Tag: Health

MALAYSIA WELCOMES FIRST MEDICAL TOURISM FAMILIARISATION TRIP FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FROM UZBEKISTAN AND KAZAKHSTAN

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) — As demand for Malaysia’s healthcare services continues to grow across Central Asia, Malaysia is welcoming senior healthcare professionals from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for its first Medical Tourism Familiarisation Trip organised by Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Tourism Malaysia (TM), designed to deepen professional collaboration and expand referral opportunities between the regions. the initiative reflects the growing demand for Malaysian healthcare services across the region and aims to foster knowledge exchange and long-term partnerships between medical institutions in Malaysia and Central Asia.

From 3 to 10 August 2026, the programme brings together 16 distinguished healthcare professionals, including practicing physicians, professors and senior medical specialists from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, for an immersive study visit throughout the programme. Participants will gain first-hand insight into Malaysia’s internationally recognised healthcare ecosystem and integrated approach to healthcare travel.

During the week-long programme, the delegation will visit four of Malaysia’s leading private healthcare institutions including Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Prince Court Medical Centre, and Sunway Medical Centre. Participants will meet with hospital management teams, doctors and specialists to discuss clinical excellence, healthcare quality standards, international patient management and the practical aspects of delivering seamless care to international patients.

The initiative comes at a time of growing interest in Malaysia’s healthcare sector across Central Asia. In 2025, healthcare travel revenue from Kazakhstan increased by 29.4%, rising from approximately USD 400,000 to USD 520,000, while Uzbekistan recorded a 30.8% increase, growing from around USD 305,000 to USD 400,000. The consistent growth in both markets highlights the region’s rising importance as a source of international patients and reflects increasing confidence in Malaysia’s high-quality, internationally accredited healthcare services. Malaysia currently attracts around 1.84 million international patients each year, resulting in over USD 770 million in healthcare travel revenue annually. The country’s healthcare system includes over 90 partner hospitals and providers, delivering internationally recognized expertise in various fields such as cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility treatments, and dentistry. 

Dato’ Suriaghandi said the familiarisation programme reflects MHTC’s commitment to building stronger professional relationships with healthcare communities in emerging markets while creating greater awareness of Malaysia’s healthcare capabilities among key medical decision-makers. He noted that healthcare professionals play an important role in influencing patients’ healthcare choices, making long-term engagement essential in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a preferred medical tourism destination.

“Trust is at the heart of every healthcare journey. By welcoming healthcare professionals to experience Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem first-hand, we hope to foster meaningful relationships built on confidence, knowledge and shared commitment to patient care. That is the essence of Healing Meets Hospitality where clinical excellence is complemented by genuine compassion, creating a healthcare experience that patients can trust.” Dato’ Suriaghandi Suppiah, CEO of MHTC.

Beyond the professional visits, the delegation will also experience Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage through visits to Kuala Lumpur, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Melaka and Putrajaya. By combining world-class healthcare with renowned hospitality, modern infrastructure and diverse tourism experiences, Malaysia offers international patients a comprehensive healthcare travel journey that extends well beyond medical treatment.

Photo can be found in this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15D6oZDyMxbpR4tLuADIe64hRM-LTX3V2?usp=drive_link

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Muhammad Rasydan Ma’at
Head of Unit
PR and Media
Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my
 
Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi                                                       
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168                                                                                     
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my 

–BERNAMA

THE A2 MILK COMPANY PRESENTS INFANT FORMULA, DIGESTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH AT NUTRITION 2026

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) — The a2 Milk Company, a dairy nutrition company, has announced new clinical and preclinical research examining infant growth and safety, protein utilisation and gastrointestinal biomarkers, and digestive tolerance associated with A1- and A2-type beta-casein proteins.

Presented at NUTRITION 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, the research included studies conducted by The a2 Milk Company as well as company-funded research by investigators from Purdue University and Nova Southeastern University.

The company presented results from a randomised, double-blind controlled trial evaluating infant formula made with milk free from A1-type beta-casein protein (A1PF) in healthy term infants.

The Growth Monitoring Study, which was required by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for new infant formulas, found that infants fed the A1PF formula experienced normal growth throughout the 16-week study period, meeting the FDA’s predefined non-inferiority criteria compared with a commercially available infant formula.

Additional analyses showed that infants receiving the A1PF formula recorded about six per cent greater average weight gain, around 6.6 per cent greater length gain, and higher weight-for-age and length-for-age z-scores at 16 weeks.

