KUALA
LUMPUR, 07 SEPTEMBER 2020 – Ho Wah Genting Berhad’s (“HWGB”
or the “Company”) (Bursa Stock Code:9601) wholly-owned subsidiary, HWGB
Biotech Sdn Bhd (“HWGB Biotech”) [Formerly known as HWG Consortium Sdn
Bhd], had submitted the necessary documents to the National Medical Research
Register (“NMRR”) to evaluate on the effectiveness of the Oral Polio Vaccine
(“OPV”) as a preventive protection against the COVID-19. (“Research
Protocol”)
The
Research Protocol is conducted under the Ministry of Health’s (“MOH”) National
Institute of Health guidelines. HWGB Biotech who will fully fund the clinical
trial and other related matters, is looking to detect poliovirus
vaccination-induced antibodies that can cross-react with COVID-19 proteins
through the research results.
Upon
MOH’s review and approval, HWGB Biotech will initiate the research at an appointed
private clinic. Participants will be screened and selected based on specific
inclusion criteria using convenience sampling. Vaccination will be served to
participants, followed by sample collection, serological testing and results reporting.
Chief
Executive Officer of HWGB, Dato’ Aaron Lim expressed:
“Given the dire situation, we are hoping to work with the Malaysian government
to quicken the process in evaluating the effectiveness of the polio vaccines on
COVID-19 prevention. If the research through clinical trials can be proven to
be effective, we can help Malaysia and the rest of Southeast Asia. A successful
vaccine is important not just in saving lives but also help the economies in
the region that has been negatively impacted by the pandemic due to lockdowns
and other preventative measures. It is imperative that this is done urgently”.
The
main investigator for Research Protocol will be Dato’ Dr. Lai Kwong Choy (“Dato’
Dr. Lai”), who has more than 30 years of medical training background
serving in government hospitals as well as private practice. Dato’ Dr. Lai
started his group practices and partnership at private clinics since 2000. He
was also a local counsellor at Kajang Municipal Council from 2004 to 2008. From
2009 to 2012, he served as a Board member at Malaysia Health Promotion Board
which is under MOH.
Following that, the co-investigator is Dr. Yaman Walid
Kassad (“Dr. Yaman”). Dr. Yaman
obtained his Bachelor of Pharmacy from
Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) from United Arab Emirate, Master of Science (M.Sc.) in
Clinical Pharmacy from Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Pharmacy from University Science
Malaysia (USM), Malaysia. He has
extensive research experience and has published more than 40 SCOPUS/ISI indexed
research papers.
Additionally, Associate Professor
Dr. Long Chiau Ming will assist as research consultant. He possesses 15 years of experience in the
academia, specifically in the medical field. He is an Associate Professor at
Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences,
University Brunei Darussalam and Executive Committee Member of Malaysian
Society of Pharmaceutical Technology.
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ABOUT HO WAH GENTING BERHAD
Ho Wah Genting Berhad (“HWGB” or the “Company”) is principally
engaged in investment holdings and the provision of management services to its
subsidiaries. The Company had on 30 June 2020 diversified its existing
businesses to include healthcare related industry which mainly involved in Health
Supplement, Biotechnology and Health Technology. In addition, the Company and
its subsidiaries (“HWGB Group” or the “Group”) are also engaging in
the businesses of Investment holdings; manufacturing of wire and cable and
moulded power supply cord sets and cable assemblies for electrical and
electronic devices and equipment; trading of wire and cable; and travel agent
and tour related services.
