At QIU, we pride ourselves on impactful research that provides innovative solutions to pressing societal problems. Continuing this practice, we are pleased to announce a major milestone in botanical-based clinical cancer research.
QIU researchers from the Faculty of Medicine have led the successful completion of a Phase III clinical trial evaluating Nuvastatic™—a supportive intervention for cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The study was led by Professor Dr. Aman Shah Abdul Majid and Professor Dr. Ashok Gnanasekaran, serving as key researchers from the Centre for Botanical Drugs and Clinical Research, under the Centre for Research and Innovation, QIU. Both researchers played pivotal roles in the conceptualisation, coordination, and execution of this multi-centre clinical trial addressing a significant unmet need in oncology supportive care.
The collaborative team includes researchers from academia, clinical centres, and industry, alongside partners from :
- Quest International University
- Eman Biodiscoveries Sdn, Bhd.
- College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University
- NatureCeuticals Sdn. Bhd.
- Icon Cancer Centre, Island Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
- HCG Cancer Centre, Karnataka, India
Cancer-related fatigue remains one of the most persistent challenges in oncology care, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life and treatment adherence. Findings from this Phase III trial provide robust clinical evidence supporting Nuvastatic™ as a safe, plant-based adjunct therapy to improve patient well-being during cancer treatment, while reinforcing Malaysia’s growing leadership in evidence-based botanical drug development and translational medicine.
Funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Malaysia, under the Government Transformation Program and National Key Economic Area initiative, the study evaluated Nuvastatic™, developed by NatureCeuticals Sdn. Bhd., for its multi-target activity across oxidative stress, inflammation, immune modulation, and metabolic pathways. This study was also supported by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Institute for Medical Research.
The milestone is another feather in QIU’s research cap. Throughout the years, our staff and students’ research has garnered local and international accolades, winning award for projects that include eco-bricks, apps for children with special needs, ageing, and so much more!
QIU proudly congratulates Professor Dr. Aman Shah Abdul Majid and Professor Dr. Ashok Gnanasekaran for their exemplary leadership in achieving this significant research milestone. Their achievement reflects QIU’s continued pursuit of research excellence, innovation, and meaningful contributions to global healthcare advancement.
