PENANG, 5 May 2017 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NovaTec Immundiagnostica GmbH (NovaTec), Germany on collaborating for the commercialisation of diagnostic products.

According to USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail, this university-industry collaboration is important in the marketing efforts of the products, and in creating and enhancing the sustainability of the Research & Development, Commercialisation and Innovation (R-D-C-I) collaborative model.

Asma said that during the opening of the 2nd International Conference on Molecular Diagnostics & Biomarker Discovery (MDBD) 2017, held at Equatorial Hotel in Penang recently.

The Group Leader of the Human Diagnostic Development of NovaTec, Dr. Andreas Latz said that the collaboration will include activities such as the exchange of students and/or staff and joint research, workshop and training programmes as well as peer review publications and participation at international congresses.

“The other important field is the joint development and commercialisation of research technologies from this university-industry collaboration,” said Andreas.

NovaTec was founded in 2001 and is based in Dietzenbach, Germany. It manufactures and develops diagnostic test systems with specific emphasis in the diagnosis of bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases, as well on a diverse line of hormone and tumor markers.

NovaTec is registered with the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and works together with well-known national and international diagnostic companies with worldwide sales in over 50 countries.

MDBD 2017 brings together about 200 participants from around the world, coming from countries such as the United Kingdom, Middle East, India, Thailand and Singapore. 

Also present was INFORMM Director and Conference Chairperson, Professor Dr. Rahmah Noordin.

Text: Nor Rafizah Md. Zain / Photos: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa