Bio Malaysia 2006 and Bio Nexus company

Last week, Bio Malaysia 2006, Conference and Exhibition of Biotechnology industry of Malaysia held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre between 6-8 DECEMBER 2006.

At the function, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the first batch of bio nexus status companies:

They are
1.Malaysian Bio Diagnostic Research Sdn Bhd,
2.KL Biotech Manufacturing Sdn Bhd,
3.Vivantis Technologies Sdn Bhd
4.Nova Laboratories Sdn Bhd,
5.The Asiatic Centre for Genome Technology Sdn Bhd and
6.Innobiologics Sdn Bhd.

Three company above, Malaysia Bio Diagnostic Reseach Sdn Bhd, Nova Laboratories Sdn Bhd and The Asiatic Centre for Genemo Technology Sdn Bhd never participate in the Exhibition.

KL Biotech Manufacturing Sdn Bhd(KLBM)

KLBM was established by its CEO Dr Abdul Reezal Abdul Latiff. This company was incorporated to concentrate and focus on research, development manufacturing and commercialization of its formulation and intellectual property. The sales and marketing of KLBM's product is done by its sister company KL Biotech. KLBM's current activity is in the formulation and development of products derived from local herbal and biodiversity. The principal activities of KLBM are as follows:

• Reseach and Development of new herbal and local base products
• Manufacturing of health based products
• New formulation development
• Manufacturing of pharmaceutical products
• Licensing out formulation and intellectual property to third party clients

Vivantis Technologies Sdn Bhd

CEO of Vivantis Technologis Sdn Bhd Mr Law Eng Lim talk on " How Not to lose millions in Biotech Venture" at the conference while it Senior Manager, Laboratory Dr. Chee Hui Yee make a company presentation at the conference.

Innobiologics Sdn Bhd

CEO of Inno Biologics Sdn Bhd Dr Mohd Nazlee talk on "Bio Manufacturing In Asia" in the conference. Dr Mohd Nazlee Kamal became CEO of Inno Biologics Sdn Bhd in December 2002. Prior to Nazlee's employment with Inno Biologics, he was the Asean Business Area Manager (Separation) for Amersham Biosciences. he was leading the sales and marketing effort for Separations product range in ASEAN. He was also responsible for technical issues surrounding the protein separation and purification for laboratory and manufacturing scale. Among his contribution was the product trial at Kirin Pharmaceutical, Japan for second generation Erythropoietin production. before that he was the Business Development Manager at Sartorius in 2001 after B.Braun Biotech was bought-over by Sartorius. He was Sales Manager at B.Braun Malaysia from 1997 to 2000. He was instrumental in the business development of B. Braun bioreactors sales and marketing effort in Malaysia. He was a Lecturer at the University of Technology Malaysia from 1986 to 1996.

Nazlee hold a PhD. in Chemical Engineering (Bioprocess) from University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Nazlee was responsible for the development of the Bioprocess Engineering programme at University Technology Malaysia when he was a member of Bioprocess Engineering Department. He has written numerous papers for journals and presentation at Conferences. He was the inventor of the "External Spinfilter" now marketed by Sartorius BBI Systems.

Public Listed Company

Public listed company that participate at the above function included main board, second board and mesdaq listed company:

Equator Life Science Bhd

Subsidiary of Mesdaq listed Equator Life Science Bhd, Biosmart Sdn Bhd unveil biotechnology waste management system for palm oil plantation companies. An invention joint venture with Taiwan National Chung Hsing University. This is the second Biotechnology product from Taiwan National Chung Hsing University enter Malaysia market. The first is GT&F Milk Powder for diabetic.

Hovid Bhd

Hovid Bhd showcase their Tocovid SupraBio product, Vitamin E from palm oil.It managing Director Mr David Ho Sue San talk on 'Leveraging on Malaysia Natural Products" at the conference and chair the "Progress and Development of Asia's Pharmauceutical Industry" in a conference session.

INS Bioscience Bhd

Mesdaq listed INS Bioscience Bhd showcase their Insupro Forte product for diabetic.

StemLife Berhad

StemLife is tthe first and leading stem cell bank and therapeutics company in Malaysia. Established since 2001, it focuses on stem cell collection and storage providing quality, cost efficient haematologic care. StemLife provides cord blood banking and is the only adult stem cell bank in the region offering storage services to both healthy individuals and patients undergoing therapy. StemLif, in collaboration with doctors offers therapeutic care for heart conditions, cancers, diabetic foot ulcers and leukemia.

TMC Life Sciences Berhad

TMC Lif Sciences Berhad is the only centre in Malaysia to provide a comprehensive range of fertility services including Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis. It is a market leader in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Backed by an R&D International Advisory anel, its pregnancy success rates, are comparable to top In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) centres in UK & USA. Tghe company conducts numerous R&D projects including innovating a patent product which contributes to its high success rates.

Tag: Malaysia: Biotechnology klse

酵素DIY——自制酵素

《大家健康》酵素速成全集
酵素制作黄钰詠 摄影黄俐萍 编辑郑瑞丽

党参北芪苹果酵素

功能：补益强身，抗老防癌（适合糖尿病人）

材料：党参50g、北芪20g、红枣50g、枸杞子50g、青苹果3粒（500g）、Oligo 900纯寡糖粉90g /15小包（或Oligo 900纯寡糖浆15汤匙）、椴树花蜜250g或1/4罐

容器：800至1000ml

食材处理：将红枣切开，党参及北芪剪小段。青苹果洗净凉干，切块搅汁。

做法：
1.把药材逐一放入瓶中。
2.将青苹果汁连渣倒入瓶中。
3.加入椴树花蜜与纯寡糖粉（或纯寡糖浆）至8分满，等待发酵30天。

注意事项：
1.党参、北芪属于根茎类药材，需要1个月时间才能完全发酵，发挥功效。
2.药材必须选用无硫磺制或无防腐剂的，远离化学物质。

功能：制作概念由台湾中西医生孙安迪所提倡的滋补强身的药膳处方而来。红枣益气养血安神，又能缓和药性。研究发现红枣能使血中含氧量增强、滋养全身细胞，是一种缓和性强壮剂。而枸杞具有明目益精、润肺、抗衰老、保护肝脏。对视力减退、腰膝酸软、肝肾阴虚等症状有帮助。

党参具有补中益气、生津养血。基本性能和人参相近，效力较微，但不燥不腻。北芪具有补中益气、排毒生肌、利水消肿、增强抵抗力。常用于中气不足、脱肛、子宫下垂，体弱表虚、反复感冒诸症。

青苹果所含的果胶与纤维，有整肠的作用，将苹果打成汁，可加速药膳的发酵。在发酵过程中，菌群的新陈代谢，可把药材的营养成分不断的分解，较小的营养分子让人体更易被吸收消化。

配合上纯寡糖，可使大肠的良菌得到增殖，使大肠正常蠕动，维护肝脏排毒功能，防止毒素累积于血液，减轻肝脏及肾脏的负担。除此之外，大肠良菌又能协助营养消化及吸收，使酵素的功效倍增。结合以上种种，补益强身酵素对想提升免疫系统功能，促进血液循环，清血整肠，加速新陈代谢，保持机体健壮的人士，是个绝佳的选择。

黄梨奇异果酵素

功能：清肠美白材料：黄梨1/2粒、奇异果5粒、柠檬2粒、蔗糖适量（用量多少随酿造者喜好而定）

食材处理：所有材料处理干净；黄梨、奇异果和柠檬去皮切片。

做法:
1.在玻璃瓶底层先铺上一层黄梨和奇异果，再放切片柠檬，然后才撒上一层蔗糖。
2.重复步骤1至玻璃瓶已有8分满，在最上一层撒蔗糖，将瓶口以保鲜纸密封，待两个星期后，就可饮用。

功能：

水果酵素有清肠胃、排毒及调整消化系统运作，而富含维生素C的奇异果更有美白作用。

酵素必成10个秘诀用心

1.好心情、爱心和耐心，做出的酵素能量也高。食材
2.选购外型完美的新鲜蔬果，避免选外皮受损的水果。
3.为避免水果沾农药，可在洗净风干后去皮，选用有机蔬果更合适。过程
4.确保所有容器洗净后，务必晒干或风干。
5.酿制时刀具、沾板，双手保持干净，不能碰到水、油，免得发霉。
6.材料只放8分满，确保发酵过程酵素不会溢出。
7.在堆叠各酵素材料，最后一层材料须放置柠檬和糖，以达到杀菌的效果。
8.瓶口以保鲜纸密封后（或先盖上塑胶纸）才上盖。如用旋转式的瓶子，则不需使用保鲜纸。糖量
9.若发现糖分不足，可在两星期内酵素尚在发酵活跃时加入糖。
10.要放置越久的酵素，应放更多糖份，以免酵素变质发臭。

Technorati Tag: 生物科技 酵素 Malaysia food supplement Healthcare 糖尿病

DIY Enzyme

Like to take Enzyme to improve your health but cannot afford it cost on a long term basis.

Don't worry, 155 and 158 issue of Long Life magazine published recipe of DIY Enzyme for you to make your own enzyme. Now you can produced your own enzyme at home at a significant much lower cost.

