Kazakhstan emerging as haven for biomedical research and clinical testing

Kazakhstan, a country with a rich scientific heritage, is positioning itself as a haven for cutting-edge biomedical research and clinical trials. Its innovative approach hinges on fostering close collaboration between universities and industrial partners.

During the Soviet Union era, the Kazakh research landscape diverged from the closed research institute model which enjoyed ample funding but suffered from a critical drawback – a lack of fresh perspectives. “Recognising this limitation, Kazakhstan transitioned to an open university model – a shift which transformed the scientific landscape,” the Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, told Euractiv.

Kazakh universities have since become vibrant research platforms, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and actively welcoming young talent.

Industry-university synergy

University labs are rising to global innovation challenges, their funding contingent upon successful problem-solving – as Minister Nurbev explains: “We invest when solutions emerge.”

One notable example involves East Kazakhstan Technical University and the University of Anhalt in Germany. Together, they harnessed 3D printing technology to design titanium medical products.

These devices play a crucial role in surgical procedures for bone fractures, boasting remarkable biocompatibility. Importantly, titanium’s biologically inert nature ensures it doesn’t trigger adverse reactions within the human body.

“Starting domestically, we will eventually expand to international exports. The cost-effectiveness of our titanium-based products stems from readily available resources within the country,” said a spokesperson.

Nazarbayev University, beacon of medical research

Nazarbayev University, seen as a beacon in Kazakhstan’s scientific community, collaborates with institutions including the University of Pennsylvania and UPMC – their university-clinic model fosters groundbreaking research, spanning fields from oncology to neurology.

As Kazakhstan invests in science, it aims to replicate the success of its Soviet-era scientific legacy. The return of Kazakh scientists, such as Dos Sarbasov, further fuels this momentum.

“Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many Kazakh scientists sought opportunities abroad – in countries like France, Germany, the United States, and Canada. We invited Dos Sarbasov to come back, we gave him what he needed to do [the research] here. The results have been promising.”

In the first stage of clinical trials, 15 patients with Stage 4 stomach cancer were treated at the Almaty Oncology and Radiology Center. “Remarkably, all of them survived, with an average tumour shrinkage of 30%. Now, as the project advances to Stage 2, the hope is that [the treatment] will soon reach the market.”

The DVC-Carbic Acid breakthrough

Sarbasov’s innovation centres around DVC-carbic acid. Cancer cells consume glucose rapidly, leading to their rapid proliferation. DVC-carbic acid selectively targets cancer cells, causing them to burn out. In clinical trials, stomach cancer patients treated with this agent experienced significant tumour shrinkage. The cost-effectiveness of this treatment makes it accessible.

A hub for clinical testing

Kazakhstan aims to become a global hub for clinical testing.  “Researchers worldwide stand to benefit from our cost-effective and efficient trial environment,” emphasised Minister Nurbek.

“We are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and strive to support scientists from other nations. It’s straightforward: if you seek affordable and rapid testing, come to Kazakhstan. We offer a haven for clinical trials and pharmaceutical development.”

Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Finance Center (AIFC) added that: “The cost of patient acquisition for clinical trials is notably lower here than in the United States. Moreover, once clinical tests are conducted and approved by the FDA, fast-tracking becomes a viable option. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Kazakhstan to break into the pharmaceutical industry.”

Medical science on a broader scale

Kazakhstan remains committed to advancing medical science on a broader scale. At the forefront stands CerebraAI, a cutting-edge software company specialising in acute ischemic stroke detection. With an analysis of over 130,000 patients within their borders, CerebraAI is at the forefront of medical innovation.

The company is developing an innovative solution—an AI-generated brain imaging analysis map. By augmenting non-contrast CT scans with personalized pseudo-healthy brain images, physicians can swiftly diagnose ischemic strokes. This breakthrough promises faster intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Recently, CerebraAI relocated its headquarters to Silicon Valley—a strategic move that positions it as a pioneer in emergency care medical imaging diagnostics. Collaborating with prestigious institutions such as Stanford and UC Berkeley, the company ranks among the global leaders in brain disease diagnosis.

CerebraAI’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Intel Software, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic have all recognized its groundbreaking work. As the star of medical AI, CerebraAI continues to push boundaries and redefine the landscape of neuroradiology.

By creating a supportive environment for scientists and industry partners, Kazakhstan is positioned to become a leader in medical science and clinical testing on a global scale with continued investment and strategic partnerships.

[By Nicole Verbeeck I Edited by Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]

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