SWU Medicine Faculty Partners Lifplus on Thai Probiotic Innovations

The Faculty of Medicine at Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) has partnered with Lifplus Health Solutions to advance research on Thai probiotic strains into health innovations for liver and digestive care, including products for the elderly. The collaboration highlights the research's potential to address the country's key health challenges, merging university expertise with private-sector capabilities to develop personnel and a new generation of researchers, with a target of creating five new product innovations within five years.

The Faculty of Medicine at SWU and Lifplus Health Solutions Co., Ltd. held a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on academic and research cooperation to drive research and development of health product innovations based on scientific knowledge. The agreement also covers enhancing the potential of personnel and new researchers, translating research knowledge into practical applications, and promoting sustainable growth of Thailand's health product industry. Signing on behalf of the university were Professor Dr. Chulavijit Jiarajit, President of Srinakharinwirot University; Professor Dr. Prin Chaiwisuttangkul, Vice President for Research and Innovation; Assistant Professor Dr. Nantana Chumchui, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; and Associate Professor Dr. Mali Thawichotipat, Head of the Probiotic Research Center of Excellence. Representing Lifplus Health Solutions were Dr. Kosin Wutthijaranwong, Managing Director, and Trichuda Suangthamai, Executive Director. The ceremony took place at the Innovation Building, Professor Dr. Sarot Buasri (Building 33), 19th floor, Srinakharinwirot University, Prasanmit, Bangkok.

Professor Dr. Chulavijit Jiarajit, President of Srinakharinwirot University, stated: "Collaboration between the university and the private sector is a crucial mechanism for bringing scientifically backed knowledge and research to develop quality, safe, and standardized health products. The university has research expertise while the private sector has readiness in product development, manufacturing, and marketing. Integrating the strengths of both sides will help create high-value health innovations, boost consumer confidence, and elevate the competitiveness of Thai products both domestically and internationally."

"The university takes pride in having a strong research team with expertise in probiotics, particularly Thai probiotic strains, which is a highlight of the Faculty of Medicine at SWU. The technology has been transferred to industry and commercially developed into health product innovations for over five years, creating health and economic value for the country. This reflects that Thai research can be developed into practical innovations and helps reduce reliance on imported probiotics."

Professor Dr. Prin Chaiwisuttangkul, Vice President for Research and Innovation at SWU, said: "The university has a policy for faculty to conduct both basic and applied research, and is in the process of establishing a corporate entity called 'SWU Holding Company' to co-invest and drive research toward commercialization. This collaboration with the private sector demonstrates that SWU's research has the potential to be commercially developed in a tangible way."

"The initial framework of cooperation with Lifplus spans five years, covering research and development of health product innovations, support for research funding and student scholarships, academic knowledge exchange, joint conferences and seminars, and opportunities for students to learn and develop skills through..."