CATEGORIES

“An effective biobank provides high-quality and affordable biospecimens to drive research, aiding live-saving scientific discoveries”

Since the beginning of COVID-19, numerous biobanks have emerged to facilitate studies of the virus and disease, how it spreads, and why some people are more susceptible than others. Biobanks also provide pre-COVID samples for biological comparisons and further research. Going beyond the pandemic, biobanks play a crucial role in all disease areas. For decades now, unique collections of material, serum, tissue, and a variety of cells have been stored to help researchers understand non-communicable diseases as well. There are many critical considerations for biobanks, especially because of the safety implications of preserving sample integrity.

IS INDUSTRY 4.0 PROMISING THE MOON?

As pharma grapples with rising complexity, costs and regulation, the sector is looking to industry 4.0 manufacturing as a solution. Smart factories managed with next generation technologies will lower pharma manufacturing costs, improve quality and reduce capacity constraints. Let’s look at how pharma is adopting industry 4.0.

How CDMOs are Adapting to New mRNA Tech Demands

From 2020, coinciding with the outbreak of COVID-19, there’s been a steady upsurge in demand for new technologies such as messenger RNA (mRNA). Contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) are compelled to rapidly expand capabilities to cater to this upsurge. Let’s see how CDMOs have prepared for the new wave of technologies on the horizon, and the challenges they faced in welcoming a new era of such technologies.

HOW IS BIOMANUFACTURING DRIVING CDMO MARKET?

A successful business model for the pharmaceutical industry is driven by the outsourcing trend, making contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOS) an integral component of drug development value chains. Increasing regulatory complexity, high development costs, and fierce competition have driven drug companies to leverage CDMOs to accelerate their go-to-market strategy, and Asia Pacific (APAC) is not an exception. Let's navigate through prime achievements and potential trends in the APAC CDMO arena which helped the world heal during the pandemic and is further helping to build a resilient health system.

Wuxi Biologics launches commercial drug product facility for PFS in China

The DP5 is the ninth operational drug product facility in the global network of Wuxi Biologics.

Australia recommends COVID-19 booster for eligible 12-15 year old

Other vaccines such as Spikevax (Moderna) and Nuvaxovid (Novavax) are not registered for use as a booster for this age group.

US picks interdisciplinary teams to address major challenges in cancer

Cancer Grand Challenges aims to provide multiple rounds of funding for multidisciplinary research teams from around the world whose novel ideas have the greatest potential to advance cancer research and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.

CEPI, Oxford Vaccine Group evaluate fractional COVID-19 booster vaccines

Trial participants include those who already have received a primary regimen of two doses of CoronaVac at least six months prior to joining the study.

Why Indian Pharma Must Evolve As 'Value Creator'

As the third-largest drug producer in the world, India is already a major global pharmaceutical player. However, when it comes to the value of production, India ranks fourteenth. A deeper dive into the details reveals an important fact: India is the largest producer and supplier of generic medicines globally, delivering a 20 per cent share. India's pharmaceutical sector has the highest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing plants outside the USA, 3,000 pharmaceutical companies, a network of 10,500 manufacturing facilities and a rich talent pool. So, why does it lag so significantly in deriving value from its assets? Is there an opportunity for the Indian pharmaceutical industry to evolve in a way that moves India up on the value scale by increasing innovation - and what will it take? Let's find out.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea brings about a severe economic burden on the country

India has over 50 million sleep apnea patients, 80 per cent of whom are undiagnosed, as per the Lancet Respiratory Medicine 2019 study. Considering the prevalence, OSA brings about a severe economic burden on the country in such a situation. When it comes to COPD, it is the second leading cause of death worldwide, affecting more than 53 million from India. Due to the vulnerability of the lungs, COPD patients become prone to developing cardiovascular issues, and lung cancer, in case of acute exacerbations and even premature death.

Spending on TB control programmes had dropped to 2016 levels in 2020 and remains unchanged

Contrary to popular opinion, tuberculosis (TB) has not been eliminated in Singapore.

Regulatory bottlenecks such as local QC testing and pre-approval of GMP inspections must go

The APAC pharma and biopharma landscape is rapidly evolving and the market access landscape is increasingly turning complex with the intricate regulatory system.

Leveraging big data to create transparency, mitigate risks and operate in real-time is critical

With the innovation boom in Asia and many early-stage assets emerging, the time is ripe for Asian economies to establish cross-border business relationships by systematically tapping potential markets for successful market penetration.

From Hazy to Crystal Clear Picture of Compensation Trends

The Life Sciences industry is, indeed, growing at a rapid speed, with every region reporting bonuses and salary increments, as well as a high demand in recruiting new talent. With the talent market becoming increasingly hot, it is critical for industry hiring managers and companies to stay highly aware of compensation trends in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Let's assess the current scenario to get a handle on 'what's changed'.

