Universal Therapeutics lauded at Malaysia National Business Awards for first home-based HIV oral test

The company was awarded the Innovation Award - Health Products & Services accolade.

HIV remains a significant public health concern in Malaysia. Despite progress in prevention and treatment, it still grapples with challenges surrounding HIV such as stigma, access to testing, and reaching key populations.

Amidst these concerns, efforts are continuously underway to combat the spread of HIV and mitigate its impact. For instance, Malaysia seeks to achieve the United Nations’ 95-95-95 target by 2023, where 95% of the people who are living with HIV know their HIV status, 95% of the people who know that they are living with HIV are on lifesaving anti-retroviral treatment, and 95% of people who are on treatment are virally suppressed. 

To help achieve this goal, innovative solutions are crucial to boosting Malaysia's HIV response. Developed as the country's first HIV oral self-test, Universal Therapeutics' AwarerHOME™ represents a significant leap forward in HIV testing and awareness efforts.

With a mission to destigmatise HIV testing and empower individuals to take control of their health, Universal Therapeutics has crafted AwarerHOME™ with a focus on accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. 

Proudly made in Malaysia, the test has an impressive accuracy rate of 99.61%, this rivalled and surpassed some of their international competitors. It provides users with reliable results, instilling confidence and peace of mind in their health journey.

One of the standout features of AwarerHOME™ is its discreet packaging, ensuring user privacy and confidence from purchase to the testing process. Also, unlike traditional HIV tests that may necessitate a visit to a healthcare facility, AwarerHOME™ allows individuals to test for HIV in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. This privacy is particularly crucial for individuals who may face stigma or discomfort in traditional healthcare settings.

The non-invasive approach of AwarerHOME™ further enhances its accessibility, making it suitable for a broader audience. By requiring only oral fluid samples instead of blood, the test eliminates the need for needles and reduces discomfort, making it more user-friendly and less intimidating. This accessibility is vital for reaching populations who may be hesitant or unable to access traditional HIV testing services.

By making HIV testing more accessible, convenient, and user-friendly, this innovative kit aims to increase HIV awareness and encourage more individuals to get tested whenever they feel like they are involved in a high-risk situation. Early detection of HIV is crucial for timely access to treatment and care, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced virus transmission.

Moreover, AwarerHOME™ has the power to allow individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their sexual well-being. By providing reliable results promptly, the test enables individuals to know their HIV status with confidence, allowing them to take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their partners.

With its high accuracy, reliability, discreet nature, and accessibility, the AwarerHOME™ oral test kit has the potential to normalise HIV testing and prevention efforts, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more informed population.

It is for AwarerHOME™ HIV Oral Self Test that Universal Therapeutics Group Sdn Bhd was recognised in the Innovation Award - Health Products & Services category at the Malaysia National Business Awards 2024.

For more information on this innovative product- please visit iamawarer.com.

The Malaysia National Business Awards, presented by Asian Business Review Magazine, celebrates and honours outstanding Malaysian firms that have made remarkable contributions to the nation's dynamic business landscape. It seeks to acknowledge excellence and innovation across various industries.

The Malaysia National Business Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional contributions to the local business landscape in Malaysia, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].