They say necessity is the mother of invention. For Prof. Dr. Lai Oi Ming, that necessity came when her young son’s eczema flared beyond control — painful, itchy, and relentless despite endless rounds of steroid creams. Watching him suffer ignited both a mother’s empathy and a scientist’s resolve. Her innovation, Remdii®, offers a potent, steroid-free remedy.
As a biotechnologist at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof. Lai turned that personal struggle into scientific purpose. Within UPM’s laboratories, she began exploring the hidden potential of Malaysia’s red palm oil. Years of meticulous research revealed the extraordinary anti-inflammatory power of tocotrienols, a potent form of vitamin E capable of reducing inflammation and protecting the skin’s natural barrier. From that discovery came Remdii® Sensitive and Remdii® Ultrasensitive — Malaysia’s first clinically validated, steroid-free skincare line designed for eczema-prone and hypersensitive skin.
To ensure her discovery could reach those who needed it most, Prof. Lai co-founded Lipidware Sdn. Bhd. in 2017, a UPM startup established under the Putra Science Park (InnoHub Programme). Licensed from UPM and proudly manufactured in Malaysia, Lipidware became the bridge between university research and public impact. In 2019, a clinical trial involving babies and children with mild-to-moderate eczema confirmed Remdii®’s safety and efficacy, positioning it as a trustworthy, science-backed, steroid-free alternative for families.
At the core of Remdii® lies its patented bioactive delivery system, which drives full-spectrum tocotrienols deep into the dermal layers to reduce inflammation at its root rather than merely soothing the surface. Encouraged by the results, Prof. Lai and her research team have since expanded their work to develop treatments for other skin conditions, including psoriasis and skin cancer (actinic keratosis). A Phase II human clinical trial on actinic keratosis is now underway, continuing the translational research that began with Remdii®.
But the Remdii® story goes beyond laboratories and licensing. In 2018, Prof. Lai helped establish the Malaysia Eczema Support Community (MESC) — a platform that now unites more than 78,000 eczema members nationwide. Through MESC, she writes educational posts on eczema management, hosts monthly Chit Chat sessions to answer questions from parents and patients, and collaborates closely with dermatologists and pharmacists. In partnership with the UPM Teaching Hospital (HSAAS), MESC organizes workshops, pharmacist-training sessions, and caregiver education programs, turning clinical knowledge into practical care. For many families, MESC has become a trusted lifeline — a space where empathy meets credible science.
The success of Remdii® reflects that same compassion and commitment. From a mother’s search for relief to a nationally recognized biotech enterprise, Remdii® has demonstrated how Malaysian research can touch lives and elevate standards of care. The innovation has earned numerous accolades, including the National Intellectual Property Award (Gold, 2018), the WIPO Gold Medal 2018, MCY Research & Business Partnership Award 2019, 13
th National Academic Award (Innovation & Commrcialisation), the Golden Bull Award 2022, and most recently, two top honors — the Supreme Award and the Research & Business Partnership Award — at the Malaysia Commercialisation Year (MCY) 2025 Awards during the NICE 2025 Showcase.
Today, thousands rely on Remdii® to soothe eczema, rebuild confidence, and reclaim comfort in their own skin. For Prof. Lai, every tube represents more than a scientific achievement — it is a story of healing, hope, and homegrown innovation.
“When my son saw the cream that came from our research, he said, ‘Mummy, you didn’t just make a cream — you made people smile again.’
And every time someone says their eczema finally feels better, I hope they’ll remember the name — Remdii®.”
This story was originally published in 2026.