Vitallife to launch blood testing for anti-ageing

       Vitallife, operator of Vitallife Wellness Centre, a leading anti-ageing medicine provider, will launch VitechPro in mid-December.
       It will be the first advanced wellness lab for anti-ageing and preventive medicine in Southeast Asia. The new unit is part of company plans to expand its client base from individuals to companies.
       CEO Anthony Jude Tan yesterday said Vitallife, a subsidiary of Bumrungrad Hospital, where it is located, had spent Bt30 million to set up VitechPro.
       Of that, Bt22 million was used to import an LCMS-MS machine, an advanced diagnostic lab tool to test blood in the course of anti-ageing and preventive treatment. Once the blood is tested, VitechPro can customise n8utraceuticals for patients in its affiliated clinics and other wellness centres throughout Southeast Asia.
       This method has become standard in wellness centres and is gaining in popularity among health-conscious consumers. At present, centres must send blood samples to the US or Europe and wait roughly four weeks for the results.
       But with this new service, Vitallife can complete blood tests within a week, which will be much more convenient. VitechPro's blood test will also save 20-30 per cent on the cost.
       VitechPro, a pioneer in anti-ageing and preventive medicine, will also provide short courses for its affiliated clinics, so they can have a comprehensive knowledge of the field. Courses will cost US$20,000 (Bt671,000) for clinics outside of Thailand and $15,000 for local clinics.
       VitechPro has already secured contracts with wellness centres in Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines to be its affiliates.
       Tan said many clinics throughout Southeast Asia were approaching VitechPro about doing their blood tests. It expects to have 10 corporate clients in the region next year along with eight local ones.
       Vitallife expects the new business to generate Bt40 million next year, with revenue growth of 8-10 per cent per annum.
       Tan said the global economic turmoil had not affected Vitallife Wellness Centre as much as it had its competitors. Its revenue is up 10 per cent year on year so far, and the company has targeted full-year revenue of Bt110 million.
       Vitallife this year has appointed representatives in eight markets, including Russia, Malaysia, Portugal and Hong Kong. That number is expected to reach 13 by year-end, including the US and Germany.
       "We expect Vitallife's revenue to grow 15 per cent next year with these new representatives," he said.