A separate preclinical study presented by The a2 Milk Company Senior Global Research Manager, Kirsty Armstrong, examined the protein component of A1PF infant formula using the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC INTERNATIONAL) Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) Official Method 960.48.

Key findings included higher adjusted PER, elevated antioxidant status, reduced gastrointestinal inflammatory markers, improved intestinal barrier function markers, and increased lactase gene and protein expression.

The company said the findings suggest that A1PF milk in infant formula may support improved protein quality and a more favourable gastrointestinal environment for nutrient utilisation, although further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.

Researchers from Purdue University also investigated the role of A1- and A2-type beta-casein in digestion and metabolism, while Nova Southeastern University examined how naturally occurring differences in milk proteins may influence inflammation in the gut and brain, contributing to ongoing research into the links between nutrition, inflammation, digestive health and cognitive function.

— BERNAMA

KFSHRC ACHIEVES WORLD’S FIRST SINGLE-PORT ROBOTIC LIVER TRANSPLANT

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has performed the world’s first liver transplant using a single-port robotic system in a six-year-old boy suffering from recurrent acute liver failure.

The transplant was made possible after the child’s father donated the left lobe of his liver. The procedure was completed successfully, with the child showing good early recovery, the liver graft functioning well and no complications observed.

According to KFSHRC in a statement, the patient had Wolcott-Rallison syndrome, a rare inherited disorder that causes early-onset diabetes and recurrent episodes of acute liver failure, placing him at repeated, life-threatening risk.

The transplant addressed the disease’s most serious complication, offering the boy a chance at a more stable life while easing the medical and emotional burden on his family. He will continue to receive follow-up care for his underlying genetic condition and diabetes.

A single-port robotic system allows surgeons to introduce precision surgical instruments and a high-definition 3D camera through one small incision, unlike conventional multi-port robotic surgery, which requires several access points.

Working through this single port, surgeons carried out the most delicate stages of the transplant inside the child’s body, where the confined surgical field required extremely precise handling of blood vessels and bile ducts. The approach helped reduce surgical impact, ease pain, and shorten recovery time and hospital stay.

This milestone builds on a pioneering path KFSHRC began in 2023 with the world’s first fully robotic liver transplant, which has since grown into an integrated programme with 165 cases performed to date, supported by experience from more than 1,700 robotic living-donor liver resections.

This accumulated expertise reflects the hospital’s ability to turn landmark achievements into advanced clinical programmes that change the course of entire families’ lives, expanding the use of robotics in highly complex transplant surgery and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in medical innovation and healthcare excellence.

Ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 12th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centres for 2026, KFSHRC was also recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East for 2026 by Brand Finance. It was also listed by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals, World’s Best Smart Hospitals and World’s Best Specialised Hospitals for 2026.

— BERNAMA

Vivani Medical Enters into Agreement with Novo Nordisk to Evaluate NPM-139, a Miniature, Ultra Long-Acting Semaglutide Implant for Chronic Weight Management

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

Novo Nordisk will conduct a non-exclusive internal evaluation of semaglutide implants prepared by Vivani 

ALAMEDA, Calif., July 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vivani Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: VANI) (“Vivani” or the “Company”), an innovative, biopharmaceutical company developing novel, ultra long-acting drug implants, today announced the signing of a new agreement with Novo Nordisk to enable Novo Nordisk to evaluate NPM-139, the Company’s semaglutide drug implant. NPM-139, which utilizes Vivani’s NanoPortal™ platform technology, is under development for chronic weight management. There are no exclusivity provisions for NPM-139, or Vivani’s proprietary NanoPortal technology associated with this agreement. 

Adam Mendelsohn, Ph.D., Vivani President and CEO, stated: “The new agreement announced today supporting our semaglutide implant program in chronic weight management demonstrates Novo Nordisk’s interest in evaluating our technology and its lead semaglutide application. This agreement reinforces our confidence regarding the market opportunity for our GLP-1 implants under development. We believe that our NanoPortal implants under development, including NPM-139, could address a growing segment of patients who would prefer a convenient once- or twice-yearly treatment option and the peace of mind that treatment could be stopped at any time if that became necessary.”

Separately, Vivani expects to initiate a Phase 1, randomized, first-in-human study evaluating the NPM-139 semaglutide implant, with Wegovy® injections as an active comparator, in mid-2026. The study’s objectives are to characterize the safety, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability of NPM-139 to support the initiation of a Phase 2 dose-ranging study pending successful results of the Phase 1 study.

About Vivani Medical, Inc.

Leveraging its proprietary NanoPortal™ platform, Vivani develops biopharmaceutical implants designed to deliver drug molecules steadily over extended periods of time with the goal of guaranteeing adherence and improving patient tolerance to their medication. Vivani is developing a portfolio of GLP-1 based implants for metabolic diseases including obesity and type 2 diabetes. These NanoPortal implants are designed to provide patients with the opportunity to realize the full potential benefit of their medication by avoiding the numerous challenges associated with the daily or weekly administration of orals and injectables, including tolerability issues and loss of efficacy. Medication non-adherence occurs when patients do not take their medication as prescribed. This affects an alarming number of patients, approximately 50%, including those taking daily pills. For more information, please visit: www.vivani.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “target,” “believe,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “would,” “positioned,” “future,” and other similar expressions that are used in this press release, including statements regarding Vivani’s business, products in development, including the therapeutic potential thereof, the planned development thereof, and its technology, strategy, cash position and financial runway. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on Vivani’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Vivani’s control. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including, without limitation, risks of unexpected costs or delays; and risks and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of products and product candidates that may impact or alter anticipated business plans, strategies and objectives. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statement. There may be additional risks that the Company considers immaterial, or which are unknown. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties are more fully described in periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission including the factors described in Vivani’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 13, 2026, as updated by future filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by Vivani in this press release is based only on information currently available to the Company and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of added information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Company Contact:
Donald Dwyer
Chief Business Officer
info@vivani.com (415) 506-8462

Investor and Media Relations Contact:
Jami Taylor
Investor and Media Relations Advisor
investors@vivani.com (415) 506-8462

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2d15b13-32f3-42ba-afed-e1cea67006b1

SOURCE: Vivani Medical, Inc.

Healthcare Partners Protocol & Solutions Committee (HPPSC) Launches and Spearheading Key Initiatives to Enhance Communication, Operational Efficiency and Customer Experience in Malaysia’s Healthcare Ecosystem

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized
Mark O’Dell, LIAM CEO

Joint Press Statement by MMA, APHM, LIAM, MTA, AND PIAM 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) — The Healthcare Partners Protocol & Solutions Committee (HPPSC) implemented two initiatives* and continues to drive a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing a seamless communication and improving operational efficiency among doctors, hospitals, insurers and takaful operators (ITOs), enhancing the overall customer experience across the healthcare ecosystem.

Key Initiatives by HPPSC 

1. Improving Communication Between Medical Practitioners and ITOs
To facilitate more efficient and timely medical and health insurance and takaful (MHIT) claims for patients, the HPPSC has recommended for the establishment of a dedicated “doctor-to-doctor” hotline by ITOs. In response to this recommendation, the hotline was implemented and has been operational since 30 April 2026 to support and address claims enquiries, as well as enable direct discussions between medical practitioners and the medical advisory team at ITOs. Such discussions are often necessary to understand case-specific matters such as treatment pathways and the use of new technologies or drugs.
*https://www.liam.org.my/news/press_details.aspx?ps=11166&ct=3,
Healthcare Budget Planner 

This initiative is expected to strengthen communication, improve mutual understanding and support better coordination between medical practitioners and ITOs. This is intended to result in faster resolution of claims queries that will lead to better patient care and treatment decisions.

2. Enhancing Transparency in Panelling and Review Processes for Cashless Facility
The HPPSC has established a transparent and streamlined governance framework to support the panelling review and appeal processes relating to healthcare providers participating in cashless facility arrangements under MHIT products. The framework establishes a structured panelling review and appeal processes with clear guiding principles to promote fair and impartial assessment, continuous engagement, consistent decision-making and ongoing oversight. This initiative aims to strengthen confidence while improving governance and stakeholder engagement to promote prudent healthcare spending, strengthen governance, and enhance the overall integrity and sustainability of the MHIT ecosystem.  

3. Improving MHIT Claims Management Operational Efficiency
As part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and consistency in claims management, the HPPSC is undertaking several initiatives relating to clinical protocols and policy coverage.

These initiatives include: 

(a) Claims Management Processes
Developing processes to guide ITOs in managing clinical queries involving treatments recommended by medical practitioners that may not be directly aligned with or covered under existing Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) issued by MOH through Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS). 

(b) Best Practices for Emerging Medical Technologies and Treatments
Developing best practices recommendations to support ITOs in assessing and determining MHIT coverage for new procedures, diagnostics, treatments and medicines, including emerging medical technologies such as robotic surgery, genetic testing and new cancer therapies. 