Read here


Tag: Malaysia: Enzyme Biotechnology

神奇酵素 启动健康的能源

《大家健康》

文黄碧思 整理/编辑郑瑞丽

“酵素”有人自己动手做，也有人从市面上形形色色的酵素补充品中受益。这个人体内本来就有的东西，什么时候也要从体外输进来？神奇的酵素，你了解多少？没有酵素，就没有生命；没有酵素，就没有办法分解食物，无法有效利用和吸收食物的营养。除病抗老，直通健康的人生，先要掌握生命之源。封面故事告诉你酵素和身体的重大关系……

当中西药行架子上，摆放着琳琅满目的保健成品，身边围绕着的都是与健康有关的商品时，我们如何在一片打着“保健”、“养生”牌子的食品、食物中找到真正能改善体质，促进健康的营养来源？

要健康先要找到掌握生命之源，“酵素”（Enzyme）便是主打身体健康的天然元素。在日本，酵素被喻为生命之源，美国自然医学博士圣提诺认为：人体像一颗电灯泡，酵素就是电流，灯泡没有电就不会发亮。“自然疗法之父”王永汉博士也说，一切生命体的运作，完全依靠着酵素。如果没有酵素，举凡细胞的代谢、新生、分解、消化……等，都等于毫无作用。

酵素到底是什么？

既然酵素对人体如此重要，是细胞的动力，酵素到底是什么？酵素是在所有活的动、植物体内均可发现的物质，由蛋白质构成，它是维持身体正常功能、消化食物、修复组织等身体各种化学反应的元素。若缺乏酵素，体内大部分的化学反应便不能进行，甚至引起各种疾病或死亡。

王永汉博士举例说，最容易理解的消化功能，也都是靠体内消化液中的酵素，令淀粉质、蛋白质和脂肪等一一分解，然后转化为能量。酵素不同于药物，除了能改善体质外，酵素的首要功能是增加体力，即代表着酵素是利用全身的作用给予细胞复活，对抗疾病，与利用药物抑制病情症状完全不同。

酵素从哪里来？

台湾知名养生专家林光常博士说明，其实我们的身体本身就有酵素，例如肝脏、胰脏、脾脏，本身就会分泌酵素。我们出生以后，身体里面都储存了一些酵素。

即然身体已有酵素，那为何我们还要补充呢？原因是现代人的饮食一般都缺乏酵素，当我们摄取的食物中缺乏酵素，身体就会分泌库存的酵素，久而久之，体内的酵素会慢慢枯竭。

一旦体内酵素不足，则可能会容易疲倦受困、体力不继、肌肉及背部酸痛、食量大仍骨瘦如柴、肥胖、易胀气、消化不良、胃口不佳、内分泌失调等病症。人的酵素贮存量和能量成正比，需维持体内酵素平衡，才能拥有健康的人生，所以首先应有正常的饮食习惯及健康的生活空间。补充酵素有两大途径：一是生食，另一是摄取酵素补充物。生食蔬果含丰富的酵素，自己动手做蔬果酵素不但成本低，方法也很简单，如果真的没办法多生食，就必须食用天然综合酵素补充物，增加酵素摄入量，进而维持身体健康。

Technorati Tag: 生物科技 酵素 Malaysia food supplement Healthcare 糖尿病

Price undercutting a problem that plagued CNI and other MLM Co

Few weeks ago, The Edge reported that Multi-level marketing (MLM) company CNI Holdings Bhd has missed its profit forecast for the second year running since its listing in 2005.

The main reason given was : price undercutting, a problem that plagued CNI for most of 2005 and continues to eat into the company's profits. (Price undercutting happens when CNI distributors sell the company's products below the recommended retail price in order to increase their sales and profile.)

Mobile stockist

Price undercutting not the only problem of CNI. In fact, majority of MLM company operate in Malaysia face such a problem, especially company that have mobile stiockist.

MLM's distributor only able to earn commission when your downline purchase an item. When another person from a different group buy a goods from you. You get nothing if he/she is not your downline.

However, if you are a stockist. You can sell to a member from different group yet you still get to earn a stockist commission. But you need to meet certain requirement before you entitle to become stockist.

The short cut is, you become mobile stockist.

You can become a mobile stockist if you stock up certain volume of stock at bulk purchase method. The advantages is, if you buy stock in certain volume, your personal sales also move up and you might move up a latter in the MLM hierarchy......Like to Gold Manager or Diamond Manager. Thus, your commission rate also go up other than stockist commission.

However, a person who buy your way up in the MLM business to Gold or Diamond Manager get promoted to such level because of his capital or financing capability, not his marketing capability. Thus, such high level Manager still know little on how to market the company product, causing his stock become slow moving.

In order to increase cash flow, such mobile stockist has to sales off the goods...fast. If he has cash flow problem. One way to sales the goods fast is providing huge discount to customer or what we call price cutting in CNI case. The situation is aggravated if the product have an expiry date. If the company has a large pool of mobile stockist. This can become a price war among a large pool of mobile stockist as everyone compete to cut their price to attract same pool of customer causing other distributor has difficulties market their product as customer can always get the product at a lower price else way. Distributor will start leaving the company as they unable to make profit if they unable to get the product at bulk purchase price.

To get ride of such price cutting problem. Industries veteran said they wouldn't joint a company that have mobile stockist system. However, mobile stockist system is the way a MLM company get back their working capital fast. Few company can resist such temptation to get such large amount of cash. Thus, they will act on short term rather than long term. Looking at the problem of the most successful company in the industries. Company has to find a long term solution on such problem.

Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" stated in one of his book that Henry Ford said if he become bankrupt. He can become millionaire again within 5 years. This is because he learn how to become entrepreneur and become rich. If you become rich by strike a lottery. Chances are, you would lost all your wealth within 5 years. Worst, you do not have the skill to rebuild your wealth.

If you buy your way up in MLM hierarchy, like what a lot of our undergraduate doing. You still do not have the marketing skill, despite you might be a...... Diamond Manager of the company. Robert Kiyosaki state in " The Business School" (This book is about MLM industries by Robert)that one of the advantages of joining a MLM company is the opportunity to learn the marketing and leadership skill. Give yourself a time frame say.....two years. If you have the two skill. Financial reward will come easily and your foundation become stronger than those who buy their way up.

Tag: Malaysia: MLM Biotechnology klse Direct Selling
marketing

Know your diabetes medications

WHEN you have diabetes, your medications are your best friends, as they will help you keep your condition under control.

“Diabetes control is important, not only to relieve symptoms of high blood glucose but also to reduce the complications of diabetes,” says Dr Hew Fen Lee, consultant endocrinologist.
There are many complications that can occur with uncontrolled diabetes, and none of them are pleasant. You certainly don’t want to end up losing your vision, having your leg amputated, suffering kidney failure, or worst of all, dying from a heart attack.

"Lifestyle modifications with a balanced diet, regular exercise and no smoking are essential to optimise diabetic control,” Dr Hew advises.

However, he adds that in many cases, lifestyle modifications are not adequate. Thus, medications, including insulin, may be needed. These help to keep blood glucose at a level that minimises complications,” he explains.

Is it insulin?

Diabetes treatment is generally divided into insulin injections, oral medications, and/or diet modifications.

Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas, and it helps the body use or store the glucose from food. In people with diabetes, the pancreas either no longer makes insulin or the body doesn’t respond well to the insulin.

People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin, while only some people with type 2 diabetes require it. Injecting yourself with insulin every day is something that you will get used to. There are devices like cartridges, pens and pumps, which make it easier to inject the insulin. In the future, we may even have insulin that can be inhaled!

There are many different types of insulin, such as rapid-acting, fast-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting and pre-mixed. Your doctor will prescribe the right one for you based on your lifestyle, preferences and control of blood glucose.

If you are a type 1, you should never stop taking your insulin because it can be dangerous and life-threatening.

Insulin has very few side-effects, besides low blood glucose or hypoglycaemia. To avoid “hypo” situations, get to know your body and how activity, exercise, stress or different foods affect your blood glucose levels.

“Take regular meals and (adjust) the insulin to certain situations, for example when fasting during Ramadan, or during illnesses,” Dr Hew suggests.

“It important to monitor your blood glucose regularly to optimise blood glucose control and minimise hypoglycaemia,” he adds.

Oral medications?

Some people with Type 2 diabetes need to take pills. There are five different kinds of oral medications: sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.
Overwhelmed by all these long names? Don’t be – your doctor will help you decide which type of medication is best for you.

Each type of medication works in different ways, by stimulating your pancreas to release more insulin, decreasing the amount of glucose produced by your liver, making your tissues more sensitive to insulin or blocking the breakdown of starches in the intestines. Although you may have some side effects like loose stool, water retention, or hunger and hypoglycaemia (depending on the type of medication), “many of these side effects are mild and can be relieved by taking the medications as per instructions,” Dr Hew assures. “It is important to keep to the follow-up appointments, so that the doctor can monitor your side effects.”

Time your meals regularly to your medications, so that you won’t have “hypo” episodes. At some point later, your doctor may add on another medication to what you have been taking. Don’t despair – this is not a sign that you or your doctor has failed.

“That means the existing medication is not working adequately. Thus, another type of medication may have to be added in order to further improve diabetes control,” Dr Hew reasons.

The good news is, your doctor may be able to reduce your medication if your diabetes control improves over time.

