Nur Hafizah Annezah Utuh

Recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology & Innovation 2025

Institution

Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, Netherlands
Division of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand

Impact of CYP2C19 Genotype-guided Approach in Antiplatelet Therapy on Platelet Reactivity Index Among Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Patients

Health, Science and Technology

Dato' Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman

Recipient for Year 2022

Something that is worth doing is often tough, but the rewards can be big.

Empowering Precision Medicine through Pharmacogenomics

Nur Hafizah Annezah is a pharmacist and postgraduate researcher at Universiti Sains Malaysia with a strong focus on pharmacogenomics — the study of how an individual's genetic makeup influences their response to medication.

Her work investigates how genotype-guided therapy can improve outcomes in patients receiving antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, especially among Malaysian cardiovascular patients who may carry CYP2C19 loss-of-function genetic variants (alleles).

Making Personalised Therapy Scalable

About UsRecognising that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment often fails in clinical practice, Hafizah’s research bridges pharmacogenetics with health economics, exploring not only clinical outcomes but also the cost-effectiveness of personalized therapy.

Her ultimate aim is to develop scalable, evidence-based frameworks that can inform national policy and guide the integration of pharmacogenomic testing into Malaysia’s public healthcare system.

Hafizah envisions a future where every Malaysian patient receives the right drug at the right dose based on their genetic profile — reducing trial-and-error prescribing, minimising adverse drug reactions, and enhancing treatment success. While her current research focuses on cardiology, she believes this approach should not be limited to a single specialty. Her long-term goal is to champion a precision medicine ecosystem that is accessible, equitable, and grounded in local clinical needs — one that can be extended to other critical areas such as oncology, psychiatry, infectious diseases, and pain management. By laying the groundwork for genotype-guided prescribing in cardiovascular care, she aims to establish a model that can be adapted and scaled across the healthcare system, ultimately transforming how medicine is practiced in Malaysia.

Translating Global Pharmacogenomics Best Practices into Malaysian Context

Through the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, Hafizah will be based at the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands — a global leader in pharmacogenomic implementation.

There, she will study how public health systems embed genetic testing into routine care, and how these models can be adapted for use in Malaysia and other middle-income countries. By combining scientific inquiry with a clear commitment to national health advancement, Hafizah exemplifies the Merdeka spirit of innovation, service, and impactful change.

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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