(c) Cancer Drug List Alignment and Awareness
Endorsing a cancer drug list developed in alignment with the MOH’s prescribed formulary prior to publication by MOH (NPRA). This initiative is intended to ensure healthcare providers remain updated on the MOH’s current prescribed cancer drug formulary.

The above initiatives will also include:
• Collaboration with the MOH, hospitals, treating specialists and relevant medical associations to facilitate alignment and resolution; and
• The implementation of mechanisms to disseminate outcomes, protocols and solutions arising from such engagements to all ITOs to promote greater consistency in application. 

4. Streamlining the Guarantee Letter (GL) Issuance Process
HPPSC will work towards simplifying and improving the Guarantee Letter (GL) issuance process to support timely issuance and more effective communication between ITOs, TPAs, medical practitioners and hospitals. 

This initiative aims to reduce administrative inefficiencies, improve coordination among stakeholders and enhance patients’ overall experience during hospital admissions and treatment. 

The initiatives undertaken by HPPSC reflect the Committee’s ongoing commitment to fostering greater collaboration, transparency and operational efficiency across the healthcare ecosystem. 

Commenting on the progress and significance of these initiatives, the Co-Chairs of HPPSC shared the following:

Chief Executive Officer of LIAM, Mark O’Dell said “HPPSC reflects what can be achieved when all stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem come together with a shared purpose. These initiatives are designed to strengthen communication, improve operational efficiency and enhance transparency, ultimately benefiting patients and policyholders. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, it is important that insurers, takaful operators, healthcare providers and regulators work collaboratively to develop practical and sustainable solutions that support timely access to care while ensuring the long-term affordability and sustainability of medical and health insurance and takaful coverage for Malaysians.”

Dr Gunalan Palari @ Arumugam Palari of Malaysia Medical Association added “Effective patient care depends on strong collaboration and mutual understanding among all parties involved in the healthcare journey. Through HPPSC, we have established a constructive platform that enables healthcare providers and healthcare financiers to address operational challenges, improve communication and develop solutions that support better clinical and patient outcomes. The implementation of initiatives such as the “doctor-to-doctor” hotline demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate and coordinated care.”

Commitment to Continued Collaboration
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM), Life Insurance Association (LIAM), Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), and General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) reaffirm their commitment to constructive collaboration and continuous engagement in strengthening the sustainability, transparency and efficiency of Malaysia’s healthcare financing ecosystem. 

The HPPSC will continue to serve as a platform for practical problem-solving, constructive engagement and industry collaboration in support of better healthcare access and patient outcomes for all Malaysians. 

The Committee brings together representatives from healthcare providers and healthcare financing stakeholders, including MMA, APHM, insurers and takaful operators (ITOs), as well as third-party administrators (TPAs), with observers from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). It is co-chaired by MMA and LIAM, with the support of PIAM and MTA, reflecting a shared commitment to collaborative solutions.

Issued jointly by:
• Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)
• Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM)
• Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM)
• Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA)
• Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) 

SOURCE: Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MMA:
Name: Mr Darren Atkinson
Press Officer
Malaysian Medical Association
Level 4, MMA House
124 Jalan Pahang
53000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 4041 1375 / +60 12-295 5042
Fax: 03 4041 8187
Email: secretary@mma.org.my
Website: mma.org.my

APHM:
Name: Muhammad Badri Hussin
CEO
Associations of Private Hospitals of Malaysia
A-17-01 Menara UOA Bangsar
5, Jalan Bangsar Utama 1
59000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 603 22841701
Email : badri@aphm.org.my / aphm@aphm.org.my
Website : https://aphm.org.my

LIAM:
Puan Norizan Hassan
Head of Corporate Communications
Life Insurance Association of Malaysia
Level 6, AICB Building
No. 10, Jalan Dato’ Onn
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-2691 6168 / 6628 / 8068
Email: liaminfo@liam.org.my
Website: http://www.liam.org.my
Facebook: LIAM – Life Insurance Association of Malaysia
Instagram: @liamalaysia 

MTA:
Name: Puan Siti Nor Kamariah Ishak
Head, Corporate Communications
18th Floor, Main Block
Menara Takaful Malaysia
Jalan Sultan Sulaiman
50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 018-355 1427
Fax: +603-2031 8170
Email: mtasecretariat@malaysiantakaful.com.my

PIAM:
Name: Ms. Susanna G. Simon
Manager, Communications
Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM)
Wisma PIAM
150, Jalan Tun Sambanthan
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Tel: 03-2274 7399
Fax: 03-2274 5910
Email: susanna.simon@piam.org.my
Website: http://www.piam.org.my

–BERNAMA