“Regular exercise and dietary modifications can help to optimise blood glucose control,” says Dr Hew. However, if you do not exercise and gain weight instead, your doctor will just have to keep increasing your medications.

No matter how effective diabetes medications and insulin are, it is still up to you to control your diabetes successfully. So be a healthier person – your doctor will applaud you for it the next time he sees you!

Technorati Tag: Biotechnology pharmaceutical Diabetes Diabetic Malaysia food supplement Health & wellness Chronic


Excerpt from The Star

This article is courtesy of Nestle Nutrition. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

A step away from diabetes

IF you are over 40, and even if you feel healthy, a test for diabetes is always a good idea. While a blood glucose test may reveal that you do not have diabetes, it could help identify if you have Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), which is also referred to as prediabetes.

You have IGT when your test shows blood glucose levels of between 5.6 mmol/l and 6.9 mmol/l.

What is IGT?

IGT is an early sign that you may be at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is the stage between having normal blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetes. And, a good percentage of people over 40 have IGT. (Note: People with IGT experience a greater rise in blood glucose level after eating carbohydrates while their fasting level is normal or moderately raised.)

What causes IGT?

IGT is caused by a combination of a weakened secretion of insulin and reduced sensitivity of the body’s cells to insulin or insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when your pancreas secretes normal amounts of insulin to regulate sugar but the body cells resist or do not respond.
Insulin resistance is a growing concern because more and more people are becoming obese and physically inactive – both these factors aggravate insulin resistance.

The risk of heart disease rises exponentially for people with insulin resistance, high blood sugar, high amounts of blood fats and low levels of good cholesterol. Add high blood pressure in that equation, and you have Syndrome X.

Who is at risk of getting IGT?

Older people, Asians, people who are overweight and carrying a lot of fat in the abdominal region, those who are physically inactive, had low birth weight and genetic factors.
People with IGT have a 40% to 50 % chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Once you have IGT, the body’s ability to deal with carbohydrates declines, resulting in type 2 diabetes. IGT also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How is IGT confirmed?

One of the tests used is oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The test measures blood glucose levels two hours after consuming a 75-gram glucose solution. You have IGT if your blood glucose level is more than 7.8 mmol/l but less than 11.1 mmol/l. You have diabetes if your blood glucose level is more than 11.1 mmol/l.

Read carefully: The test will show how good a job the insulin is doing to help your body cells and muscles take up glucose from the bloodstream after a meal.

If there isn’t enough insulin or it’s not working properly, the glucose will stay in the bloodstream – resulting in a high blood glucose reading.

How to treat IGT?

Increase your level of physical activity, achieve a healthy weight and follow a healthy, balanced diet. All these help reduce your progression to type 2 diabetes. Medication is not normally prescribed for IGT.

Research has revealed that diets very low in fat may aggravate the effect of insulin resistance on blood lipids.

Do not avoid naturally fatty foods, but limit saturated fats. Avoid hydrogenated oils and fried foods. For hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) symptoms eat smaller more frequent meals. Snacks should be non-starchy vegetables, nuts, seeds or protein foods.

Excerpt from The Star

Technorati Tag: Biotechnology pharmaceutical Diabetes Diabetic Malaysia food supplement Health & wellness Chronic




This information is courtesy of Roche Diagnostics.The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care.

The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

Road Builder and Hybrid rice cultivation in Malaysia

In Malaysia, a pilot hybrid rice experimental plot is already underway, with initial planting already showing excellent results. Located in Kuala Rompin, Pahang, the project – which is operated by RB Biotech Sdn Bhd – began in May 2006, with an initial development area of 27.2ha.

Road Builder Group, as part of its CSR project, began undertaking this initiative during Tan Sri Chua Hock Chin’s tenure as the company's executive vice-chairman. Now, upon retiring from a busy corporate life that has taken up his focus for the past 21 years, Chua is determined to enhance the research and development on hybrid rice in a bigger way.

At this point, it is still considered early days, but already the undertaking promises much bigger things, because by 2007, the total development area is expected to be close to 1,000ha.

Rice is second only to wheat in terms of cultivation, and represents the staple food for more than half the world’s population, primarily in Asia.

Yet, while levels of per capita intake of rice around the world continue to climb each year, the land area utilised for cultivation continues to become smaller, everywhere.
Malaysia, for example, is only about 65% self-sufficient in rice production, and with a shrinking area of production and a growing population, the means to achieving complete self-sufficiency looks remote.

Part of it is due to the lack of glamour and low income generally associated with rice production. There is a lot of work involved, usually for very little returns in monetary terms. In larger-scale ventures, this is less of a problem, but even then, oil palm, for instance, is seen as a more lucrative business.

Despite the subsidisation of items such as seeds, fertilisers and machinery, rice cultivation is more often than not seen as not being rewarding enough for many, who are moving away from this way of life.

Besides natural conditions that determine and affect the overall productivity cycle, things such as fluctuating yields and a shortage of affordable labour are not helping to alleviate the situation. This is reflected in the area of overall cultivation, which is decreasing, the land either abandoned or left idle.

One way to arrest the decline in rice production is by means of introducing hybrid rice cultivation, which would address inconsistent yield rates and marginal income returns that affect ordinary (inbred) rice production.

Developed in China, the beginnings came when a male sterility gene was identified in a variety of wild rice. A successful transfer of the gene by Chinese scientists allowed the creation of the first generation hybrids in 1974.

With the first examples being made available to farmers in 1976, hybrid rice is now responsible for more than 65% of China’s total rice production, with more than half of the country’s total rice land currently planted with hybrid rice.

Possibly the most important element of hybrid rice is the higher output and yield rate in returns – the average yields are at least 50% higher than the best inbred varieties. On average, the yield is about six tonnes per hectare, but with favourable environment and proper field management, this can be easily double that figure.

Furthermore, it is possible to have five seasons of planting in two years, which is not achievable with traditional means.

“The Ministry of Agriculture aims for the country to be 95% self-sufficient, from currently 65%, which means more acreage to be planted and developed in the near future. With hybrid rice technology, this is very much attainable,” Chua told Sunday Star in an exclusive interview.

“It is essential to develop new and young rice farmers. They need to be trained with new technology and techniques. This encompasses the utilisation of optimum quantity of the right fertiliser, pesticides and modular farm equipment, machinery that is proven suitable and affordable for smallholders.

“The Pahang government has been very supportive and generous in providing about 15ha of land for the development of the R&D centre for hybrid rice in Kampung Paya Tebu Hitam in Kuala Rompin.

“This centre will have its own laboratory, green houses and test plots. It will enable all R&D and training activities to be done on site, which is located adjacent to the commercial plantation area. It will take about 10 years to mature,” Chua said.

“Currently, there are three hybrid rice scientists and three hybrid rice technicians stationed in Kuala Rompin. They are actively developing new varieties that will be suitable for commercialisation, based on our local climate, soil and environment conditions.

“By early 2007, five scientists will be based in Kuala Rompin to further enhance R&D activities. The estimated cost of the R&D facilities is going to be approximately RM25mil,” he added.
Chua’s partner in the community project, Chen Long-Chen, agrees that it is essential to train farmers to look at rice farming in a new way. The Taiwanese-born, Singapore-based chairman of Best Wishes Agritech Holdings Limited has been in the hybrid rice research and development business since 1991 and, as such, knows precisely what he is talking about.

“Education is the key. Explaining the benefits and how to best work with hybrid rice is very important if the entire programme is to be successful,” he said.

Chen, who has achieved notable success in hybrid rice production in the Philippines before this, believes that it should be no different here, though production in different countries has different criteria to fulfil.

“Obviously, the type of rice produced has to be suited to planting in local conditions, as well as cater to demand in taste. You cannot simply choose a variety that may be exceptional, but not suitable here.

“Likewise, the final product will have to be what local consumers want; in the case of top-quality locally, it is Thai jasmine fragrant rice.”

The creation of hybrid rice is by means of crossing two parents that are genetically different and distant from each other. With careful screening and matching, the resultant offspring will exhibit superiority over an inbred, derived from the best aspects present in both its parents.

This, of course, means that selective adaptation to the ecological environment it is going to be located in is a prerequisite. The wrong choice of hybrid simply offers no advantage in terms of yield.

Correctly matched to the environment, a hybrid will exhibit many advantages over its inbred cousins during the growth stage. Its roots are two to three times more that that of normal varieties, thus allowing it to absorb higher levels of water and fertiliser, and hybrids have a higher production of leaves, as well as larger leaves, lending it the ability to produce superior rice. Conversely, there is a need for higher amount of fertiliser and water than with inbreds.
There is also a different scope in how seedlings are managed. For one, the level of attention needed in growing seedlings is greater, and there is a requirement for sparse seeding to promote vigorous growth.

Though more expensive to produce, less seeds are needed per hectare, about 20kg compared to 100-200kg needed for inbreds. The use of new seeds every season is a prerequisite; otherwise, it will result in non-uniform growth.

The different terminologies for hybrids are classified as such: The A Line is the female plant, which is also known as the cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS). This is the seed parent, and is produced by crossing with a B Line.

The B Line is genetically the same as the A Line, except for fertility (it is not male sterile). It holds the key to “patenting” the hybrid, and is also known as maintainer because it preserves the sterility of A. The R Line is the male parent; the R is short for restorer, because it restores fertility in the hybrid seed.

