Professor Dr Loke Chui Fung, Researcher in Cancer Biology and Vice President of TAR UMT, has been named to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Traditional Medicine Health Heritage Innovations (H2I) Innovator List 2025. Professor Dr Loke is the only Malaysian to be listed alongside with 20 other innovators worldwide.
H2I is a global initiative launched by the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre to identify and support scalable, evidence-informed traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) innovations.
Professor Dr Loke’s research focused on transforming Clinacanthus nutans, commonly known as Sabah Snake Grass, into a high-tech healthcare solution. In collaboration with Malaysian-based healthcare company Aurora Health, Professor Dr Loke’s research has translated years of laboratory study into a breakthrough commercial product called Imimate, a non-invasive topical cream that targets pre-cancerous skin conditions such as actinic keratosis.
Professor Dr Loke (left) and Ms Laurel Tan (right)
Professor Loke first embarked on cancer-related research in 2015 after witnessing close friends, colleagues, and their families struggle with skin damage and complications caused by conventional cancer treatments. “My motivation came from a desire to create a safer, more patient-friendly solution grounded in science. We wanted to manage abnormal cell growth effectively while improving patients’ quality of life,” she shared.
Her interest in Clinacanthus nutans stemmed from its long-standing use in traditional Southeast Asian medicine for inflammation and skin ailments. Building on these traditional insights, her team hypothesised that the herb’s bioactive compounds could potentially inhibit abnormal cell growth. “Traditional knowledge often provides valuable clues. We systematically studied the plant’s phytochemicals and effects on precancerous and cancerous skin cells to better understand its potential,” she detailed.
By integrating Clinacanthus nutans with controlled light activation technology—a form of photodynamic therapy—Professor Loke and her collaborators developed an innovative cream that harnesses light to stimulate naturally occurring compounds, targeting damaged skin cells precisely and gently. “The light acts like a switch that activates the benefits of the herb. This allows for a more precise treatment without the harsh side effects associated with some conventional therapies,” she said.
Having proven the efficacy of the herb, the team’s next big challenge was in maintaining the consistency, stability, and reproducibility of the natural extract. It was of utmost importance in ensuring that the product remained safe, effective, and easy to use, and this required years of testing and refinement. “What works well in the lab doesn’t always translate to daily use. We had to make sure the formulation was stable, comfortable, and convenient for patients — a cream that feels good to use and delivers real results.”
The resulting product, Imimate, embodies these values. It is a gentle, plant-based skincare solution designed to ease redness, dryness, and scaling while promoting skin recovery. Professor Loke emphasised that beyond being natural, the product’s strength lies in its scientifically validated, standardised formulation. “Our aim was not to promote ‘herbal medicine’ for its own sake, but to create an evidence-based healthcare solution rooted in Malaysia’s biodiversity and traditional heritage.”
From the industry side, Ms Laurel Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Health, shared that the company’s confidence in Professor Dr Loke’s research was driven by strong scientific results and patient outcomes. “The formulation showed clear efficacy and excellent safety in both laboratory and clinical studies. It successfully reduced the key symptoms of actinic keratosis, such as skin scaliness and thickening, without the discomfort usually associated with other topical treatments.”
Ms Tan noted that Imimate reflects Aurora Health’s philosophy of ‘Rediscovering Ancient Remedies Through Science.’ She added, “The product bridges the best of both worlds — Southeast Asia’s rich traditional knowledge and modern, clinically validated innovation. That’s what makes it both market-ready and meaningful to patients.”
Feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients reported easier adherence to treatment due to the cream’s comfort, flexibility, and lack of side effects. Unlike synthetic alternatives that can cause irritation or require rigid dosing schedules, Imimate allows users to manage their condition with confidence and consistency — key factors in better long-term outcomes.
Professor Dr Loke believes that innovations like this can help reduce the national healthcare burden by enabling early, accessible interventions for common precancerous conditions. “When patients can treat skin lesions earlier and more comfortably, fewer will require hospital-based care. That not only improves patient outcomes but also supports a more sustainable, community-based healthcare approach.”
