GEORGE TOWN, Penang: Malaysia has developed halal post-biotic technology using local biological resources, including Musang King durian and cabbage, showcasing the country’s ability to turn homegrown research and expertise into high-value scientific innovations.
In a statement on Tuesday (Aug. 18), Pharm-D Health Science Berhad (Pharm-D HS), a diversified healthcare group of companies dedicated to science-backed health and wellness, said that the technology was developed by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Biotenova, covering patented postbiotic ingredients LASSICA K014®, ACASEI™ and PLANTACT®.
According to Pharm-D HS, the technology was licensed to Biotenova, a subsidiary of Pharm-D HS, while Pharm-D HS was appointed as its marketing partner to bring the technology to the market.
The technology has been commercialised for various applications, including healthcare, skin and oral care, pet wellness, as well as agriculture, livestock farming and aquaculture.
Pharm-D HS said the innovations derived from Malaysian biological resources reflected an end-to-end local scientific development chain spanning raw materials, research, manufacturing and marketing.
The technology is also aligned with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) ‘One Health’ approach and has the potential to reduce reliance on antibiotics while supporting food safety.
According to the statement, the postbiotic ingredients demonstrated antimicrobial activity against pathogens resistant to antibiotics, while clinical studies found LASSICA K014® to be safe for long-term daily consumption and associated with benefits for digestive and immune health as well as liver function.
The innovation also won a Silver Award in the Best Innovation category at the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2025, as well as a Gold Medal and the Asian Invention Excellence Award at the International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2026.
Pharm-D HS’ Managing Director, Wong Chin Cheang, said the achievements demonstrated that world-class innovations could be developed in Malaysia by harnessing local biological resources and expertise, helping the country establish itself as a creator and leader in innovation.
Meanwhile, USM School of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ dean, Associate Prof. Dr Nurzalina Abdul Karim Khan, and USM School of Industrial Technology’s dean, Associate Prof. Dr Yusri Yusup. said the academia-industry collaboration demonstrated that local scientific research could be translated into practical technologies benefiting society and industry. – BERNAMA