The F1 is what is termed the hybrid seed, and is a product of crossing A with R. It is essentially the first filial generation, and is supposed to perform better than either parent.

Technically, it is not classified as a genetically modified organism (GMO). Finally, there is F2, which is harvested from F1 plants, and is sold as commercial rice.

Currently, the total land area at the Rompin project is made up of an A x B research plot that is 0.7ha, a 3.5ha A x R seed production area and a 23ha F1 rice production area, the entire development being supervised by three Chinese scientists who have extensive experience from working on the subject in the Philippines.

By December, the total development area will be expanded to 293ha, of which 280ha is slated for F1 rice planting. Sixty-five types of rice seeds are being cultivated at the moment, and these will be used for determining what will be in the end the parent seeds for eventual production purposes, according to Chen. “The cultivation in Rompin will effectively be for printing the parent seeds; production seeds can be done across the country.

Likewise, the research centre here will cover the whole country’s needs in terms of research, development and education,” he said.

A visit to the site recently showed that the promise is shaping up well. The air was filled with the scent of fragrant pilot F1 plants, and the Chinese scientists were busy at work implementing further planting for the next phase. The coming months will see more machinery coming in, according to Chua.

“The plan is to do direct seeding and we will be bringing in multi-purpose machines to cope with the expansion.” It is obvious that the subject is close to Chua’s heart – his vision and goal for the project is admirable.

“Our target for Malaysian rice farmers is to plant 250,000ha of hybrid rice across the country,” he stated.

There is still some time before the lofty ideal of full self-sustainability in rice production is achieved, but the wheels of that promise have been well and truly set in motion.

Excerpt from The Star Pictures by ANTHONY LIM and courtesy of RB Biotech

Tag: Malaysia: Health & wellness Biotechnology klse hybrid rice

Diabetes – back to basics

DIABETES is a serious ailment. Yet, it remains a mystery to many people. The general attitude is, “Heard of it. Read about it.” “I haven’t checked if I have it.” “I don’t have it, so I don’t need to care, right?”

In Malaysia, 10 out of every 100 people over the age of 35 have diabetes.

In Asia, diabetes and not bird flu is the bigger threat to lives.

Globally, diabetes is rated as the fourth largest killer disease. The statistics should be enough to make us want to care and jump to action.

If you have any of the following symptoms, take a diabetes test:

• 
  

Frequent urination

Excessive thirst

Unexplained weight loss

Unusual hunger

Extreme fatigue

Irritability

Frequent infections

Blurred vision

Slow-to-heal cuts and bruises

Vaginitis or recurring yeast infections in women

Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections

If you answer yes to any of the following, you are at risk!

• 
  

You have a family history of diabetes

You are 20% over a healthy weight or obese

You lead a sedentary lifestyle

You had abnormal glucose levels during pregnancy or had a baby who was nine pounds or more at birth

You are 45 or older

You have low HDL cholesterol or high overall cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels.

You have very high blood pressure.

What is diabetes?

There is type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas either no longer produces insulin or not enough insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin but the body is not able to use it properly.

Why do we need insulin?

Insulin helps our cells take in fuel in the form of blood sugar or glucose. Glucose is produced when we digest food. If glucose doesn’t get into the cells, it weakens.

The glucose then builds up in the blood stream, damaging our blood vessels and organs.

Why don’t we know we have symptoms?

First, it is not obvious because we feel fine, and second, it hides behind other ailments like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and eye disease.

By the time we know we have it, it is firmly established and would be difficult to treat. Of the 16 million people with diabetes, only a third realise they have it.

Is there a cure?

No. But, with the right treatment and regular monitoring, we can get our blood sugar back to acceptable levels, and we can lead a normal and healthy lifestyle.

Who is at risk?

Type 1 diabetes often occurs in people less than 30, who are not overweight. Type 2 diabetes typically develops in people over 30, who have one or more risk factors.


Technorati Tag: Biotechnology pharmaceutical Diabetes Diabetic Malaysia food supplement Health & wellness Chronic

Excerpt from The Star

Note: This information is courtesy of Roche Diagnostics.The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

Poor leg circulation

BY Dr ALEX TANG

DIABETES mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease affecting up to 10% of adult population.
There are two types of DM: type 1 and type 2. Type 2 DM comprises more than 95% of DM cases in Asia, including Malaysia.

If DM is not well controlled, it can lead to many complications. The high blood glucose levels over a period of time, coupled with the features of metabolic syndrome, cause damage to the blood vessels, which in turn, result in damage to many organs. They include coronary artery disease (heart disease), stroke, poor leg circulation (peripheral vascular disease, PVD), nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), blindness, kidney failure (nephropathy), and foot ulcers.

All sorts of leg problems

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common disorder, affecting about 3-4% of diabetics.
Foot ulcers are the result of a combination of nerve damage (causing sensory loss in the feet), blocked arteries (causing poor leg circulation, PVD) and infection.

When there is poor leg circulation, a person’s ability to heal wounds and overcome infection is severely compromised, resulting in tissue loss and gangrenous (dead) toes that may require amputation.







Poor awareness of foot care among diabetics may lead to the last resort: amputation






Poor leg circulation (peripheral vascular disease, PVD) accounts for about 15% of DFU. It is the result of blocked leg arteries at the thigh or below the knee. In the early stage, it causes leg cramps, medically known as “claudication” on walking, and disappears after rest. The walking distance shortens progressively. Many patients blame it on arthritis or “wind”.

As the disease progresses, it causes pain in the arch or forefoot while at rest or during the night. The foot may become bluish or “cyanotic” when it is lowered, and pallid (pale) when it is elevated. The foot pulses are usually absent.

At this stage, it is considered very critical, and the risk of amputating the foot or leg is extremely high. Medically, it is called critical limb ischaemia (CLI). Urgent medical attention is needed to unblock the clogged arteries.

In some patients, the poor circulation (limb ischaemia) may present acutely. Acute limb ischaemia needs to be treated urgently to save the limbs. An irreversible gangrene (dead limb) occurs if the foot is already cold, bluish, paralysed and numbed.

PVD shares the same disease process as coronary artery disease and stroke. The common predisposing causes are diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

In Malaysia, PVD is commonly neglected. This is because of poor awareness among the public and even some doctors.

Poor outcome

Within three months of presentation of CLI, 9% of the patients run a risk of death, 1% the risk of heart attack , 1% the risk of stroke, 18% a risk of persistent CLI and 12% a risk of amputation. The one-year mortality rate is 21% and the two-year mortality rate is 31.6%. The risk of dying is far higher compared with breast, colon or rectum cancer.

The prevalence of amputation is estimated at about 500-1000 per million population. In Malaysia, there are thousands of amputation cases a year. The risk of amputation increases eight times in diabetic foot ulcers. About 85% of the amputees are diabetics.

The amputations usually start at the toes. If the circulation remains poor, it is usually followed by ascending amputations at the mid-foot, below the knee and finally, above the knee.







The earlier you discover poor leg circulation problems, the more options you have for treatment. Courtesy of The Institute for Plastination





50% of below-the-knee amputations (BKA) will have to be converted to above-the-knee amputations (AKA), if the blocked circulation is not revascularised. The physical trauma and limitation in AKA is extreme. Only less than 20% of the AKA amputees remain independent one year later. Hence, all possibilities should be explored to save limbs.

Detection and prevention

There are many ways to identify PVD. Early detection makes treatment easy and prevents the need for amputation. Detection of PVD can be done through clinical inspection and examination.
One should emphasise the footwear and hygiene of the patient. Look for foot ulcers, cuts, wounds and skin discolouration (gangrene patch), and avoid corns and sharp nails. Feel for foot pulses regularly. Routine blood tests, follow-up with doctors and being aware of symptoms, such as leg cramps on walking or at rest, are critical. If signs of discolouration or absent pulses are detected, medical attention is required. You should see a doctor and have the following radiological tests performed.

One is a simple and basic study of the leg arteries, called Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). ABI is a measure of the blood pressure difference between the arms and the calves. It is a painless procedure, like taking routine blood pressure. However, ABI is not always accurate, especially if the arteries are hardened, typically in chronic diabetes.

If ABI falls below 0.9, further evaluation of the arteries should be done with colour Doppler ultrasound, CT scan, MRI or catheter angiogram. All of these, except the catheter angiogram, are non-invasive and are painless outpatient investigations.

Catheter angiogram requires a puncture to be made over the groin artery, followed by inserting a tiny tube up the main artery (aorta) for a detailed study of the lower limb arteries. It is usually reserved for cases with intention to treat.

Treatment options

Treatment of PVD will depend on the severity of the blocked arteries.

In general, the mainstay of treatment is intensive medical treatment in controlling underlying pre-disposing factors.

These include optimal control of high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, weight reduction, quitting smoking and starting on anti-platelet (blood thinning) agents, such as aspirin. Physical exercise, especially brisk walking, at least 30 minutes twice a week is necessary. Brisk walking is essential in encouraging more circulation to bypass the blocked arteries.

In more severe or critical cases, some form of procedure must be done to improve the blood circulation down the feet. The conventional approach involves a bypass surgery, connecting a new tube (graft) between the arteries in the pelvis or groin, down to the knee or ankle. In the long term, the bypass remains open in 65% to 70% of cases.

