PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Japan have taken a step forward in advancing biotechnology innovation through a proposed research collaboration between BioNexus Status company Glyken Bio Products Sdn Bhd and Ortho Group to explore the application of Glyken’s proprietary bird’s nest extracts in therapeutic medicine and healthcare development.
Facilitated by Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corp), 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.
The collaboration agreement was signed and exchanged between Glyken CEO and founder Eric Shak and Ortho Group founder and chairman Dr Hiroyasu Tomo at Bioeconomy Corp’s office today.
Glyken 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 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.
Bioeconomy Corp CEO 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 Corp in May last year during Expo 2025 Osaka.
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 added 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 said the partnership lays the foundation for the establishment of an industry-led Malaysia-Japan Centre of Excellence for Therapeutic Medicine, reinforcing Bioeconomy Corp’s commitment to transforming Malaysia into a high-technology bioinnovation nation under the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0.
Shak said 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 added.
Tomo said he was inspired by the potential of bird’s nest biotechnology after visiting Glyken’s facility and gaining a deeper understanding of Shak’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,” Tomo said.
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.
