Advancing Clinician-Led Tocotrienol Research

EXPLORAT3 clinical seed fund supports pilot clinical studies that explore the potential of tocotrienol-based oral and topical products across priority areas of health.

On-going EXPLORAT3 Projects

In The Media

About EXPLORAT3

The EXPLORAT3 Clinical Seed Fund is an AvantHealth research initiative created to support pilot-scale clinical studies evaluating tocotrienol-based oral and topical products.

By supporting clinician-led research, EXPLORAT3 helps generate more clinical evidence to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on tocotrienols.

Successful proposals are eligible for seed grants ranging from RM15,000 to RM30,000, together with study-product support to conduct pilot clinical studies.

Funding is intended to help selected investigators generate preliminary clinical evidence, assess feasibility and establish a stronger foundation for future research.

What EXPLORAT3 Supports

  • Clinician-led research on tocotrienols
  • Pilot clinical evidence to guide future larger-scale studies
  • Research using tocotrienol-based oral or topical products
  • Projects aligned with AvantHealth’s priority health areas
  • Collaboration between clinicians, researchers and Malaysian institutions

Strengthening Malaysia’s Research Ecosystem

EXPLORAT3 reflects AvantHealth’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and meaningful collaboration with Malaysia’s clinical and academic communities.

In addition to supporting scientific outputs, the programme helps create opportunities for clinician-led investigation across priority areas including brain health, skin health, liver health and inflammatory conditions.

Priority Research Areas

Brain Health

Exploring clinical approaches relevant to cogntitive and neurological health.

Skin Health

Evaluating topical tocotrienol-based applications across relevant skin conditions.

Liver Health

Supporting research questions related to liver wellness and metabolic health.

Inflammatory Conditions

Investigating areas where inflammation is relevant to clinical outcomes and patient care.

2026/2027 Awarded Projects

Three clinician-led projects have been selected under the EXPLORAT3 Clinical Seed Fund for the 2026/2027 cycle, covering brain health, acne and radiation dermatitis.

Brain Health

Project:

The Efficacy of Cognitive Training and Tocotrienol Supplementation in Patients with Vascular Cognitive Impairment


This pilot study will evaluate an approach combining cognitive training and tocotrienol supplementation in patients with vascular cognitive impairment.


Principal Investigator:
Dr Yap Kah Hui – University of Malaya (UM)


Co-Investigators:
Prof Tan Maw Pin – University of Malaya (UM)
Prof Wong Won Fen – University of Malaya (UM)
Dr Surina Zaman Huri – University of Malaya (UM)
Dr Tan Juen Kiem – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Skin Health: Acne

Project:
Clinical Evaluation of a Tocotrienol-Based Anti-Acne Serum in a Water-Based Emulsion for Mild Acne Vulgaris, with Exploratory Skin Microbiome Profiling

This clinical study will evaluate a tocotrienol-based anti-acne serum for mild acne vulgaris, alongside exploratory profiling of the skin microbiome.

Principal Investigator:
Dr Felix Yap Boon Bin – Sunway Medical Centre / Universiti
Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Dr Saw Seow Hoon – Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Co-Investigators:
Dr Saw Seow Hui – Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Dr Tan Chin Xuan – Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Skin Health: Radiation Dermatitis

Project:
Topical Tocotrienol for Accelerated Recovery from Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients After Radiotherapy

This pilot study will evaluate topical tocotrienol in relation to recovery from acute radiation dermatitis among breast cancer patients following radiotherapy.

Principal Investigator:
Dr Noor Shatirah Mohamad Fandi Voon – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Co-Investigators:
Dr Noorazrul Yahya – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Let’s Advance Clinical Research, Together

Partner with EXPLORAT3 to support clinician-led research, explore new possibilities for tocotrienols and strengthen Malaysia’s growing clinical research ecosystem.