In chronic diabetes, the occlusion usually occurs below the knee. These arteries are very small (less than 3mm diameter) and are usually extensively diseased. Bypass surgery is frequently not feasible because of poor downstream flow or blockage.

A relatively new subspecialty in medicine, called interventional radiology or endovascular therapy, has developed in the last 15 years. New miniature devices have been invented and can be used to treat these cases when the surgery is not feasible.

A procedure called angioplasty, using balloons and wires, can be done to unblock the diseased arteries. This procedure is usually performed by interventional radiologists. The success rate is better for small arteries below the knee. However, it may not be workable if the disease is too severe, late or too heavily calcified.

The limb salvage rate using angioplasty is quite favourable, especially in cases when surgery is not an option. The limb salvage rate is in the range of 70% in one year.

In patients who present with toe or foot gangrene, revascularisation with an angioplasty or bypass surgery can be performed first, before any form of amputation or debridement. This can ensure enough blood circulation reaches the foot and toes, and improve wound healing after the removal of the dead tissue.

In the critically ischaemic limbs, amputation is frequently inevitable.
Poor leg circulation is a dangerous disease. Proper screening, quitting smoking, walking exercise, anti-platelet medications and early intervention before gangrene sets in can save limbs and lives.

There are many options for treatment. The earlier it is discovered, the better your choices are. Angioplasty or endovascular therapy should be considered prior to surgery in appropriate candidates. If you are at risk or have symptoms of poor leg circulation, you need to consult a doctor to have the arteries checked.

Remember: if your leg hurts when you walk, it isn’t always arthritis! Seek medical attention and keep the “feet for life”. If you need more information, visit the following websites:

Society of Interventional Radiology, USAwww.sirweb.org/patPub/pvdPad.shtml

Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europewww.cirse.org/index.php?pid=93

The University of Texas Health Science Centrewww.uth.tmc.edu/anes/wound/critical_ischemia.htm

Family Doctorhttp://familydoctor.org/008.xml

Mayo Clinicwww.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-arterial-disease/DS00537

College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine Malaysiahttp://www.radiologymalaysia.org/

Endovascular & Interventional NeuroRadiologyhttp://www.einr.org/

Excerpt from The Star

Technorati Tag: Biotechnology pharmaceutical Diabetes Diabetic Malaysia food supplement Health & wellness Chronic


Dr Milton Lum is Chairperson of the Commonwealth Medical Trust. This article provides general information only and is not intended to replace, dictate or define evaluation by a qualified doctor. The views expressed do not represent that of any organisation that the writer is associated with.


This article is contributed by The Star Health & Ageing Panel, which comprises a group of panellists who are not just opinion leaders in their respective fields of medical expertise, but have wide experience in medical health education for the public.

The Star Health & Ageing Advisory Panel provides this information for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care.

The Star Health & Ageing Advisory Panel disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages that could result from use of the information obtained from this article.

Testing for glucose

By DR MILTON LUM

DIABETES is a common condition. It is estimated that about 10% of the population are currently diabetics.

If left untreated or inadequately treated, diabetes is associated with complications that affect the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, feet, skin, genitals, eyes and brain. The health impact of these complications is considerable, eg 47% of new cases of end-stage renal failure are due to diabetes. The key to the prevention of the complications of diabetes is good control; one can then expect to live a normal life span free of complications.

Urine glucose

The urine is often tested for glucose. When the blood glucose is above a certain level, it spills into the urine. This can be easily tested by dipping a testing strip into the urine. The change in colour of the strip indicates there is glucose; the intensity of the change indicates the amount of glucose present. As most individuals do not normally have glucose in the urine, its presence would indicate the possibility of diabetes.

However, there may be spillage of glucose into the urine in some individuals whose blood glucose level is within the normal range – particularly during pregnancy. These people are said to have a lowered renal threshold. This places a limitation on urine glucose testing. So, when there is glucose in the urine, the doctor would advise testing for blood glucose to confirm or exclude diabetes.

Blood glucose

There are a few tests for blood glucose. After taking the blood from an individual, it is put into a bottle that contains substances which prevent the blood from clotting.

(a) Random blood glucose

This blood test is carried out at any time of the day when there is suspicion of diabetes. A reading of greater than 11 mmol/L indicates that the individual has diabetes.

(b) Fasting blood glucose

A random blood glucose level that is less than 11 mmol/L does not necessarily mean that the individual is not diabetic as the test is not 100% accurate. A measurement of the blood glucose after fasting overnight is much more accurate. If the blood glucose is greater than 6 mmol/L, it indicates that the individual has diabetes.

(c) Glucose tolerance test

This test is carried out when there is doubt as to whether an individual has diabetes. After he has fasted overnight, a drink containing 75g dose of glucose is given and a sample of blood is taken two hours later to test for blood glucose. A non-diabetic will be able to deal with this amount of glucose easily. If the blood glucose is greater than 11 mmol/L, then it indicates the individual has diabetes.

Additional tests

When a diagnosis of diabetes is made, the doctor will prescribe diet, exercise and, if necessary, medication to control it.

(a) HbA1c

Blood measurements of HbA1c are carried out periodically to assess the quality of blood glucose control. Blood glucose is attached to part of the red blood cells. A measurement of HbA1c provides information about the average blood glucose control in the preceding two to three months. The target should be a HbA1c of 7% or less. If the level is more than 7%, the doctor will advise additional measures to improve the diabetic control, eg more exercise and dieting, and additional dose of medication.

(b) Glucometer

Many diabetics use a home device called a glucometer to help them check on their control of the blood glucose. Their fingers are pricked and the blood obtained is applied to a strip that contains a chemical. The strip is then put into the glucometer to measure the blood glucose level in a short time. The doctor will advise on the frequency of testing and what to do when the results are available.

Blood lipids

Blood lipids cholesterol is a fat (lipid) that is produced by the liver from the fat in the food that we eat.

All of us have a certain amount of cholesterol in our blood for the body to carry out its various functions. The cholesterol is transported in the blood as part of compounds called lipoproteins. The high-density lipoproteins (HDL) prevent the formation of fat deposits in the arteries (atheroma) which is the main cause of cardiovascular disease like heart attacks and strokes. The low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are mainly involved in the formation of atheroma. The former is commonly called the “good” cholesterol and the latter the “bad” cholesterol.

Studies have reported that a 1% reduction of LDL will result in a 1% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease.

The blood lipids reflect the amount of dietary fat in most people. This is not always the case as the same amount of fat intake can result in different levels of blood lipids in different individuals. However, in general, the lower the amount of fat consumed, the lower will be the blood lipids. Some individuals have high blood lipid levels because of certain conditions affecting them, eg obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, underactive thyroid gland.

Some families have high blood lipids because of an inherited genetic problem that affects the production of cholesterol. The measurement of blood lipids is also affected by acute stress or illness, e.g. fever, surgery, acute heart attack, and medicines, e.g. steroids, beta blockers, thiazides.

The blood lipids are measured, after an overnight fast, in a laboratory or by desktop machines which are found in many clinics. The results from desktop machines provide satisfactory results. It is common for more than one measurement to be taken because of biological and laboratory variability. The former is due to the fact that blood lipids are subject to variation for several reasons. The second sample is usually taken a few weeks after the first. The following values are considered desirable by doctors:
(a) Total cholesterol (TC) of 5.0 mmol/L or less;
(b) High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol of 1.2 mmol/L or more;
(c) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of at least 3.0 mmol/L or less (the lower, the better);
(d) Triglycerides of 2.3 mmol/L or less; and
(e) TC/HDL, i.e. total cholesterol divided by HDL cholesterol ratio of 4.5 or less.
In general, the higher the cholesterol is, the greater the danger it poses to an individual’s cardiovascular health. In deciding on the risk, the blood lipids are among the factors considered. Other factors include age, sex, blood pressure, smoking, etc. Your doctor will advise you on the risk and what to do, if necessary, to achieve optimal cardiovascular health.


Excerpt from The Star
Technorati Tag: Biotechnology pharmaceutical Diabetes Diabetic Malaysia food supplement Health & wellness GT&F Milk Powder Chronic
Dr Milton Lum is Chairperson of the Commonwealth Medical Trust. This article provides general information only and is not intended to replace, dictate or define evaluation by a qualified doctor. The views expressed do not represent that of any organisation that the writer is associated with.

