@ HalalXtra 16 July-August 2022
HALAL HEALTH
ACCELERATING GROWTH PRODUCTIVITY WITH R & D
Jardin Pharma leverages university-industry R & D collaborations to strengthen its position as the nation ’ s only halal eco pharmaceutical company
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
JARDIN PHARMA Berhad ( Jardin Pharma ) is different from other pharmaceutical companies by positioning itself as the only halal eco pharmaceutical in the country .
“ We know people now prefer natural products globally , as they are safer and healthier . Even during the pandemic , many resorted to the traditional method and herbal medicines to boost their immune system and fight the infection ,” said Dr Maryam Aziz , the co-founder of Jardin Pharma .
However , the traditional and herbal medicines currently on the market are mainly not ethically produced as they are not adequately researched , and their efficacy and safety are not proven .
“ For all you know , you could be taking a product which might damage your kidney or liver . So , as Jardin Pharma are producing natural and eco-based products , we focus on the research and development ( R & D ) aspect of product development and manufacturing .
“ We are committed to bringing halal , all-natural , and eco pharmaceutical products that are clinically tested and safe into the market .”
BRIDGING THE GAP
According to Dr Maryam , much research is being done in public universities . These researchers may be on a small laboratory scale , but it has the
potential to be further developed into commercially successful products .
And yet researchers are unable to develop , manufacture and commercialise their findings due to financial and capacity constraints .
“ So , we decided to collaborate with local public universities on the R & D , particularly on the all-natural and sustainable technological innovation in pharmaceutical products .
“ We , therefore , position ourselves within the gap and have joint ventures with selected public universities . We support and sponsor relevant R & Ds , and later develop , manufacture and market the products .”
LIPOSOMAL AND PROBIOTIC RESEARCH CENTER
“ It is from such collaborations with local public universities Jardin Pharma ’ s probiotic and liposomal research centre came about ,” she explained .
The Probiotic Research Centre was established from the collaboration between Jardin Pharma and International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM ).
“ After signing the Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) with IIUM , we had some presentation sessions with the researchers from IIUM . From the sessions , we then choose relevant researches that have commercial value .
“ For example , with IIUM ’ s Assoc . Prof . Ts . Dr Mohd Hafiz Arzmi ’ s patented OroSYN , which is made up of a synbiotic composition of oral probiotic and prebiotic , to promote oral health , we have joined together to develop synbiotic toothpaste .”
Jardin Pharma , she continued , also collaborated with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia ( UTM ) to research and develop liposomal turmeric .
Liposomal is a pharmaceutical technology specialised in deliverance and enhances absorption of active pharmaceutical ingredients . Unfortunately , there are no liposomal products manufactured in Malaysia .
“ We are sponsoring research in UTM on liposomal turmeric to enhance their absorption rates .
“ From these partnerships , we set up our own probiotic and liposomal
research centres to produce and supply to meet the demand for product manufacturing , commercialisation , export , and research .
“ While further research continues at the respective universities , we focus on the manufacturing and commercialisation , which strictly conforms to the halal standard .
“ Also , by having the Probiotic research centre and liposomal research centre , we can probably say that we are the leading company in these two small niche areas in the pharmaceutical industry .”
NEW PRODUCTS AND FUTURE VENTURES
Dr Maryam informed that Jardin Pharma was constantly expanding its product listings .
“ We have launched 10 new products and have many more products in the pipeline awaiting NPRA registration and approval .
“ The most recent product launched is the JardinFit Café Latte , a proteinenriched coffee for slimming . It is formulated with all-natural ingredients , which includes Yeast Protein Hydrolysate .”
Yeast Protein Hydrolysate is patented and clinically proven to reduce appetite , fat stores and body weight .
Jardin Pharma is also exploring opportunities to venture into vaccine manufacturing . As for R & D , Jardin Pharma will continue to focus on innovations and technologies related to futuristic pharmaceuticals . – Halal Xtra