outcomes.”

Group photo of key representatives of both companies.

The partnership between Pharm-D and AGTC Genomics represents a unique synergy. By combining AGTC Genomics’s expertise in advanced diagnostics with Pharm-D’s extensive supply chain network of specialty and niche medicines, this partnership sets a new standard in integrated healthcare. It also offers a new hope for rare disease patients, many of whom face underdiagnosis and delayed treatment due to limited access and high costs associated with the absence of local diagnostic options in Malaysia.

“We’re building something transformative here,” Mr Lim concluded. “It’s about creating a future where healthcare innovation isn’t just a concept, but a reality that impacts lives.”

Both companies view this distribution partnership as a significant milestone, aligning with their shared vision of advancing healthcare through innovation. As the partnership unfolds, it is poised to revolutionise the delivery of specialty and precision medicine in Malaysia and beyond, ensuring that more patients receive more timely and appropriate care.

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