PETALING JAYA, November 20 – Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has achieved a national milestone with the launch of Malaysia’s first Phase I Clinical Investigation Unit within a teaching hospital, dedicated to advancing First-in-Human and early-phase clinical trials.

Designed as a self-contained research facility with 10 clinical beds, 24-hour medical oversight, and NPRA-compliant pharmacy infrastructure, the new unit will accelerate access to innovative therapies — particularly in oncology — while providing hands-on training for medical professionals and researchers.

UMMC Hospital Director Professor Dr. Nazirah binti Hasnan hailed the unit as a breakthrough for patient care and research excellence, noting that it bridges “scientific discovery with real-world impact.”

Once fully accredited by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), the facility will be operational in 2026, marking a major step forward for Malaysia’s clinical research ecosystem and patient-focused innovation.