Group Managing Director Mr Wong Chin Cheang received the Silver trophy for Best Innovation at the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2025 on behalf of Pharm-D Health Science Berhad.
KUALA LUMPUR – Pharm-D Health Science Berhad’s (also known as “Pharm-D HS”) recent Silver win for Best Innovation (Category: RM25 Million & Above) at the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2025 recognises the company’s development of a patented, multi-sector postbiotic innovation. As one of the earliest developments of its kind in Malaysia, this innovation is derived from homegrown bioresources, specifically Musang King durian and fermented cabbage.
Learn more: What is Postbiotic?
Developed through a strategic research collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), this innovation addresses two (2) critical challenges: the escalating global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) crisis and Malaysia’s reliance on imported biotechnological ingredients. By utilising proprietary probiotic strains isolated from local soil, the company developed a suite of heat-stable, inanimate patented microbial ingredients. These patented ingredients span multi-sector applications, including LASSICA K014® for human health, PLANTACT® for pet wellness, and ACASEI® for the agriculture sectors.
“This award validates our belief that local science understands local needs best,” said Mr Wong Chin Cheang, Group Managing Director of Pharm-D Health Science. “By leveraging Malaysia’s unique biodiversity, we have created a breakthrough that is 100% Malaysian in origin: fully developed and patented locally, and one that is on a par with international innovations.”
The Multi-Sectoral Postbiotic Science that Advances WHO’s One Health Approach
Unlike conventional probiotics, which require cold chain logistics due to their sensitivity to heat and pH, these postbiotics are composed of inanimate microbial cells and bioactive components. They remain stable at room temperature and are heat-resistant up to 121°C. This makes them a safer, more practical alternative, suitable for a significantly broader range of product formats and industrial applications.
The innovation is a genuine expression of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) One Health approach, which addresses human, animal, and food chain health within a single, integrated science:
- Human Health: LASSICA K014® supports gut, skin, and oral health. It delivers natural antimicrobial protection against pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus.
- Animal Health: PLANTACT® is the first postbiotic in Malaysia developed for pet nutrition (cats and dogs). It supports gut resilience, immunity, and skin and joint health in companion animals.
- Agriculture: ACASEI® (also known as Postbiotic FD1) is used as a feed additive to improve livestock and aquaculture immune system while reducing the reliance on antibiotics. Derived from a unique fermented durian strain, this postbiotic delivers potent protection against common pathogens like Salmonella, while its rich profile of organic acids enhances gut health and nutrient absorption. Validated through farm trials, ACASEI® has been shown to improve produce quality, such as eggs with firmer egg whites and higher nutritional values.
The multi-sectoral postbiotic suite: A diverse range of applications serving the healthcare, animal wellness, and agricultural sectors.
A cross-sector innovation designed to support the WHO’s One Health approach.
From Concept to Community with a Sustainable Future
Beyond its scientific novelty, this innovation is defined by various practical applications across everyday life. It has been successfully transitioned from the laboratory into a commercial reality, with over 16 products currently available on the market across the healthcare, animal wellness, and agricultural sectors.
To ensure long-term sustainability, a pipeline of trials and studies is currently underway to uncover further applications. By constantly expanding into new sectors, Pharm-D Health Science ensures its research delivers an evolving, measurable impact on public health and food security.
Postbiotic-based products developed for human healthcare, pet wellness, farming and aquaculture
Homegrown Innovation to Build and Reflect Malaysia’s Scientific Excellence
This milestone represents a shift for Malaysia from being a technology adopter to a technology creator. The entire end-to-end development process, from strain isolation and clinical research to patenting and production, is conducted locally. This approach ensures this intellectual property remains within the country and fostering local scientific talents through research partnerships with local institutions such as USM and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
The initiative aligns with the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 and several United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health (SDG3) and Industry Innovation (SDG9).
“Our goal, besides addressing the AMR crisis and advancing health and wellness, was to demonstrate that impactful innovations can be homegrown,” added Mr. Wong. “This project is a significant step forward, proving that Malaysia has the capacity to create and lead, and not just adopt, in the biotech landscape with our own scientific research.”
About Pharm-D Health Science (Pharm-D HS)
Founded in 2001, Pharm-D Health Science (also known as “Pharm-D HS”) is a pharmaceutical and consumer health company specialising in specialised medicines, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and consumer health products. With a steadfast commitment to pioneering research, development, and manufacturing, Pharm-D HS offers a comprehensive array of solutions, including medications, over-the-counter medications, specialised nutrition, health supplements, and medical devices. Notably, Pharm-D HS is also a pioneer in postbiotics research and supply in Malaysia.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, the company provides healthcare and consumer health solutions under trusted house brands such as VALENS, ELDON, Lang Bragman, MedSkin, Reflux-G, Retane, and more. Ultimately, Pharm-D Health Science’s dedication to scientific excellence and holistic healthcare is driven by the mission to make health and wellbeing accessible for all with science.
For more information about Pharm-D Health Science, please visit https://www.pharmdhs.com/
For media enquiries:
Corporate Communications Department
Email: communications@pharmdhs.com
Tel: +603-7770 7918
