MONKEY LAB IN MALAYSIAN STATE FOR PRE-CLINICAL TRIALS

By P.Vijian

HYDERABAD, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The Melaka State Development Corporation and
India's Vivo Bio Tech Ltd who have linked up to produce cheaper drugs, will
set up a monkey laboratory to conduct pre-clinical trials in the state.

Southern state of Melaka Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam said the facility
would be established at the Beribi Industrial Park, under Phase One of the
biotechnology project, estimated to cost RM150 million (US$42.4 million).

The total investment outlay for Melaka's major biotechnology undertaking
is RM500 million (US$141.2 million).

"We have agreed with Vivo Bio to produce drugs for the treatment of various
diseases like diabetes and cancer. The price of drugs can be reduced by 75
percent if produced in Melaka.

"Trials on certain animals will be done in Melaka and the monkey laboratory
facility will be based at the Beribi Industrial Park," Ali Rustam told Bernama
during a recent visit to the Hyderabad-based Vivo Bio's facilities.

The state government has allocated 40 acres of land for the project with
the Indian partner contributing its expertise in biotechnology.

Vivo Bio majors in contract research involving biotechnology and
pharmaceutical drug discovery activities.

The company signed an agreement last year with the Melaka state government
to embark on the project, which involves pharmaceutical research and developing
cheaper drugs.

"This is a major biotech project in Malaysia. It will create a new
atmosphere for local scientists in biotechnology, which is the new growth engine
for our economy while helping promote better healthcare," Ali added.
--BERNAMA