KUCHING: The study on Bintangor tree as a treatment for cancer is at its second stage with two more stages to go before a complete medicine is made.
Education, Science and Technological Research assistant minister Dr Annuar Rapaee said that the four stages are needed for producing medicine for humans while five are needed for animal medicine.
“During its synthetic test, we will ensure that it has to be clinically safe and effective for humans and animals,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters during the closing ceremony and prize presentation for ‘Silat Keris Naga Kilat’ competition and Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s Trophy at Padang Merdeka, here yesterday.
He explained that after the success of the first stage, the research moved to the second stage where a few patients would be monitored to see whether their cancer cells are shrinking or otherwise.
“To complete the four test stages on humans, the whole process and procedures must be investigated in detail. That is why Sarawak is taking its time in the research of the Bintangor tree as a form of treatment for cancer,” he said.
However, he said, in producing the medicine, it not compulsory that it is actually derived from the tree, but only synthetically.
“Sarawak is the first state which invested in the medical field in Malaysia. Thus, for the goal to be a reality, we have to engage and form a working relationship with pharmaceutical companies,” he explained.
