KUALA LUMPUR (July 20): Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd (MGRC) and UCrest Bhd have signed a collaborative agreement to integrate genomic testing services into digital health platform iMedic.

In a bourse filing on Wednesday (July 20), MGRC said that under the agreement, a virtual genome service centre will be developed on iMedic, enabling the genomic testing services of MGRC to be made available to hospitals and clinics, widening its market access in both Malaysia and globally.

Additionally, it said the genomic testing services will also be made available to patients directly.

MGRC said patients' genomic data from their test results will be integrated into electronic medical records, making them accessible by doctors and patients in the process of consultation and management, resulting in improved accuracy in diagnosis and treatment.

The company said the global genomics market size was valued at US$20.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 15.35% from 2021 to 2028.

MGRC chief executive officer Sasha Nordin said the platform will enable the company to strengthen its business-to-business and business-to-consumer channels.

"This collaboration can play an important role in providing physicians with easy access to the latest in genetic screening, in support of enhancing their medical practice and improving patient outcomes," he said.

Meanwhile, UCrest chief executive officer Eg Kah Yee said the partnership with MGRC allows the firm to enhance its vision of integrating preventive and precision medicine into iMedic.

"Cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetic, asthma, sleep apnea and many other chronic diseases can be prevented, managed or treated more effectively with the addition of the genome services," he said.

At the midday break, MGRC fell 5.22% or six sen to RM1.09 while UCrest jumped 23.53% or two sen to 10.5 sen.