CATEGORIES

Cipla launches India's first pneumotach-based wireless spirometer

Cipla’s Spirofy is a result of five years of in-house research by the Integrated Product Development (IPD) team, and it aims to transform OAD diagnosis in India.

Chinese Startups Accelerate Innovative Drugs R&D For COVID-19

China-based startups Insilico Medicine and Westlake Pharma have announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop innovative small-molecule drugs for COVID-19.

Vax Cocktail Endgame Against Covid-19

The world has been under the deadly spell of the coronavirus, with multiple waves of the pandemic decimating lives and economy in a fell swoop. In a record short span of time, numerous vaccines were developed to combat COVID-19. However, the ground reality seems, as per some experts, that administering a mix of vaccines presents better outcomes. Whether this approach holds good, needs a closer look.

Taiwan allows mixing of COVID-19 vaccines for healthcare workers

NEW SUPPLY AGREEMENT IS IN ADDITION TO THE PRIOR AGREEMENT FOR 5 MILLION DOSES IN 2021.

SOARING SOUTH KOREAN MEDICAL DEVICES MARKET

The pandemic induced rise in healthcare expenditure has catalysed the growth of the medical devices market. Growing healthcare needs are significantly influencing the development of novel diagnostic and surgical tools. To meet the regional and international demand for medical devices, South Korea is taking all the necessary steps to support the country’s major market players. We shall take a closer look at the big movers and shakers of the industry.

SARS-CoV-2: A Biochemical Treatise on its Past, Present & Future

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is unprecedented but equally unprecedented is the contribution of scientists who have helped us in understanding the mechanisms by which it infects human beings and also, developing a variety of vaccines to protect the masses, in a year’s time, which can be called truly groundbreaking. This article gives an overview of the progress made by scientists around the world working round the clock in developing an understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 evolution and COVID-19 disease pathogenesis, and also makes an attempt to suggest the possible ways of coping with this pandemic if we have to co-exist with it forever!

Resisting & Adapting to Infectious Diseases to Prevent Future Pandemics

Understanding the science behind infectious disease R&D, and what interventions are being implemented to potentially prevent future pandemics caused by emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19

CEPI advances next-gen COVID-19 vax development

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), based in Norway, has announced that it has entered into a funding agreement with US-based startup Gritstone bio, Inc. to advance the development of a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine candidate against COVID-19 variants.

'With an array of partners, we are tackling some of the biggest unmet needs in mental health diseases'

Revealing new answers through precise analysis of the gut microbiome, Australiabased startup Microba Life Sciences is strengthening its presence in the market by partnering with global leaders to turn its discoveries into transformative solutions for medical diagnosis and treatment. To find out more about the solutions being offered by the startup in the microbiome space, BioSpectrum Asia reached out to Dr Luke Holtham Reid, President, Microba Life Sciences, Australia, soon after the World Microbiome Day, celebrated on June 27 every year.

'For good technology investments, benefits and cost-efficiencies outweigh cost factors overtime'

Recent innovations in the industry are, demonstrably, supporting hospitals and healthcare workers in planning for safer and more efficient use of their resources, while minimising waste. Better still, these systems can even help prevent the spread of viruses in hospitals where frontline workers are at great risk. With the increasing concerns around the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, BioSpectrum Asia spoke to healthcare expert, Dirk Dumortier, Head of Business Development Smart-City and Healthcare (Asia Pacific), Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE), Singapore on prospects and gateways towards progressive healthcare system for Asia-Pacific regions. Edited excerpts;

'Digital health innovation is no longer an option, but a necessity for health systems'

The Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association (APACMed), has established a formal Digital Health Committee in order to focus on core advocacy themes such as interoperability, regulatory, cybersecurity, and reimbursement. On the latter point, the committee conducted global literature review combined with field research across the Asia Pacific, consulting public and private stakeholders, healthcare practitioners, and many other medical ecosystem players. APACMed study formulated the current state of Digital Health policies in the Asia Pacific, covering Australia and India as the two archetypes, which are poised uniquely with their own set of challenges and advantages. Roberta Sarno, Digital Health Manager, APACMed, Singapore trains the spotlight on the extensive research conducted by APACMed Digital Health Committee on these policy pathways for Asia Pacific. Edited excerpts;

Korea builds brainmimicking interface to study neurological diseases

A research team and collaborators at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has revealed a newly developed hydrogel-based flexible brain-machine interface.

5G's Healthcare Implications To Watch For

From remote diagnosis, remote surgery, real-time monitoring to expanded telehealth etc. 5G represents a host of opportunities for healthcare. Let’s look at the possibilities of this technology for healthcare and how it can help bring a paradigm shift in the sector.

Changing face of mental health assistance in Asia

The Asian mental health industry is still relatively new, largely due to barriers like stigma and limited access to care. However, there are several startups that have made major strides in addressing those challenges and attracting investor attention. We shall take a look at a few companies that reinforce the idea that life can be challenging, and that it’s normal to sometimes seek mental health support.

