Research ClusterNon-communicable Diseases
The NCD Research Cluster focuses on addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, and mental health disorders, through interdisciplinary research. Our work spans epidemiology, prevention, early detection, and intervention strategies tailored to local and regional needs. We aim to generate evidence-based insights that inform clinical practice, public health policy, and community engagement. The cluster brings together researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals committed to improving health outcomes and reducing NCD-related morbidity and mortality. Our collaborative efforts include population-based studies, health system research, and the evaluation of innovative models of care. By fostering partnerships across academia, healthcare institutions, and policymakers, we strive to build a sustainable research ecosystem that supports impactful and translational NCD research.
HEAD OF CLUSTER: PROF. DR. CHAI CHEE SHEE
Drug Discovery for Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder whose prevalence, incidence, and burden of have been increasing. Current drug therapy mainly treats positive symptoms, and only 10-20% of patients recover. The rest are either refractory to the drugs or only develop a partial response. Current drugs are not effective for negative symptoms or cognitive deficits. However, second-generation antipsychotics stimulate neurite outgrowth in neuronal cells. PC12 neuronal cells can respond to Nerve Outgrowth Factor to extend neurites. Our project aims to identify new antipsychotics by screening compounds from Borneo rainforest plants for their ability to increase neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.
Cellular Disease Modeling, Drug Discovery for Neurological Diseases
Research focuses on advancing cellular disease modeling for compound and drug screening, as well as investigating the underlying mechanisms of neurological diseases. Our laboratory develops in vitro disease models that replicate the pathology of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, including ischemic stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and depressive disorders. We conduct pharmacological testing to identify potential neuroprotective compounds and elucidate their underlying molecular mechanisms at the cellular level. This research contributes to the development of novel treatments for neurological diseases.
Immunopharmacology,
Vascular Drug Targeting
Endothelial dysfunction is a critical determinant in the development of vascular diseases, making it a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Our research investigates bioactive compounds, such as xanthones and other polyphenols from local plants, for their potential to restore endothelial function by reducing inflammation in activated endothelial cells. By exploring their ability to inhibit key signaling pathways, such as those mediated by tyrosine kinases and transcription factors, we aim to unravel the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving their anti-inflammatory effects. These insights could pave the way for developing new treatments for inflammatory diseases.
Advanced Imaging and Interventions for Heart Disease
Coronary heart diseases, degenerative valvular heart disease (including chronic rheumatic heart disease and bicuspid aortic stenosis), cardiac biomarkers, and advanced cardiac imaging. Current work also explores innovative interventional procedures such as transcatheter valve replacement, with a focus on improving cardiovascular outcomes and addressing the unique needs of patients in East Malaysia.
Integrating Neuropharmacology & Behaviour for Drug Discovery
The research interest is centred on elucidating the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The investigation focuses on the AD pathway through immunoblotting analysis to identify critical proteins and signalling pathways implicated in the disease’s progression. Additionally, there is a strong interest in utilizing the zebrafish behavioural model to study the effects of potential therapeutic compounds on cognitive and motor functions. By integrating natural product chemistry, the research aims to discover and characterize bioactive compounds that may provide novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual's genetic makeup influences their response to drugs. It combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to develop personalized medicine. By understanding genetic variations that affect drug metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity, pharmacogenomics aims to optimize drug therapy, minimize adverse effects, and improve treatment outcomes. This field holds the potential to tailor medications based on genetic profiles, enhancing precision in medical treatments. Ultimately, pharmacogenomics seeks to ensure the right drug is given at the right dose to the right patient.
Exploring Chemoprevention through Ethnopharmacology
Medical ethnopharmacology explores traditional medicinal practices and the therapeutic use of plants by indigenous cultures, aiming to identify bioactive compounds. Chemoprevention focuses on the use of natural or synthetic agents to prevent, inhibit, or reverse the progression of diseases, particularly cancer. Together, these fields drive research to discover plant-based compounds with potential to prevent or reduce disease risk, linking cultural knowledge with modern pharmacological science to find sustainable, natural alternatives for health interventions.
Haematological Disorders and Cancer Studies
Haematological disorders and cancer studies. Current projects focus on the application of flow cytometry techniques in cancer research, such as apoptosis and cell cycle analysis, as well as the use of chemiluminescence immunoassay for quantifying biomarkers related to non-communicable diseases.
Clinical & Preclinical Integrated Translational Pharmacology & Natural-Product Drug Development
In pre-clinical natural product pharmacology, our research focuses on early-stage drug discovery, mainly from botanical and marine sources. Rigorous in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic, bioavailability, and toxicity datasets are generated to secure robust Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling packages.
We deploy state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS dereplication, HPLC, GC-MS, and NMR-based structural elucidation, coupled with high-content phenotypic screening and AI-driven ADME-Tox modelling, to identify and de-risk potent bioactives against cancer, chronic metabolic, and other non-communicable diseases. Parallel in vivo pharmacodynamics, bioavailability, and safety studies in rodent and zebrafish models generate IND-ready data. Promising candidates are fast-tracked into Phase I–III trials, mixed-methods adherence studies, and living systematic reviews that continuously refine dosing algorithms and evidence-based treatment guidelines.
Independently, we conduct human studies that encompass large retrospective database analyses, cross-sectional surveys, and prospective Phase I–III trials focused on breast-cancer management, infertility care, and related NCDs. These projects capture real-world treatment patterns, patient-reported outcomes, and safety-efficacy signals, feeding directly into guidelines and policy without requiring concurrent pre-clinical iteration. Inter-institutional consortia with USM, UNIMAS Hospital, and international partners ensure that every discovery is translated into policy-relevant outputs, patent-ready IP, and improved patient outcomes for Malaysia and beyond.
