Malaysia and Japan are collaborating to explore the use of bird’s nest-based biotechnology in therapeutic medicine and healthcare development, with the initiative expected to generate up to RM40 million in potential commercialisation value.
The research collaboration between BioNexus Status company Glyken Bio Products Sdn. Bhd. and Japan’s Ortho Group will focus on joint research, clinical studies and the development of wellness solutions targeting healthy longevity.
Facilitated by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), the partnership aims to combine Glyken’s nanopeptide-based bird’s nest extract technology with Ortho Group’s expertise in integrated medicine and healthcare development.
Bioeconomy Corporation chief executive officer Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak said the research collaboration, valued at more than RM4 million, could pave the way for biotechnology commercialisation opportunities worth up to RM40 million.
“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.
The collaboration will examine potential applications in areas including osteoarthritis, bone defects, sports injuries, chronic wounds and age-related musculoskeletal diseases as both countries face rising healthcare challenges linked to ageing populations.
Glyken’s bird’s nest extracts are being developed into nanopeptide-based health and wellness products, while Ortho Group specialises in combining Western medical practices with preventative healthcare, rehabilitation, wellness and regenerative medicine approaches.
Mohd Khairul said the initiative could also support the establishment of an industry-led Malaysia-Japan Centre of Excellence for Therapeutic Medicine, strengthening Malaysia’s biotechnology capabilities under the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0.
The collaboration follows Glyken’s expansion into Japan after securing a commercial distribution agreement with Japan Bansho Co. Ltd. during Expo 2025 Osaka, supported by Bioeconomy Corporation.
Glyken chief executive officer and founder Eric Shak said the partnership represents a step forward for Malaysia’s biotechnology industry, particularly 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 said.
Ortho Group founder and chairman Dr Hiroyasu Tomo said the collaboration could contribute towards improving healthy life expectancy.
“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,” he stated.
The partnership is expected to support technology transfer, clinical research development, intellectual property creation and the growth of skilled biotechnology talent in Malaysia.
