BioSpectrum Asia - August 2024

In this issue

Addressing Root Causes of Brain Disorders with Innovative Therapeutics

Neuroscience is a complex market encompassing a range of neurological conditions. Drug research and development for diseases related to the nervous system has always been challenging. While the oncology sector has seen remarkable progress with new therapies, neuroscience has historically lagged in providing effective cures or treatments for symptoms. However, there is now promising progress in understanding the intricate biology of these conditions and identifying new drug targets. A wave of novel late-stage candidates is advancing through the development pipeline, offering hope for treating serious Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders and entering the market. Recent high-profile approvals, such as Eisai's Leqembi for Alzheimer’s and Eli Lilly's Kisunla (donanemab-azbt) for the same condition, have significantly bolstered the morale of firms dedicated to developing neurological treatments. The neuroscience sector is suddenly back in action, with pharma companies renewing their interest, spurred by recent US FDA approvals in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. This renewed focus has catapulted neuroscience into one of the most sought-after areas.

Korea announces launch of mental health policy innovation committee

The South Korean government recently convened the inaugural meeting of the Mental Health Policy Innovation Committee at the National Center for Mental Health.

1 min

Australia delivers first aged care digital plan

The Australian government has released its first Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy.

1 min

Asia's first health research related preclinical network facility opens in Faridabad

Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India, has inaugurated Asia's first health research-related 'Pre-clinical Network Facility' under the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) at the Regional Centre of Biotechnology under the aegis of the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad.

1 min

Bangkok Hospital invests 200 M baht to establish robotic surgery centre

Bangkok Hospital, a leading healthcare provider in Thailand, has invested over 200 million baht to establish a cutting-edge robotic surgery centre.

1 min

Merck expands production capabilities for cell culture media with €6.6M investment in China

Merck has announced the start of commercial production of its first Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant manufacturing line for cell culture media (CCM) in China.

1 min

Taiwan's Bora Pharma buys Emergent BioSolutions' manufacturing site for $30M

The US-based Emergent BioSolutions Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its drug product facility in Baltimore-Camden to an affiliate of Taiwan's Bora Pharmaceuticals Co., a leading international pharmaceutical services company, for a total value of approximately $30 million.

1 min

GSK, MVV launch malaria medicine in Brazil and Thailand

GSK plc and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) اله Aq re m have announced that the first single-dose medicine for the prevention of relapse of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria - tafenoquine, co-administered with chloroquine for radical cure, has now been launched in both Thailand and Brazil, in support of malaria elimination efforts.

1 min

Hyundai Bioscience develops multi-treatment drug to treat mosquito-borne viral infections

Korea-based Hyundai Bioscience, which is preparing for a dengue fever basket clinical trial in Brazil, has successfully developed a multi-treatment drug for mosquito-borne viral infections, including dengue fever, using niclosamide as the main ingredient.

1 min

Psylo partners with University of Sydney to deliver psychedelic treatments in Australia

The University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre has partnered with Psylo, a global biotechnology startup and pioneer in nonhallucinogenic psychedelic drugs, to develop innovative treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders using advanced artificial intelligence technologies. Researchers at the University of Sydney's School of Psychology have developed machinelearning-guided behavioural analysis technology, which utilises high frame-rate cameras and sophisticated dataparsing techniques to predict the behavioural profiles and potential therapeutic properties of new drugs.

1 min

WHO prequalifies first self-test for hepatitis C virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified the first hepatitis C virus (HCV) self-test which can provide a critical support in expanding access to testing and diagnosis, accelerating global efforts to eliminate hepatitis C.

1 min

PAHO and World Bank launch PROTECT project to strengthen pandemic response in South America

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Bank have launched the PROTECT Project, an initiative to improve pandemic response in seven South American countries.

1 min

Addressing Root Causes of Brain Disorders with Innovative Therapeutics

Neuroscience is a complex market encompassing a range of neurological conditions.

10+ mins

"We're seeing Al-powered diagnostic tools enhancing accuracy and efficiency, across multiple sectors"

In July 2024, Advanced MedTech Holdings (AMTH) appointed Wong Yau Chung as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, succeeding his role as Group Chief Operating Officer. With a core focus in urology devices and contract manufacturing services, the company serves millions of patients and physicians across 100 countries worldwide. Wong Yau Chung interacts with BioSpectrum Asia and shares his vision for Advanced MedTech Holdings' future and insights on key trends shaping the medtech industry.

4 mins

How technology and AI are democratising healthcare

As Artificial Intelligence AI) continues to shape the way we work and live, we must ensure that we are tapping into its full potential when it comes to the healthcare space. By leveraging its unique capabilities to address the accessibility barriers that we see in our healthcare centres in the APAC region and equip policymakers and industry leaders with the knowledge, tools and information to change and democratise our healthcare systems.

5 mins

Why global pharma companies choose India for GCCs

India’s pharmaceutical industry is globally recognised for its capabilities in research and manufacturing and for its skilled labour. The country’s attractiveness as a destination for Global Capability Centres GCCs) is underpinned by several key factors, including cost-efficiency, a vast talent pool, robust infrastructure, and strong regulatory support.

5 mins

University of Sydney launches institute in Vietnam to focus on public health & sustainability

The University of Sydney Vietnam Institute has been officially launched and will build on a network of leading researchers and educators to benefit communities in Vietnam and beyond through impactful research and engagement.

1 min

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BioSpectrum Asia Magazine Description:

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine is a monthly magazine published by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communication in India. It is a leading biotechnology magazine in Asia, covering a wide range of topics related to the biotechnology industry, including:

* Biotechnology news and trends: BioSpectrum Asia covers the latest biotechnology news and trends from India and around the world.
* Biotechnology company profiles and interviews: The magazine profiles leading biotechnology companies in Asia and interviews their CEOs and other top executives.
* Biotechnology research and development: BioSpectrum Asia covers the latest biotechnology research and development from academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
* Biotechnology product reviews: The magazine reviews the latest biotechnology products and services.
* Biotechnology industry events: BioSpectrum Asia covers biotechnology industry events from around the world.

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest advances in biotechnology and their potential to impact the world around us.