Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) has entered a landmark collaboration with global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, marking the first of its kind between a Malaysian private healthcare entity and an international pharmaceutical company. This partnership, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to revolutionize clinical trials, research, and healthcare service implementation in Malaysia.
Historic MOU Signing Ceremony
The MOU was signed in a ceremony held at the Sunway Sanctuary. Dr. Khoo Chow Huat, Managing Director (Hospital & Healthcare Operations) of SHG, and Vinod Narayanan, Country President of AstraZeneca Malaysia, signed the agreement. The event saw the presence of Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of SHG, and Sylvia Varela, Asia Vice President of AstraZeneca.
A Step Forward in Healthcare Innovation
Building on their existing collaborations, this new partnership is poised to further enhance healthcare delivery. One immediate initiative will focus on early lung cancer screening for at-risk populations. Additionally, the integration of the Kidney Failure Risk Equation into lab reports aims to optimize the management of chronic kidney disease.
Expanding Clinical Research Horizons
SHG and AstraZeneca will jointly accelerate the development of the clinical research field through various innovative methods. These include conducting clinical trials, observational studies, real-world evidence generation, molecular diagnostics studies, clinical validation on digital pathology, and the implementation of digital healthcare solutions like artificial intelligence (AI).
Focusing on Oncology and Biopharmaceuticals
In the oncology and biopharmaceutical sectors, AstraZeneca will explore Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) as a potential site for future clinical trials. This includes the possibility of Phase I clinical trials, expanding patient access to AstraZeneca’s cutting-edge drugs under their clinical development pipeline.
Commitment to Advancing Healthcare
“With the rise of non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes in Malaysia, we need all hands on deck to develop solutions, be it to prevent, diagnose, or treat these conditions, for the benefit of humankind,” said Dr. Khoo Chow Huat. He highlighted the importance of the Sunway Clinical Research Centre (SCRC), established in 2009, which focuses on phase II to phase IV clinical trials and feasibility studies across diverse disciplines.
AstraZeneca’s Global Commitment
Vinod Narayanan emphasized AstraZeneca’s dedication to advancing clinical research and accelerating the delivery of new medicines. By leveraging digital technologies and collaborating with partners like SHG, they aim to enhance the success rates in scientific research, improve clinical trial design and recruitment, and drive personalized medicine strategies.
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Harnessing Advanced AI Technology
“Our partnership with SHG exemplifies how we are harnessing advanced AI technology,” Vinod said. “We are exploring the use of AI for early lung cancer screening and tumor marker detection within our cancer portfolio. We are also considering Sunway Medical Centre as a potential site for future clinical trials, hoping to expand this successful collaboration to other hospitals under SHG.”
Sunway Healthcare Group’s Vision
SHG’s commitment to shaping the future of healthcare is evident through its strategic collaborations with internationally renowned institutions such as the University of Cambridge and Harvard Medical School. The Group’s network includes flagship hospitals and complementary services, attracting international patients from over 170 countries.
Future Expansion Plans
As part of its expansion strategy, SHG aims to increase its footprint across Malaysia, with new hospitals and healthcare facilities planned in various states. By 2030, SHG envisions a combined capacity of over 3,000 beds, providing more communities with access to quality healthcare.
This pioneering partnership between Sunway Healthcare Group and AstraZeneca signifies a major step forward in Malaysia’s healthcare landscape. Through combined efforts in clinical research and the adoption of innovative technologies, this collaboration holds great promise for advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas – Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZeneca.
