Malaysia-Japan Form Research Collaboration for Therapeutic Medicine and Wellness Centre Through Bird’s Nest Technology

^{(Second from left), Eric Shak, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Glyken Bio Products, exchanges the collaboration proposal with (second from right) Dr. Hiroyasu Tomo, Founder and Chairman of Ortho Group, during a ceremony at Bioeconomy Corporation’s office in Putrajaya on 13 July 2026. They were accompanied by (far left) Mohamed Faizal Noor Batcha, Assistant Vice President, Project Development & Management of Bioeconomy Corporation and (far right) Subaru Toki, Chief Executive Officer of Japan Bansho.}


Partnership Targets Up to RM40 Million in Biotechnology Commercialisation
 
PUTRAJAYA, July 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Japan have taken another step forward in advancing biotechnology innovation through a proposed research collaboration between BioNexus Status company, Glyken Bio Products Sdn. Bhd. (Glyken) and Japan's Ortho Group to explore the application of Glyken's proprietary bird's nest extracts in therapeutic medicine and healthcare development.

Facilitated by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), the collaboration aims to establish a platform for joint research, clinical studies, and healthcare innovation by leveraging the expertise of both parties to develop therapeutic and wellness solutions to support healthy longevity.

The proposed collaboration was signed and exchanged between Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Glyken, Eric Shak, and Founder and Chairman of Ortho Group, Dr. Hiroyasu Tomo at Bioeconomy Corporation’s office today.

Glyken Bio Products is a Johor-based BioNexus Status company undertaking biotechnology activities in the research, development, validation and manufacturing of bird's nest extracts formulated into proprietary nanopeptide-based health and wellness products.

Ortho Group is a leading medical and wellness conglomerate in Japan, specialising in integrated medicine by combining advanced Western medical practices with preventative and holistic healthcare approaches across healthcare, rehabilitation, wellness, and regenerative medicine solutions.

With increasing recognition of Glyken's nanopeptides as a premium wellness ingredient in Japan's health and beauty industry, the collaboration will combine Glyken's research capabilities with Ortho Group's expertise in wellness and clinical applications to explore new therapeutic solutions.

Chief Executive Officer of Bioeconomy Corporation, Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, said the collaboration with Ortho Group builds on Glyken's growing presence in the Japanese market following its commercial distribution agreement signed with Japan Bansho Co., Ltd., facilitated by Bioeconomy Corporation during Expo 2025 Osaka in May 2025. The milestone has since paved the way for Glyken’s market expansion and strengthened its position within Japan’s health and wellness sector.

“With a research collaboration worth over RM4 million, this initiative has the potential to generate up to RM40 million in commercialisation value through the development of innovative therapeutic medicine and wellness solutions.

By integrating Glyken’s proprietary nanopeptide technology with Ortho Group’s expertise in integrated medicine and healthcare development, this partnership creates opportunities to address emerging healthcare needs, particularly those arising from ageing populations, a shared challenge faced by both Malaysia and Japan,” said Mohd Khairul.

He stated that translating Glyken’s local research findings into personalised healthcare approaches with Ortho Group could contribute to improved treatments for conditions such as osteoarthritis, bone defects, sports injuries, chronic wounds, and age-related musculoskeletal diseases.

Mohd Khairul added that the partnership lays the foundation for the establishment of an industry-led Malaysia-Japan Centre of Excellence for Therapeutic Medicine, reinforcing Bioeconomy Corporation's commitment to transforming Malaysia into a high-technology bioinnovation nation under the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0.

Eric Shak said that the collaboration is a significant milestone for Malaysia’s biotechnology industry, especially in bird’s nest-based innovation.

“Partnering with such a leading healthcare and wellness group in Japan provides an opportunity to bring Glyken’s technology to a wider market while creating solutions that can support the health needs of both Malaysian and Japanese communities, particularly amid the rise of ageing populations,” he said.

Dr. Hiroyasu Tomo said he was inspired by the potential of bird’s nest biotechnology after visiting Glyken’s facility and gaining a deeper understanding of Eric’s vision.

“We both share the same aspiration to enhance health longevity. We hope this collaboration will serve as a catalyst to extend healthy life expectancy, not only in Japan and Malaysia, but across the world,” he stated.

The collaboration supports the aspirations of the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 by accelerating technology transfer, strengthening clinical research capabilities, generating new intellectual property, and nurturing highly skilled biotechnology talent.

About Bioeconomy Corporation

Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) is Malaysia’s leader in economic development for the biotechnology and bio-based industries, operating under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Bioeconomy Corporation supports businesses, academia, and scientific communities by providing facilitation, advisory, as well as ecosystem development services, covering business, market access, investment, R&D and commercialisation, human capital development, financial assistance, legal and regulatory framework, with government support and commitment.

Its flagship programmes include BioNexus Status, a government-supported recognition awarded to eligible biotechnology companies, providing them with facilitation and support to grow their business. It also offers the Bio-based Accelerator programme to help emerging bio-based companies scale up and commercialise their innovations.

For further details, visit www.bioeconomycorporation.my 


SOURCE: Bioeconomy Corporation

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Bioeconomy Corporation
Name: Nur Akmar Yusoff
Senior Executive
Strategic Communication
Tel: +6012 690 6108
Email: akmar.yusoff@bioeconomycorporation.my 

--BERNAMA