Singapore: Monash University Malaysia recently announced joint research collaboration with Agilent technologies. The program will focus on application of proteomics, metabolomics and multi-omics research in discovering new medicines and study of various diseases.

The partnership extends Agilent and Monash University's cooperation in the area of life sciences research. The program is expected to help scientists increase lab productivity, ultimately advancing Malaysia's role as a center of excellence for life science research.

The Integrative Biology Laboratory (IBL) will combine Monash's research excellence in protein research, notably in diseases such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's and dengue fever, with Agilent's breakthrough iFunnel technology. Agilent will provide hardware and software for the IBL as well as training and ongoing support to the staff of Monash Malaysia.

The laboratory, housed at the university's Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Bandar Sunway will be accessed by over 100 Monash researchers and students. The facility will also conduct workshops and training for local and international scientists, benefitting the biomedical and clinical research communities in Malaysia and South East Asia.

As per the deal, Agilent will also conduct workshops and training for local and international scientists, benefitting the biomedical and clinical research communities in Malaysia and South East Asia. The company will also provide Monash Malaysia with early access to new microarray-based research applications and collaborate with the university on focused microarray designs for specific screening needs and research projects.

Dr Anuar Zaini Md Zain of the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Monash Malaysia, said, "This laboratory will help strengthen our current proteomics, metabolomics and small-molecules research capabilities. We look forward to higher productivity, resolution and mass accuracy capabilities for the analysis of biological samples including peptides and proteins (proteomics); cellular metabolites and lipids (metabolomics); and the combined, integrated analysis of multi-omics."

Agilent's Mr Robin Philp, academic manager for the South East Asia region, highlighted, "Establishing the IBL will help researchers address significant biological challenges today, and will also help grow the skill sets of tomorrow's scientists in Malaysia. There is a need for comprehensive analysis of proteins, peptides, lipids and other cellular metabolites-with both speed and sensitivity for the study of diseases."