神奇酵素 启动健康的能源

《大家健康》

文黄碧思 整理/编辑郑瑞丽

“酵素”有人自己动手做，也有人从市面上形形色色的酵素补充品中受益。这个人体内本来就有的东西，什么时候也要从体外输进来？神奇的酵素，你了解多少？没有酵素，就没有生命；没有酵素，就没有办法分解食物，无法有效利用和吸收食物的营养。除病抗老，直通健康的人生，先要掌握生命之源。封面故事告诉你酵素和身体的重大关系……

当中西药行架子上，摆放着琳琅满目的保健成品，身边围绕着的都是与健康有关的商品时，我们如何在一片打着“保健”、“养生”牌子的食品、食物中找到真正能改善体质，促进健康的营养来源？

要健康先要找到掌握生命之源，“酵素”（Enzyme）便是主打身体健康的天然元素。在日本，酵素被喻为生命之源，美国自然医学博士圣提诺认为：人体像一颗电灯泡，酵素就是电流，灯泡没有电就不会发亮。“自然疗法之父”王永汉博士也说，一切生命体的运作，完全依靠着酵素。如果没有酵素，举凡细胞的代谢、新生、分解、消化……等，都等于毫无作用。

酵素到底是什么？

既然酵素对人体如此重要，是细胞的动力，酵素到底是什么？酵素是在所有活的动、植物体内均可发现的物质，由蛋白质构成，它是维持身体正常功能、消化食物、修复组织等身体各种化学反应的元素。若缺乏酵素，体内大部分的化学反应便不能进行，甚至引起各种疾病或死亡。

王永汉博士举例说，最容易理解的消化功能，也都是靠体内消化液中的酵素，令淀粉质、蛋白质和脂肪等一一分解，然后转化为能量。酵素不同于药物，除了能改善体质外，酵素的首要功能是增加体力，即代表着酵素是利用全身的作用给予细胞复活，对抗疾病，与利用药物抑制病情症状完全不同。

酵素从哪里来？

台湾知名养生专家林光常博士说明，其实我们的身体本身就有酵素，例如肝脏、胰脏、脾脏，本身就会分泌酵素。我们出生以后，身体里面都储存了一些酵素。

即然身体已有酵素，那为何我们还要补充呢？原因是现代人的饮食一般都缺乏酵素，当我们摄取的食物中缺乏酵素，身体就会分泌库存的酵素，久而久之，体内的酵素会慢慢枯竭。

一旦体内酵素不足，则可能会容易疲倦受困、体力不继、肌肉及背部酸痛、食量大仍骨瘦如柴、肥胖、易胀气、消化不良、胃口不佳、内分泌失调等病症。人的酵素贮存量和能量成正比，需维持体内酵素平衡，才能拥有健康的人生，所以首先应有正常的饮食习惯及健康的生活空间。补充酵素有两大途径：一是生食，另一是摄取酵素补充物。生食蔬果含丰富的酵素，自己动手做蔬果酵素不但成本低，方法也很简单，如果真的没办法多生食，就必须食用天然综合酵素补充物，增加酵素摄入量，进而维持身体健康。

Technorati Tag: 生物科技 酵素 Malaysia food supplement Healthcare 糖尿病

Taiwan's GLC in beauty and cosmetic industry, from salt to biotechnology

Taiwan veteran and most successful beauty and cosmetic brand is driven by private sector company call Sofnon. Sofnon own several international brand like New York Always Black , German Nobori, low cost product for teenages PLUS+ , and Italy in Ocean. Chairman,Champion Huang started the company in 1977.

In 2001, Taiyen or Taiwan Salt Industrial Corporation(A GLC) diversified to biotechnology and beauty and cosmetic industry. In 2003, the company has become a giant in beauty and cosmetic industry in Taiwan. Beauty and cosmetic industry become a strategic industry that promoted by Taiwan government. With low entry barrier lead to a number of new entrant in the industry.

To date, Sofnon and Taiyen remain the leader in the industry.

Bio Core Inc, one of the top three biotechnology company in US, invested 1.7 billion in Research and introduced Nano & Biotechnology series of Collagen products for medical treatment. Bio Core claim that there are the first company to obtain FDA approvals for sale of collagen based wound care products in it website.

Taiyen, uses Collagen products from Bio Core Inc and turn it into Pharmaceutical type products namely Medifil and Skin Temp II which are commonly use in the hospital for diabetic patient with chronic lesion and also burned patient for skin repair treatment respectively also known as skin grafting surgery.

The product is suitable for use on all kinds of cuts and wounds on the skin, such as burnt skin, scalded skin, difficult to heal wounds of diabetics patients. The result are exceedingly proven.

Taiyen together with Bio Core spent 1.5 billion to develop this technology.

International cosmetic brand Coco Chanel try to bid for the distribution right from Taiyen but Taiyen eventually grant the right to a direct selling company in Taiwan call Topoa.

The company have a series of product. However, their flagship product call Bio Collagen A+B Skin Repair Essence. A few of my friends used to spend RM5,000 for 5 treatment in beauty salon, this mean each treatment equivalent to RM1,000 but they never see their improvement on their skin after 5 treatment.

Most of my friends who spend just RM424 on the product claim that the result is much more visible after a few day. Their husband also claim that this low cost product is far more effective than the expensive treatment from beauty salon.

This is because the product developed using a technology use by pharmaceutical product to heal burn patient.

Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty :Malaysia: Health & wellness Biotechnology

Melaka state government biotech initiatives

Professor Dr Farida Shah, formerly professor of molecular biology at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). was for three years the CEO of the Melaka Biotech Corporation, an initiative set up by the state government to build its own biotech industry.

She set up the Melaka Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), which is the first state-owned biotech Institute. The MIB is based on the Karolinska Institute of Sweden where science and business are under one set-up. Our focus is agro-biotechnology, herbal and medicinal plants and pharmacogenomics.

Melaka Biotech Holdings Sdn Bhd (MBH) aims to make the state a growth catalyst for biotechnology.

Lastly, the Melaka Biotechnology Corporation was incorporated and formalised in 2005 with the two entities under its umbrella.

"I set up a committee to develop a biotechnology course for diploma holders at Kolej Teknologi Islam Antarabangsa in Melaka, which will hopefully be the feeder for biotech students in other universities." She said in an interview with The Edge shortly before she resigned.

Melaka are in the process of setting up five companies, two spin-offs from MIB and In Vitro Tech Sdn Bhd, involving plant tissue culture production, and TBE Sdn Bhd (essential oils and herbal extracts) with cooperation from Mara. We signed an agreement with DNAPRo for the production of vaccines, using technology from Cuba, and Healol Malaysia for the production of nutraceuticals. When everything is in place, these companies will be parked in Masjid Tanah Industrial Park.

Bureaucracy,red tape and no communication between state and federal government

In an interview with The Edge. she said "I was not popular with some state government officials because biotech cannot wait for slow government bureaucracy and red tape but fortunately, the chief minister intervened and pushed biotech. " She add "We have had no communication from Malaysian Biotechnology Corp and Malaysian Technology Development Corporation regarding how state initiatives can be beneficiaries of programmes and activities at the federal level."

"the state lacks funds for full biotech development and gets no support from the federal government. We have been working on a very, very small budget."

Graduates not "job ready"

"Most of the graduates we interviewed lacked hands-on experience in spite of the fact that they were supposed to have done a project in their final year. Most were not "job ready". "

Difficulties to competete with Singapore

"Of course, it's difficult to get graduates with MSc or PhD because the salaries are not in line with their qualifications, so most of them prefer to work in Singapore where salaries are higher and scientific working conditions are better. " She add.

Prior to that, in September, 2005. She told The Edge that "Every year, I see some of my students, who are good research candidates, go down to Singapore,” “My ex-colleagues at UKM face this problem as well. We are subsidising Singapore’s human resources.” Even after she has moved on to manage MBH, the spectre of Singapore continues to haunt her. “I wanted to employ these two researchers who came back from the United States,” she says, “but in the end they accepted a better offer from Singapore.” She says the lack of a proper career path for research scientists is hurting the nation. “The government should do a comprehensive survey of where are our students today.

How many of them go into sales and how many go to Singapore or other countries like the US and the UK.” She suggests Malaysia (in September 2005) take a look at what France is doing. “They employ good local researchers and attache them to various research institutes in the country.” The French Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is reportedly the world’s largest research body, employing 26,000 staff and 11,600 researchers in 1,300 laboratories.

What groundwork and policies need to be in place

Dr Farida view that We also need to address how the country will benefit in the long run from sustainable development, capacity building, production of knowledge workers, increasing the ratio of scientists per million population, building our own innovations and intellectual property, and so on, which is what real biotechnology development is all about.

TAG:Malaysia:Biotechnology: pharmaceutical:

Malaysia should study Taiwan vaccine venture to avoid failure

Malaysia biotechnology venture has been emphasis on vaccine recently.

First, Universiti Sains Malaysia is now working with Cuba’s Finlay Institute to develop vaccines for tuberculosis (TB) and meningitis. The partners would work on producing a TB vaccine first.

Then, the setting up of National Institute of Natural Products, Vaccines and Biologicals (9BIO) at Enstek Technology Park. Bandar Enstek is located in the Sepang-Nilai southern corridor of the Klang Valley near KLIA and Putrajaya, a project by TH Properties Sdn Bhd.

A partnership between an Islamic country and multinational companies in the production of vaccines. The OIC (Organisation of the Islamic Conference) countries, in particular, have been very receptive to ideato fulfilll the need for halal vaccines around the world.

9BIO, one of the Ninth Malaysia Plan projects approved under the private financing initiatives on a 25.1ha piece of land, consists of a bio-containment research and development facility as well as a bio-manufacturing facility. The cost of the project was estimated at RM350mil. The institute was expected to produce its first vaccines by 2010.

Ekovest Bhd and Faber Group Bhd joint venture to undertake the privatisation of the construction and maintenance of the national institute with the Health Ministry. “It provides Ekovest with an opportunity to make its foray into the medical and healthcare industry as we understand that the market for vaccines and herbal medicine is huge,” Ekovest executive vice-chairman Datuk Lim Kang Hoo said.

