CATEGORIES

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.

Bringing patient voices into HTA, health policy development in Asia

Health technology assessment (HTA) is recognised as a crucial stage in the introduction of f new technology, new medicines, and new clinical practices.

AmoyDx collaborates with AstraZeneca for multiple companion diagnostics in China

Amoy Diagnostics, a China based innovative molecular diagnostics company, has entered into a Master Collaboration Agreement with AstraZeneca.

How Personalised 3D-Printed Drugs Can Cut Costs & Eliminate Fakes

Although 3D printing in life sciences is mostly associated with organs, of late, 3D-printed drugs are also gaining traction. Let’s find out the benefits of this fast growing tech solution that promises to solve the industry’s manufacturing woes.

WHO Issues Guidelines To ‘Pandemic Influenza'

The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s new guidelines for the clinical management of severe illness from influenza virus infections provide recommendations on the use of influenza antivirals, adjunctive therapies and diagnostic strategies.

Why Holomedicine Is Rapidly Gaining Ground

Medical holography has emerged as one of the most promising applications in the medical industry. Holographic imaging technology is advancing healthcare, life sciences, biomedical research as well as medical training and education. Mixed Reality (MR) applications are gradually making a progressive impact on healthcare deliveries with precise quantitative measurement of human internal anatomy elements in 3D holograms geometries displayed in actual physical space. Holographic 3D technology renders medical professionals with advanced diagnostic capabilities and surgical planning, by allowing them to slice virtual tissue, organs, and other body parts at various angles. Holomedicne advances access to percutaneous procedures without invasive needle techniques. Surgeons across the world are now curious to explore medical holograms to enhance the efficiency of complex surgeries.

Pfizer's Oral Covid-19 Drug To Hit Shelves In 95 Countries

COVID-19 drug

“We can only see interoperability driving the future of healthcare systems”

The need for having data sharing in healthcare through electronic records is more prevalent than ever. For the healthcare industry, big data can help lower rate of medication errors, facilitate preventive care, streamline staffing, among others. However due to the increasing number of cybersecurity attacks on healthcare systems, there is going to be more scrutiny regarding health data sharing, consent, and monetisation after recurring incidents exploiting interoperability.

“We are seeing strong demand for antiviral small molecules in APAC”

While vaccines have been rapidly developed and rolled out, there remains a dearth of small molecule treatment options that are designed specifically to combat COVID-19.

Waters introduces automated solution for mass and purity analysis of biomolecules

Waters Corporation has introduced new software and analytical columns to aid biomolecule drug discovery and development.

RedHill inks $6M deal with Kukbo for COVID-19 drug in South Korea

RedHill Biopharma has entered into an exclusive licence agreement with Kukbo Co., a South Korean corporation, for oral opaganib for the treatment of COVID-19, in South Korea.

Leveraging Academia-Industry Collabs to Scale-up S&T Innovations

Global challenges are too large to tackle in isolation. The creation of new shared value in public research through academic-industry collaborations are gaining momentum in innovations in the science, life science, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.

Exploring the Possibilities of RNA Therapeutics

Fuelled by the successful utilisation of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, RNA therapeutics are expected to make larger strides in the near future. Let’s look at some of the drugs in late stage trials and the trends that will shape the RNA therapies landscape in 2022 and beyond:

Burden of Uncorrected Myopia on APAC Healthcare Systems

Uncorrected myopia remains the leading cause of distance vision impairment globally, and its rising prevalence could cost billions of dollars in lost productivity in the coming decades. A hallmark study by the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) in Australia predicts that by 2050, over half the world’s population or 52 per cent will be myopic. Moreover, management and control of myopia is a relatively new concept in many countries. Let’s explore what possible steps can be undertaken to address this affliction.

Bharat Biotech, Biofabri to develop and distribute novel TB vaccine

India-based Bharat Biotech has announced the partnership with Biofabri, a Spanish biopharmaceutical company, to join forces to develop, manufacture and market a new tuberculosis vaccine in more than 70 countries in Southeast Asia and subSaharan Africa.

Aussie Institute combines statins with Evolocumab to lower heart attacks

A novel new therapy has been found to reduce harmful plaque in arteries and change its composition so it is less likely to rupture and cause a heart attack, following a clinical trial led by the Victorian Heart Institute (VHI) at Monash University.

Women Special - Breaking Down Disparities

Women continue to sustain the quest to make a mark in the workplace and balance their personal life. Pandemic or not, woman power has not diminished one bit, and it shows in their exemplary achievements in India and the rest of the world. On the occasion of Women’s Day, BioSpectrum Asia salutes 20 inspiring leaders of the life sciences industry in the APAC region, for motivating others around them, breaking the glass ceiling and paving their own paths in 2021. These 20 women are powerhouses in their respective fields, inspiring not just their employees and the people around them, but other women and the next generation of women leaders.

Japan Discovers Host Immune-Dependent Novel Anti-Coronavirus Antibody

The National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), in partnership with Shionogi & Co. in Japan, has successfully identified a novel antiviral antibody for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), its variants, and closely associated coronavirus species.