“In 2022 Cytopeutics was the only company chosen to represent stem cell biotech at the launch of the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 officiated by the Prime Minister. Here’s why.”

Cytopeutics was the first group to successfully initiate and conclude proper stem cell clinical trials in Malaysia from 2009 to 2014.  Then in 2011, Cytopeutics became the first in the ASEAN region to use donor human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat unrelated patients. Cytopeutics continued to keep the Malaysian flag flying high by also being the first company from Malaysia to obtain US patents for mesenchymal stem cells treatment. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering that the patents were granted for the treatment of major diseases such as stroke, diabetes and pre-diabetes. In 2020, Cytopeutics achieved more global recognition when it was one of only 10 biotech companies in the world to be highlighted by the Global Research and Markets Report.

Established in 2007, Cytopeutics brought together a collective of senior scientists and clinicians, to encourage evidence-based stem cell treatments through proper research in line with international standards. Led by Professor Dr. Chin Sze Piaw, Cytopeutics is highly-regarded for its professionalism and adherence to regulatory compliance. As a pioneer in cell therapy and research within the Asia-Pacific region, Prof. Chin has steered Cytopeutics to complete 6 major clinical trials for stroke, heart disease, arthritis inflammation and diabetes complications including critical limb ischemia, and acute graft versus host disease - which had culminated in some of these stem cell programs being provisionally listed by National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).  Prof. Chin’s fundamental goal is clear: to save lives, particularly in cases where existing medical treatments offer no satisfactory cure – and to provide this ethically and responsibly.

Prof. Chin has continued to nurture the next generation of scientists. Serving as an adjunct professor and honorary fellow at the Centre for Stem Cell Research at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and academic committee of the Advanced Masters Program for Regenerative Medicine at Universiti Malaya (UM) underscores his esteemed academic standing. Prof. Chin's impactful research endeavors, supported by numerous government grants, exemplify his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. This year, his exceptional contributions have earned him a distinguished nomination from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) for the UNESCO International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences, an honor bestowed upon only three scientists from Malaysia.

Figure 3 Official visit of Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, the Secretary General of IIFA to Cytopeutics Research Centre accompanied by Cytopeutics Shariah Advisor, Dato’ Dr. Mashitah Ibrahim.

As a homegrown biotech company and to be honoured to represent Malaysia at the international stage, Cytopeutics worked tirelessly for its stem cells to be accepted by the Muslim population. On the 2^nd of January 2023, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) officially recognized and endorsed Cytopeutics’ stem cell treatments as Halal according to Sharia —an unprecedented achievement, marking Cytopeutics’ human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells or hUC-MSC as the world's first in this category. In conjunction with the Halal and Sharia-Compliant endorsements, Cytopeutics has instituted its own Sharia Advisory Committee (SAC) and Internal Halal Committee (IHC) to ensure the company’s continuing compliance with the Sharia principles. In the Malaysian context, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), also recognizes Cytopeutics’ hUC-MSC as Shariah-Compliant after meticulous scrutiny. This rigorous assessment ensures that the products or services adhere strictly to the principles outlined in Islamic law. These endorsements from both local and international regulatory bodies not only ensure accessibility for all patients, including the global Muslim population but also signify a transformative era for the Halal bioeconomy industry, opening doors to international markets.

These endorsements would not have been possible without the leadership of Dato’ Dr. Mashitah Ibrahim, a distinguished figure in Malaysia, whom Cytopeutics is honoured to have as its esteemed Sharia Advisor. Dato’ Dr. Mashitah's distinguished background extends to her role on the Advisory Panel for Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) and her appointment previously as Malaysia’s Parliament Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM). She is also a prominent figure in the national higher education landscape, having appointed to the Board of Directors (BOD) for Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM).

Figure 4 Cytopeutics, led by Prof. Dr. Chin was honoured by the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi to our exhibition at the 19^th  MIHAS at MITEC, accompanied by YBrs. Khairul Azwan Bin Harun, Chairman of Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) and Cytopeutics Internal Halal Committee

 Figure 2 Prof. Dr. Chin proudly showcasing Cytopeutics’ technology advancements to Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi at our exhibition booth at the 19^th MIHAS.

It is no wonder then that Cytopeutics was chosen by the MOSTI to represent stem cell biotech at the launch of the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 in 2022. In addition to its pioneering work in regenerative medicine, Cytopeutics is the only medical biotechnology company to participate in the 19^th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in September 2023 and with the support of the government and guidance from the regulatory authorities, Cytopeutics is now closer to making Malaysia a biotech hub for technological advances in regenerative medicine