India Unveils Angel Investor Network For Biotech Startups

To unlock the potential of Indian the Biotechnology startups, Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has collaborated with the Indian Angel Network (IAN) to launch an angel investor network, BioAngels.

80% Of Premature Heart Attacks And Strokes Are Preventable

Widespread chronic disease and ageing populations are necessitating a pressing change in the model of care, as there will be close to half a billion people aged 65 and older in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by 2025.

AIM brings innovations from labs to hospitals and masses

The human body, like Space, is an endless frontier made even more complex by the irreversibility of life by the arrow of time. Similar to the mystery of origin of the Universe some problems in the human body are so complex, for example, the problem of qualia or the hard problem of consciousness– ‘Why any physical state is conscious rather than nonconscious’ that it has given the league of neuroscientists, philosophers and empiricists a perpetual “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent” or the Upanishadic ‘Neti Neti’ limbo.

It is our goal to fuel R&D in the region

UK-based Abcam, a global innovator working together with life scientists to advance research and enable faster breakthroughs, has officially opened its newest regional hub in Singapore recently.

Ensuring Digital Health Standards

The use of digital health (DH) has grown rapidly over the last couple of years - accelerating even more during the COVID-19 pandemic. As DH becomes part of the traditional healthcare system, it's important to have stringent regulations and higher levels of scrutiny. Regulators around the world and in Asia are realising this fact and changing regulations accordingly. Let's look at the regulatory landscape in APAC.

Targeting Optimal DRUG DELIVERY

In recent years, several innovations have emerged around long-acting formulations and medical device development to improve patient compliance. Consequently, the growing need for controlled drug release coupled with technological advancements in pharmacology is promoting the adoption of novel drug delivery systems (NDDS). It is now crucial for Asia Pacific (APAC) drug formulators to learn and act upon these advances in therapeutic modalities that address long-standing bioavailability, dosage, and ingestion challenges of drug components to remain competitive in the global market. Simultaneously, it's essential to optimise the therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles of a drug by regulating dosage parameters, while DDS plays an important role in administering drugs, vaccines, and therapeutic agents. Optimising these techniques enhance the performance efficacy ratio of medications by economically managing therapeutics assets. Let's examine recent advancements in drug delivery modalities that are greatly encouraging stakeholders' collaboration among innovators, manufacturers, investors, and contract development and manufacturing companies (CDMOs) who are capitalising on competitive advantages.

China, Brazil join hands to boost health cooperation

Ma Xiaowei, Minister of China’s National Health Commission (NHC) recently had a meeting with Marcelo Queiroga, Brazil’s Health Minister to exchange views on further deepening bilateral and multilateral health cooperation.

India develops tiny robots to enhance dental care

Nano-sized robots manipulated using a magnetic field can help kill bacteria deep inside dentinal tubules, and boost the success of root canal treatments, as per a new study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and IIScincubated startup, Theranautilus.

Our approach to managing the side effects of cancer therapy has evolved

Although there has been tremendous progress in discovering and developing new therapies to treat cancer patients, innovation in treating or preventing the side effects has lagged in comparison.

WHO validates China's Convidecia as 11th vaccine for COVID-19

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an emergency use listing (EUL) for Convidecia, a vaccine manufactured by CanSino Biologics, China, adding to a growing portfolio of vaccines validated by WHO for the prevention of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Japan approves Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine for primary, booster immunisation

COVID-19 Vaccine

Japan Develops Photocatalyst For Antiviral Coating Against Covid-19

Viral infections mainly occur in indoor environments where many people gather.

Is On-Demand Healthcare Taking Off?

Digital healthcare is converging technology with healthcare to deliver more efficient, personalised, and innovative healthcare services through telemedicine, cloud-based mobile apps, wearable devices, clinical management devices, artificial intelligence, algorithm software, diagnostic medical devices, and more. Making use of the emerging opportunities, startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Asia Pacific are accelerating their research, development, and production of emerging and disruptive technology tools. These small-scale innovators are gradually entering mainstream opportunities through collaboration with government, academics, and large industries for technological development as well as through partnership and investment opportunities. But, how far have they been successful in making a leap to thrive in the industry and overcoming the barriers? Let's dig deeper.

Juniper Biologics offers world's first cell-mediated gene therapy for knee osteoarthritis

develop TG-C LD Juniper Biologics, a Singapore-based startup, has gained the licensing rights to and commercialize (TissueGene-C low dose) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Thermo Fisher introduces Gibco CTS TrueCut Cas9 Protein

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the new GMP-manufactured Gibco CTS TrueCut Cas9 Protein.

OZ BUDGET BOLSTERS HEALTHCARE

Circumstances have continued to evolve as the COVID-19 Omicron variant has added further pressure to Australia's healthcare sector, as well as increasing supply chain disruptions, bringing about staff shortages and reducing household spending.