Malaysia’s Genomics Breakthrough: AGTC Genomics Brings Earlier Cancer and Infection Detection into Clinical Practice

Aug 3
3 min read

Kuala Lumpur, 31 July 2026 — AGTC Genomics is pleased to share its recent progress in developing and commercialising advanced genomic technologies for earlier and more precise disease detection, including Malaysia’s first locally developed Multi-Cancer Early Detection test and clinical shotgun metagenomics, arising from close collaboration with Universiti Malaya and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.

The achievements were presented by Professor Dr Chee Onn Leong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AGTC Genomics, during the company’s industry briefing at the One-Day International Symposium on “Biomarkers in Early Disease Detection and Vaccine Development: A Transformative Journey in Modern Medicine,” held at Universiti Malaya on 31 July 2026. Professor Leong’s industry briefing formed part of the symposium’s programme of plenary presentations and panel discussions involving academic, clinical and industry experts.

Advancing Multi-Cancer Early Detection

Cancer outcomes are strongly influenced by how early the disease is detected. Many cancers remain difficult to identify during their earliest stages because symptoms may be absent, non-specific or only appear after the disease has progressed.

AGTC Genomics’ Multi-Cancer Early Detection test uses advanced liquid biopsy and genomic sequencing technologies to analyse cancer-related signals circulating in the blood. The approach is designed to complement existing screening programmes by providing a minimally invasive method to identify potential signs of multiple cancers from a single blood sample.

Earlier detection can enable patients to receive timely investigations and treatment, potentially improving clinical outcomes while reducing the physical, emotional and financial burden associated with advanced-stage cancer.

“Early detection is not simply about finding disease sooner. It is about creating an opportunity to intervene when treatment may be more effective and less complex,” said Professor Leong. “The commercialisation of a locally developed Multi-Cancer Early Detection test demonstrates that Malaysian research and technology can be translated into clinically relevant solutions with the potential to benefit patients locally and regionally.”

Transforming Infectious Disease Diagnosis Through Clinical Shotgun Metagenomics

AGTC Genomics also highlighted its progress in developing and commercialising clinical shotgun metagenomics in collaboration with Universiti Malaya and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.

Unlike conventional diagnostic methods that usually test for one or a limited number of suspected pathogens at a time, shotgun metagenomics analyses the genetic material present within a clinical sample. This can support the broad detection of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms, including uncommon or unexpected pathogens that may not be identified through routine testing.

The technology is particularly relevant for complex infections, critically ill patients and cases where conventional diagnostic investigations have not identified the cause of disease. By providing a more comprehensive view of the microorganisms present in a sample, clinical metagenomics has the potential to shorten the diagnostic journey and support more informed clinical decision-making.

From Academic Discovery to Clinical Impact

The symposium placed strong emphasis on non-invasive biomarkers, advanced genomics and the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications. It also highlighted the importance of alliances among universities, healthcare providers and industry stakeholders in accelerating biomarker discovery, validation, commercialisation and adoption in clinical practice.

AGTC Genomics believes that meaningful collaboration between academia and industry is essential to transform promising research into solutions that can be accessed by doctors and patients.

Academic institutions contribute scientific expertise, clinical research capabilities and access to multidisciplinary knowledge. Industry partners provide product development, quality management, regulatory, commercialisation and operational capabilities needed to translate discoveries into reliable clinical services. Healthcare institutions, meanwhile, ensure that technologies are developed around genuine clinical needs and evaluated within real-world patient settings.

“Scientific innovation creates its greatest value when it moves beyond the laboratory and becomes part of patient care,” Professor Leong added. “Our collaborations with Universiti Malaya and UMMC demonstrate how academia, healthcare and industry can work together to validate new technologies, build local capabilities and bring Malaysian innovation into clinical practice.”

Building Malaysia’s Precision Medicine Ecosystem

The successful development and commercialisation of Multi-Cancer Early Detection and clinical shotgun metagenomics represent important milestones for Malaysia’s precision medicine and advanced diagnostics ecosystem.

Through continued partnerships with universities, hospitals, clinicians and researchers, AGTC Genomics aims to expand access to clinically validated genomic technologies, strengthen local research translation and position Malaysia as a regional centre for precision medicine and advanced molecular diagnostics.

About AGTC Genomics

AGTC Genomics is a Malaysian precision medicine and clinical genomics company focused on translating advanced genomic technologies into clinically actionable healthcare solutions. Its capabilities span precision oncology, liquid biopsy, hereditary disease testing, rare disease genomics, infectious disease diagnostics and clinical metagenomics.

The company works closely with healthcare institutions, universities and industry partners to develop and commercialise genomic solutions that support disease prevention, earlier diagnosis, personalised treatment and improved patient management.