CDR USM PARTICIPATES IN ASIA-PACIFIC PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM

31 OCTOBER 2025, BANDAR SUNWAY - Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Murugaiyah, Director of the Centre for Drug Research (CDR), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), delivered an invited talk at the Asia-Pacific Symposium on Psychedelic Medicine, held from 30 to 31 October 2025 at Monash University Malaysia. The regional symposium convened researchers, clinicians, policymakers and academics to discuss scientific, clinical, ethical and regulatory developments related to emerging therapeutic substances.

Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran delivered a talk titled “Developing Kratom as a Botanical Drug: Current Status and Challenges Ahead,” which outlined Malaysia’s ongoing efforts in advancing kratom research through structured scientific and regulatory approaches. The talk addressed key considerations including the development of reference standards, quality control requirements, stability challenges, and regulatory pathways essential for the safe translation of botanical products into therapeutic use. CDR’s experience in kratom research was highlighted as a relevant case study, reflecting the importance of balancing public health priorities, scientific rigour and regulatory compliance within the Asia-Pacific context. The symposium was hosted by the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Clinical Psychedelic Lab, Monash University Australia and featured keynote lectures, expert panels, and interdisciplinary discussions involving participants from academia, healthcare and policy sectors.

This research engagement aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through the promotion of safe and evidence-based therapeutic development, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by supporting scientific innovation and regulatory science and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the responsible and sustainable utilisation of indigenous plant resources within appropriate governance frameworks.

JA