“Transparent partnerships, will enable emerging biotech and biopharma companies to deliver innovative solutions”

IQVIA has announced the Japan and Asia Pacific (JAPAC) expansion of IQVIA Biotech, a tailored approach to delivering integrated clinical solutions at an accelerated pace. As stated in a recent white paper by IQVIA Biotech, the total pipeline of emerging biopharma (EBP) companies in JAPAC is equivalent to roughly two-thirds of the entire global biopharma industry pipeline.

Singapore buys sotrovimab from GSK, Vir Bio to treat COVID-19

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Singapore and Vir Biotechnology have signed an agreement with the Government of Singapore for the supply of sotrovimab, an investigational single-dose monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 who do not require oxygen supplementation and who are at risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.

“Keep investing in expanding manufacturing capacity is our commitment to customers”

Responding to the increased demand for products that are used in emerging modalities such as gene therapy, and are currently in high demand for the manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines and therapies, Cytiva is investing $1.5 billion over two years to meet growing demand for biotechnology solutions.

Japan brings data scientist training programme for pharma industry

Japanese firms Chugai Pharmaceutical and Albert Inc have jointly developed a data scientist training programme for the pharmaceutical industry.

Is the 5G health scare unfounded?

The introduction of the 5G network has been mired in numerous controversies. Governments across the globe, activists and telecom operators are embroiled in a bitter fight, filing lawsuits and protesting in large numbers. Although most of the available research on electromagnetic fields (EMF) reveals that there are no harmful effects from mobile radiation, some studies do reveal that it has the potential to damage the very structure of the DNA. Cancer, impaired reproductive health and numerous other disorders, including psychiatric, have been attributed to 5G. Will the implementation of the 5G network have serious health implications, or are these fears unfounded? We try to weigh-in the opposing sides.

China approves first CAR T-cell therapy

Kite, a Gilead Company, has announced that Fosun Kite Biotechnology Co., Ltd.,

Australia develops quick test to detect jaundice in infants

A fast, cheap paper test that can detect jaundice in newborns is on the verge of bedside validation and commercialisation, and distribution to health practitioners across the world.

Does The World Need Global Vax Passport?

Governments around the world are exploring the potential benefits of using ‘vaccine passports’ as a way to reopening the economy by identifying and permitting only those who are protected against COVID-19. While the world awaits herd immunity, millions of vaccinated individuals across the world are eagerly anticipating trade and operational plans at the vaccination horizons. Border checkpoints are reviving vigilance around the globe and countries are exploring novel methodologies to revive international travel, an essential social and business component at present.

3 trends to drive and shape the future of digital health

A year on, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world continue to be profound. More than 90 per cent of global executives polled by McKinsey and Company believe COVID-19 will fundamentally change their businesses, and 85 per cent predict lasting changes in customers’ preferences. Being on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 has placed unparalleled demands on the healthcare industry no less – and quite possibly more – than any other sector.

Making gene therapy affordable with droplet digital PCR

Gene therapy has the potential to bring relief to millions of individuals with diseases ranging from β-thalassemia to sickle cell disease across Asia and beyond.

SINGAPORE TAKES ON CANCER WITH INNOVATIVE STREAK

Although 2020 was more focused on finding solutions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, it also pushed the boundaries of cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Researchers across Asia have continued to make meaningful strides against cancer in 2020. One such remarkable example is that of Singapore. The scientific community across the country is setting new examples of innovation by focusing majorly on two aspects- chemotherapy and immunotherapy, to fight this deadly disease. While the socioeconomic burden inflicted by cancer is inevitable, Singapore’s innovative streak for developing effective treatment of cancer is set to mitigate this socioeconomic impact, and help patients maintain their quality of life, and remain productive.

“We will continue to focus on high-value targets in biopharma”

Hummingbird Bioscience, an innovative clinical-stage biotech company with its APAC headquarter in Singapore, with 60 employees is focused on developing precision therapies against hard-to-drug targets via a unique data-driven systems biology approach.

Singapore Allows Use Of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine In Adolescents

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) at Singapore has extended the authorisation of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in adolescents of ages 12 to 15 years for the prevention of COVID-19.

Africa CDC Takes New Steps To Fight Covid-19

African Ministers of Health have committed to support the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (Africa CDC), new initiatives to double down on the ongoing continental recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is 2.16B Jabs Target Unachievable For India?

India currently is suffering from an acute shortage of vaccines, due to which various vaccination centres have had to shut down vaccinations for several days. To ease access to vaccines, the Government of India has permitted states to source COVID-19 vaccines from manufacturers across the globe.

Shineco to pick 51% stake in Taiwan's Mayah Biological

Shineco, Inc, a producer and distributor of Chinese herbal medicines, organic agricultural and hemp products, has announced that the company and Mayah Biological Holdings, a British Virgin Islands Company headquartered in Taiwan Biomedical Park, has signed a Proposal for Purchase of Equity Interest of Mayah Biological Holding Limited, with respect to the potential purchase of at least 51 per cent equity interests in Mayah Biological by Shineco.