This should be the 3rd construction company in Malaysia involve in healthcare and biotechnology industry. First, UEM Group via Faber and Pharmniaga. Second, TH Group Bhd (Note: different from TH Properties above which is under Tabung Haji), a timber extraction company which has diversified to contracting services and construction, acquired NCI Cancer Hospital (NCICH), formerly known as Nilai Cancer Hospital in Nilai, Seremban, via its holding company Asiaprise Biotech Sdn Bhd at the end of year 2003.

NCI Cancer Hospital founded in 1999 by Dr Kim Tan, a leading UK-based biotech entrepreneur, who has been label Dr Biotech and had founded and listed three biotechnology companies on foreign stock exchanges.

Now, Ekovest Bhd, a main board listed construction company, which control another second board listed construction company PEMBINAAN LIMBONGAN SETIA BHD (PLS) and involved in Danga Bay project, a project expected to benefited from South Johor Economic Region (SJER) announced it venture in the industry.

Taiwan has a bad experience in biotechnology industry especially in vaccine venture. Thus, government, private sector and University have to study the experience of Taiwan's government fail venture to avoid making the same mistake. One of the successful biotechnology venture in Taiwan was driven by private sector and not in vaccine.

TAG:Malaysia:Biotechnology: pharmaceutical:klse

Malaysia Agricultural links with Holland

Holland is opening a regional office for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality here this month (September), to reciprocate Malaysia’s posting of an agricultural attaché to Amsterdam in January. The regional office, which will also cover the Philippines and Singapore.

The Netherlands accounts for nearly a quarter of European vegetable exports and is a major producer and international trader of flowers, meat and meat products, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, chocolate, starch derivatives and seed.

Despite a steady decline in the number of farms over the past 50 years, Dutch production has not been affected due to advancements in yield technology.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that despite its small size and population of only 16 million, the Netherlands was only second to the United States in food production.

The Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Authority (Mardi) has signed an MoU with Holland’s Wageningen University and Research Centre, which is one of Europe’s foremost agri-food research centres.

“As of 2005, The Netherlands is the 10th largest importer of Malaysian products and a leading importer of palm oil, palm-oil based products and timber/wood furniture.

“The regional offices (in Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur) will help to enhance bilateral relations in agriculture and sustainable development,” Dutch Ambassador to Malaysia Lody Embrechts said.

In 2004, The Netherlands had about 12,600 arable farms that employed nearly 26,500 people, and 1,469 organic farms. The predominant arable crops are cereals (especially wheat), fodder crops, sugar beet, table potatoes and legumes.

The total area under arable crops is 820,000ha. Noord-Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel have the most arable farms. In recent years, rapeseed is being grown in the northern provinces and its oil is processed to fuel cars and ships.

The Netherlands is also often associated with flower bulbs, cheese and eggs.

Unilever, a Netherlands MNC food company has become a household name in Malaysia Malaysia

TAG:Malaysia:Biotechnology: pharmaceutical

BioNexus criteria

Malaysia has try to transform from manufacturing base economy to knowledge base economy to compete with new manufacturing countries like China and Vietnam. It has announced MSC status to promoted ICT industry in Malaysia. On biotechnology industry, Malaysia has announced BioValley under Tun Dr Mahithir and BioNexus status under Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi.

BioNexus status is to catalyse biotechnology industry development in Malaysia by facilitating investments and encouraging more companies to invest in biotech and commercialise research and development. Its comes complete with generous financial incentives, such as hefty tax breaks and a nine-point bill of guarantees.

The excitement had been building in the biotech community, especially over the incentives, and many have expressed interest to apply.

"The full criteria and approval process will be up on our website soon," assures Iskandar Mahmood, CEO of Malaysian Biotechnology Corp Sdn Bhd (MBC), the agency in charge of facilitating the biotech industry. In the meantime, he shares the basic eligibility criteria with The Edge:

• Provide products/services based on life sciences or significant uses of biotech processes

• Possess research capabilities in promoted areas

• Employ a high percentage of knowledge workers

• Comply with enviromental regulations and guildlines

• Must be separate legal entity for qualifying activities ( to prevent it from being used as a tax evasion vehicle)

• Possess a commercially viable business plan

The most important consideration is the commercial viability of the company. "The business plan is the most important thing we look at," says Iskandar. "MBC will go through the plan together with the applicant which is where we can also play a developmental role." Since his sudden appointment to head MBC in April 2005, the former CEO of Malaysian .

Read full report on The Edge

:Malaysia:Biotechnology pharmaceutical

Eng Kah Vs Hi-City Bioscience

Consumers of personal care products may not know the name Eng Kah Corp. But many will have come across the products that it manufactures for major players in the cosmetics and toiletries industry like Johnson & Johnson, Unilever and Avon.

It is an established contract manufacturer of perfumes, cosmetics, toiletries, skincare and household products, and the only one listed on the Main Board.

Last year, the company began manufacturing Reckitt Benckiser's Dettol range of hygiene products. It recently secured contracts from Australian retail chain Coles Myers as well as Alliance Cosmetics, a local agent for brands like Revlon, Avene, Elancyl, Silkygirl and Wet 'N' Wild.

Eng Kah is currently developing higher-margin skincare, hair dye and colour cosmetic products that can engender product loyalty. It also offers its services in the design and packaging of the products.

To clear its backlog of orders, which stands between 10% and 20%, the company recently built a new plant next to its existing one in Bayan Lepas, Penang. When that plant, its fourth, comes on stream by year-end, its manufacturing capacity will increase by 56%. (The company also has plants in Nilai, Negri Sembilan and Shah Alam, Selangor.)

Analysts at Standard & Poor's (S&P) and K&N Kenanga Securities are calling a "buy" on the stock with 12-month target prices of RM3.99 and RM4.10 respectively. The price targets suggest a potential upside of between 17% and 21% from Eng Kah's RM3.40 close last Friday. S&P, which trimmed earnings projections and its target price to RM3.99 in early August, retained its "buy" recommendation as well.

"Eng Kah's profitability remains strong... Its ability to add new customers is positive as it reduces dependence on key customers," it says.

"What sets Eng Kah apart is its ability to offer the entire range of cosmetics and skincare products at competitive prices. Eng Kah now manufactures about 1,000 products for a wide array of long-term customers that include multinational corporations [MNCs], direct-selling companies, trading companies, department stores and beauty salons. Ongoing research and development constantly generates an average 200 to 300 new formulations and improvements per year, giving Eng Kah a steady stream of products to pitch to its clients," says K&N Kenanga in a note dated Aug 28.

"Eng Kah's strong growth prospects have so far only been constrained by capacity. This will be solved by the recent expansion, with its new Bayan Lepas and Nilai plants easing the backlog of orders and allowing for new contracts," says K&N Kenanga.

The brokerage sees Eng Kah benefiting from the Asean Free Trade Area agreement as MNCs look to reap tax savings and other benefits of producing in Asean. The Asean Cosmetic Directive that comes into effect in January 2008 will allow cosmetic products registered or marketed in any Asean country to be sold in all other member states without undergoing stringent product qualifications in each country.

Clinching these MNC clients would mean more than a bottom-line boost for Eng Kah. International labelling policy requires MNCs to list the manufacturer's name in addition to the country of origin.

"It will raise the firm's profile and work as a form of indirect testament to Eng Kah's product quality as an original equipment manufacturer," says K&N Kenanga.

Eng Kah's products are already being exported to countries beyond Asean, such as Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and Saudi Arabia. At present, 75% of its revenue still comes from Malaysia. The local cosmetics and toiletries market, which is worth RM2.2 billion, is growing at about 13% annually, providing ample room for growth.

Another plus for Eng Kah is Malaysia's well-developed palm oil industry, which allows the company to procure 70% of its raw materials like high-quality soap noodles, fatty acids, esters and glycerine from a range of suppliers.

The company's earnings have grown 23.8% from 2002 to 2005, with revenue growing at a four-year compound annual growth rate of 14% over that period. K&N Kenanga expects Eng Kah's earnings to grow 18% to RM17.2 million this year, on the back of a 16% top-line growth to RM91.7 million.

"Eng Kah is in a strong net cash position of RM24.6 million and looks set to continue in that vein. We have estimated an operating cash flow in FY2006 to FY2008 to come in between RM17 million and RM24 million... We have forecast a FY2006 gross dividend per share of 23 sen, based on management guidance," it says.

While Eng Kah's net profit of RM6.95 million for the first half ended June 30, 2006, is only 40% of K&N Kenanga's forecast, the brokerage has maintained its profit estimate as it expects a stronger second half.

Meanwhile, another Penang base manufacurer Hi-City Bioscience Group Bhd managing director Heah Chew Teng @ Heah Kim Teik has reduced his stake in the company after disposing of three million shares representing 3.75% equity recently.

After the disposal, Heah holds another 16.2 million shares or 20.25% direct stake in Hi-City Bioscience.

Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty :Malaysia: Health & wellness Biotechnologyklse

Budget 2007 on Biotechnology, Halal Food and Agriculture

Biotechnology
The RM210 million allocated for biotechnology under Budget 2007 will be used for the development of major programmes, including technology acquisition through the Biotech Acquisition Programme with a matching grant of RM60 million (although it is not clear where the matching grant will come from), and commercialisation of R&D findings to be undertaken by companies and international corporations under the RM30 million Biotechnology Commercialisation Fund (BCF).

