Kuala Lumpur, 19 November 2025 — The IMU University (IMU) has just opened the IMUAXL Advanced Cell Laboratory (IMUAXL) — a project built to turn advanced cell research into real-world healthcare. The new facility brings together scientists, industry partners, and clinicians in one space, bridging research with practice and focusing on innovations that can improve everyday living.

“IMUAXL is more than a laboratory — it’s a statement of intent,” said Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, FASc, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of IMU. “This initiative embodies IMU’s commitment to translational research that addresses the nation’s needs and transforms lives. By uniting academia and industry, we are building Malaysia’s capacity to compete globally in health technology, while ensuring that our innovations are easily accessible to all through user-friendly platforms and widespread collaboration. This is how we redefine the university’s role — not only as a centre of knowledge but as a catalyst for sustainable healthcare progress.”

The IMUAXL stands as one of Malaysia’s first multi-industry platforms dedicated to accelerating innovation in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and stem-cell-derived secretomes — two promising areas in regenerative medicine that offer therapeutic potential without relying on live-cell treatments.

The collaboration unites key players: IMU, Cell Agritech, Cryocord Malaysia, and Eppendorf Asia Pacific. The shared focus of the partnership is to explore and develop these cutting-edge research areas, offering transformative solutions for the future of healthcare.

“Rather than working in silos, this collaboration brings together the strengths of academia and industry,” said Prof Chin Beek Yoke, Dean, Industry Partnerships & Engagement of IMU and Project Lead. “From advanced bioreactor systems to high-quality stem-cell materials and precision instrumentation, IMUAXL offers a unique environment for fast-tracking the development, testing, and translation of new biomedical technologies. This approach will enable a direct path from scientific discovery to real clinical applications.”

In doing so, IMUAXL supports Malaysia’s goal of strengthening its biotech ecosystem and enhancing its global competitive edge in regenerative health.

IMUAXL’s goal is simple: take discoveries made at the bench and bring them closer to patient care. Its studies in EVs and secretome science could open new possibilities for tissue repair, immune therapy, and disease recovery, leading to treatments that are effective yet more affordable.

“This partnership is about more than shared facilities — it’s about shared purpose,” said Prof Chin. “Our goal is to move beyond academic output and deliver real solutions that enhance quality of life.”

Each partner plays a different part in making the lab work:

Cell Agritech provides a Solaris IO 200 bioreactor system, a Liebherr Medline Lab Freezer, and a year of seed funding for proof-of-concept research. “We see IMUAXL as a living bridge between science and society,” said Jason Ng, Founder and Manufacturing Vice President, Cell Agritech. “By investing in this ecosystem, we are investing in Malaysia’s future in regenerative health.”

Cryocord Malaysia supplies the stem-cell materials that keep the research running. “Our collaboration ensures continuity of high-quality biological materials essential for meaningful research,” said James Then, Managing Director, Cryocord Malaysia. “We’re proud to support an initiative that brings tangible value to future medical practice.”

Eppendorf Asia Pacific supports the lab with advanced instruments and precision tools used in cell research worldwide. “This partnership goes beyond providing instruments; it is a true co-creation of an innovation hub. We are equipping IMU’s world-class researchers with the tools to push the boundaries of discovery, said Tze Sean Kua, Country Head, Rest of South East Asia (RoSEA), Eppendorf Asia Pacific. This IMUAXL collaboration exemplifies the kind of forward-looking partnership that drives scientific excellence in the region.”

IMUAXL is not only a place for cutting-edge research but also a training ground for future scientists. Students and staff will have hands-on access to advanced equipment and guidance from industry mentors. This initiative helps cultivate a new generation of Malaysian scientists capable of seamlessly bridging academic research with applied biotechnology.

In the end, IMUAXL stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between education, research, and industry, demonstrating that meaningful, lasting change is possible. “Through IMUAXL, we are proving that health innovation can be both ethical and accessible,” said Prof Asma. “It’s not just about discovery — it’s about delivering hope and better living to our communities.”