CATEGORIES

Smith+Nephew introduces REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant in Japan

British medtech company Smith+Nephew has announced the launch of its REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant allowing access to thousands of patients in Japan.

East Ventures opens first healthcare fund of $30M in Indonesia

East Ventures, a pioneering and leading venture capital firm in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, has announced the firm’s first healthcare-focused fund with the amount of $30 million, which is dedicated to supporting innovative healthcare solutions in Indonesia.

New Zealand launches national polio response framework

The Ministry of Health in New Zealand has published a new National Poliomyelitis Response Framework, responding to the increased risk of poliovirus globally.

India announces women leadership in STEM programme

WOMEN LEADERSHIP IN STEM

Australia releases landmark cancer plan to improve screening, treatment

The Australian Government has released the landmark Australian Cancer Plan, which aims to improve prevention, screening, treatment, and management of all cancers for all people in Australia regardless of their background or where they live.

Singapore extends cooperation with China in traditional chinese medicine

Singapore will further its cooperation in several areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), with the signing of the 7th Plan of Cooperation (POC) in TCM between Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MoH) and the PRC’s National Administration of TCM (NATCM) recently.

PROMOTING INDIAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Myanmar and India have been planning joint efforts for the promotion of traditional healthcare systems and medicine in both countries. Recently, in Myanmar, India proposed to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) to promote cooperation between the two countries in teaching and researching the traditional system of medicine. A bilateral meeting was held in March 2023 in India where possibilities of cooperation in the field of traditional medicines were discussed. Later, in August, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the countries in New Delhi on cooperation in the field of traditional medicine when U Kyaw Tin, Myanmar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, was visiting India.

Biopharma's Evolution and Future Resilience in Asia

As the world emerges from the COVID-19 crisis, the global biopharma industry remains under spotlight. Recent advancements in the sector such as MRNA-based vaccines, use of artificial intelligence Al) in drug discovery, exploration of cell and gene therapies, have the potential to reshape lives, offering hope in the face of looming threats such as pandemics and antimicrobial resistance. Based on five pillars supply chain resilience, talent pool, R&D ecosystem, manufacturing agility, and government policy and regulation, Cytiva has unveiled the findings of the 2023 Global Biopharma Resilience Index, to help us identify the gaps in the industry now, and how to mitigate current challenges for a stronger future within Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Can Cutting-edge Tech Reduce Rising CVD Burden?

Each year World Heart Day is observed to increase awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), after all defeating them is something that matters to every beating heart. CVDs are disorders of the heart and blood vessels and are often referred to as “silent killers” because most of the patients with underlying heart ailments do not exhibit any obvious symptoms. Development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies backed by requisite government policy support and direction will help in bolstering the fight against CVDs and thus improving the quality of the individuals’ heart and also their lives. Let’s take a closer look.

Focusing on Women's Cancers

Breast and cervical cancer are pressing threats to women and health systems in the Asia Pacific APAC) region. A new multisectoral collaboration and a powerful analysis of six countries’ breast and cervical cancer prevention and care capacity are generating momentum to save lives and contribute to a global health movement.

"The cancer diagnostics industry is on the cusp of substantial growth, attributed to an aging population"

eadquartered in California, USA, Harae Dx, H a medical diagnostics company is all set to introduce the next generation Artificial Intelligence AI) enabled automated multi-cancer early detection system in India, China and the US in three years-time period. Harae Dx has already secured seed funding from global investor SOSV and is in the process of securing Series A funding of 12 million. The company holds strategic patents in its core technology platform, and the development and manufacturing of the entire diagnostics system will be executed through strategic partnerships using an outsourced model. In an exclusive interview with BioSpectrum Dr Nitin Malekar, Director, Harae Dx Inc., shared his views on the effectiveness of the new technologies being offered and regulatory challenges. Edited excerpts;

Pharma Heads Pass Leadership Baton

The pharmaceutical industry is evaluating and adapting to the Great Reset, set in motion back in 2020. One key strategy in this regard has been the change of management structure, with several high-profile leadership changes in 2023. As the euphoria of pandemic-induced record revenues subsided in 2023, the pharmaceutical industry had to reevaluate its strategies and has undergone significant structural changes. Companies adapted their approaches, implementing measures such as job cuts, mergers and acquisitions M&A), and a comprehensive overhaul of top management to navigate the evolving landscape effectively. Big Pharma elites, including Pfizer, Sanofi, Novartis, Astellas, among others, have announced a slew of leadership changes in recent times. Let’s explore these further.