A sum of RM59 million for Research and Development for genomics and molecular biology, production of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products and to promote agro-biotech activities.
The Biotech Acquisition Programme and Biotech Commercialisation Fund will come under the ambit of Malaysia Biotech Corporation. "All these incentives clearly show the government's commitment and foresight to spur the private sector on," said Malaysia Biotech's CEO Iskandar Mahmood.


The Government has established Inno Bio Ventures to invest and provide trainning in biotechnology while the Bio Innovation Centre in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, will be set up to provide site facilities and equipment for new biotechnology companies to undeertake commercialisation and bio-manufacturing.


Bionexus companies would be given income tax exemptions for 10 years, beginning from the first year of profitability. The exemptions was beginning from first year of production. After this period, bionexus companies would be taxed at a concessionary rate of 20% for another 10 years.

Carotech Bhd managing director David Ho Sue San welcomed as “positive and encouraging” the incentives for Bionexus-status companies that merge with or acquire biotechnology companies within the next five years. These companies will be given stamp duty and real property gains tax exemptions.

Malaysian American Electronics Industry chairman Datuk S.H. Wong said the RM210mil allocation for developing the biotechnology sector was consistent with the Penang state government's effort to build a biotech hub.

Halal food industry

The Halal Industry Development Corp will be established under Prime Minister's Department with launching grant of RM25 million for the development of the industry.

The Malaysia International Halal Showcase and the World Halal Forum 2006 will be made annual events.

RM50 million to start up halal food parks in Pasir Mas, Kelantan; Gembang, Pahang; Chendering, Terengganu; and Padang Besar, Perlis.

RM20 million allocation to SME Bank to finance entrepreneurs to develop halal products

Agriculture

Dr Kamal Jit Singh, CEO of British Telecom's Asian Research Centre in Cyberjaya noted that the vast gap in allocation between the MSC Grant Scheme (MGS) of RM20 million for ICT research versus the RM193 million for agriculture research was because the focus is now on agriculture and no longer on ICT.

The Government has allocated RM3.6bil for the sector to increase productivity and efficiency in agricultural production and to expand market capabilities.

The Fund for Food will be increased by RM300mil to RM1.9 billion to finance food production and a non-food agriculture credit scheme, with an initial allocation of RM20mil, will be established to encourage farmers to venture into non-food agriculture.

To develop aquaculture, the Government has set aside RM92mil for Ornamental Fish Cluster projects in Penang, Kedah and Perlis and the Freshwater Fishery Research Centre in Negri Sembilan.

A further RM110mil has been allocated to implement livestock projects under various agricultural agencies and RM40mil to implement the Beef Valley project in Gemas, Negri Sembilan.

Khazanah to establish an agriculture fund of RM200mil will be established to provide venture capital to finance new technology-intensive projects.

Another agriculture fund of RM200mil will be set up by Bank Negara for integrated agriculture and livestock projects.

:Malaysia: Halal Food Agriculture Biotechnology pharmaceutical

Holistic approach to multiple sclerosis

A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY approach aimed at limiting and overcoming disability is the key to ensuring that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a chance of leading full and rewarding lives despite the irreversible damage caused by the rare and chronic disease.

MS patients experience a wide range of neurological deficits, from depression, sexual dysfunction, and fatigue, loss of sensation in the arms, leg or face to complete or partial loss of vision, muscular spasms and bladder and bowel difficulties.

“While currently there is still no known cure, the life expectancy of patients with MS is now nearly the same as that of unaffected people and a multidisciplinary approach can limit disability with physical therapy and the management of cognitive deficits such as depression, erectile dysfunction, spasticity, muscular pains and bladder spasms,” said consultant neurologist Prof Tan Chong Tin at a panel discussion in a talk entitled Straight Talk: Debunking MS Misconception and Myths.

“Dealing with the physical, practical and emotional demands of MS is not easy for those affected by the disease or for their families and caregivers. However, with treatment, many people with MS can and do find ways to cope with their disease,” he added.

The talk aimed at raising awareness of the various issues affecting people with MS was organised by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Serono.

MS is a chronic neurological disease that involves the central nervous system, specifically the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves and it affects neurons, the cells of the brain and spinal cord that carry information, create thought and perception and allow the brain to control the body. Surrounding and protecting these neurons is a fatty layer known as the myelin sheath, which helps neurons carry electrical signals. MS causes gradual destruction of myelin (demyelination) throughout the brain and spinal cord, causing various symptoms depending upon which signals are interrupted.

Multiple sclerosis refers to the multiple scars (or sclerosis) on the myelin sheaths. It is thought that MS results from attacks from an individual’s immune system on the nervous system and is therefore categorised as an autoimmune disease.

According to Dr Victor Chong Heng Thay, adviser to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Malaysia, MS could take several different forms, with new symptoms occurring in discrete attacks or slowly accruing over time.

“Between attacks, symptoms may resolve completely, but permanent neurological problems often persist. Although much is known about how MS causes damage, its exact cause remains unknown. MS currently does not have a cure, though several treatments are available which may slow the appearance of new symptoms,” he added.

MS primarily affects adults, with an age of onset typically between 20 and 40 years, and is more common in women than in men.

Dr Chong said members of the Chinese community in Malaysia are five times more likely to get MS than Malays and it is common in Chinese women in their 30s compared to the other communities.

MS affects two to three per 100,000 of the population and it is estimated that about 500 Malaysians suffer from the disease.

Individuals with MS may experience a wide variety of symptoms. The initial attacks are often transient, mild (or asymptomatic), and self-limited. They often do not prompt a health care visit and sometimes is only identified in retrospect once the diagnosis has been made based on further attacks.

The most common initial symptoms reported are: changes in sensation in the arms, legs or face (33%), complete or partial vision loss (16%), weakness (13%), double vision (7%), unsteadiness when walking (5%) and balance problems (3%).

Dr Chong said 15% of individuals have multiple symptoms when they first seek medical attention.

Other symptoms and physical findings common in MS are double vision, speech difficulties, tremors, and clumsiness of the hands, abnormal muscle spasms, bladder and bowel difficulties and sexual dysfunctions.

Cognitive impairments are also common. These include difficulty performing multiple tasks at once, difficulty following detailed instructions, loss of short-term memory, emotional instability and fatigue.

According to Assoc Prof Dr Stephen T. Jambunathan, emotional symptoms are common and are the normal response to having a debilitating disease or a result of damage to the nerves that generate and control emotions.

Speaking on Psychological Issues in MS, Prof Jambunathan said the most common condition, clinical depression, was a product of both causes. Feelings such as anger, anxiety, frustration, and hopelessness were also common and MS patients are 7.5 times more likely to have suicidal tendencies.

Depression is a persistent disturbance of mood with complex roots in an individual’s physiology and psychology and it has marked symptoms. People with MS and other chronic illnesses experience depression more than the general population as a result of the burden of changes in daily life and loss of function.

“Recognising depression is not always easy because some of the physical and mental symptoms are common to MS as well. The relationship bewteen fatigue, cognitive problems and depression can be confusing. Whether one becomes depressed in reaction to MS, or depression is a part of the biology of MS, there are effective interventions.

“While there are some who feel that depression is a character flaw, it is not. There is treatment for depression and it is curable,” said Prof Jambunathan.

Speaking on MS and Intimacy, Datuk Dr Raihanah Abdul Khalid, a consultant neurologist, said that 40-80% of women and 50-90% of men with MS had sexual complaints or concerns.

She said that prevalence of sexual dysfunction in people with MS was higher compared to other chronic diseases and almost five times more than in the general population.

The primary cause of sexual dysfunction is the demyelinating lesions in the brain which directly impair sexual feelings while secondary causes are as a result of MS symptoms or through the use of drugs for treatment.

Psychological, social and cultural issues that interfer with sexual feelings include thoughts such as: “Disabled people aren’t sexually attractive”, “I can’t be both a caregiver and a lover”, to “Sex is the last thing on my mind now especially with MS.”

Datuk Dr Raihanah said measures such as education and support, medical symptom management, communication skills training between partners and patients and the medical team and counselling focussing on intimacy and sexuality are useful in helping MS patients cope with sexual dysfunction.

“The use of medication to relieve patients of painful paraesthesiaes, sexual aids, exercises, body mapping and counselling has been proven to enhance intimacy in people with MS,” she added.
The panellists were unanimous that management of reversing the deficits caused by MS damage is very important and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment through the involvement of therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists is the key to limiting and overcoming disabilities caused by the disease.

Excerpt from The Star


Anti-Cholestrol Drug Lessens Multiple Sclerosis In Mice
The New Sunday Times, 17 November 2002
Experiments in mice suggest that statins, drug normally used to lower cholesterol, may also prevent or lessen paralysis in people with some forms of multiple sclerosis, said researchers. However, they warned that people with multiple sclerosis should not start taking statins in hopes of fighting the disease saying the drugs must still be tested on humans for that use. It may not work and could even make the disease worse.The research team hopes to begin tests next year in people with very early signs of the disease; the patients will be given Lipitor, the statin used in the mice.

ProHighway.com

Technorati Tag: Biotechnology pharmaceutical Malaysia food supplement GT&F Health multiple sclerosis