How has 2023 panned out for the life sciences industry in Asia Pacific?

Many of the trends in 2023 in life sciences in Asia Pacific were predicted, but there have been some unexpected events, which have caught market participants off-guard. It’s been the year of the expected and the surprises.

Asia Toughing Uncertainties Out the and Challenges.

For many looking back at 2023, the word of the year would probably be “uncertainties.” There have been lingering uncertainties about another pandemic, the ongoing wars and atrocities, and the precarious footing of the global economy.

2 Strategic Trends Driving APAC

In the Asia-Pacific region, we see two key strategic trends within Policy, Access, Value, and Evidence:

Buoyant Life Sciences Sector Emerges Stronger

As we bid farewell to another eventful year in the world of life sciences, it’s time to look back at the whirlwind of advancements and changes that have shaped the industry in 2023. Back in January this year, we interacted with leaders from various market segments who shared their insights into what the year held for their particular spheres. Let's recap the 2023 predictions and find out if they panned out as predicted.

"NEOM is fundamentally reshaping health by placing a strong emphasis on personalised care"

The core of a holistic health reform lies in the integration of emerging cuttingedge technologies into personalised care, emphasising interdisciplinary approaches.

"Across AMEA, the biopharma industry is seeing a greater emphasis on local production and supply chain resilience"

Avantor, the leading global provider of life sciences and advanced technology solutions, inaugurated Singapore Manufacturing & Distributing Hub (SMDH) mid this year.

"Continuous innovation and adherence to global quality will be key to maintaining India's growth in pharma exports"

The Indian Pharmaceutical Industry is celebrating an unprecedented milestone, with exports reaching a staggering $25.3 billion by the end of the first quarter of the 2023 fiscal year.

30 Young CEOs Closely Contest the Best Bio CEO Awards

The race was on among young biotech CEOs for top position in 2023 Best Bio CEO awards organised by Global Bio and Investment media in Taipei, Taiwan.

The Changing Face of Chromatography

From cutting-edge gene therapies to groundbreaking MRNA vaccines, innovative approaches hold tremendous promise for treating and preventing diseases. However, their development and production pose unique challenges that demand equally innovative solutions. Let’s look at how chromatography, a foundational technique in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, is keeping pace with these new therapies and explore the latest developments in the chromatography market.

Pushing The Age Barrier

In 2022, 1 in 7 individuals in Asia Pacific were aged 60 or older. This demographic trend is accelerating, with projections suggesting that by 2050, 1 in 4 people in the region will fall into this age group, according to the United Nations, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), 2022.

Disruptive Technologies and New Industry Initiatives for Diabetes Management

Asia will continue to be a large and rapidly growing market for diabetes care technologies. To be competitive and successful in the aggressive market with numerous large and startup companies, players will need large funds, a broad portfolio with desirable differentiators and a strong distribution network. Low-cost products, subscription-based solutions, reimbursement policies and training of patients and physicians will be required to promote the adoption among low income and middle-income regions. Large players are very intent on tapping the large market potential in Asia. Many global companies have set up local presence in Asian countries and local production through OEM partners in the countries to bring down the cost of their solutions, and more companies are expected to follow.

"Computer-Aided Diagnosis provided by Al needs to gain trust from doctors"

In November 2022, The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan’s prominent high-tech research institution, launched Point-of Care AI-DR, the first AI-assisted system integrated into commonly used handheld and desktop fundus cameras in healthcare settings for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) detection. Dr Lee Ya-wen, Technical Manager, ICL, ITRI sheds more light on ITRI’s Point-of-Care AI-DR system, opportunities and challenges of AI-assisted diagnostic systems etc. Edited excerpts:

Prediabetes can significantly impact quality of life

Even though prediabetes is a leading risk factor for diabetes and may predict cardiovascular disease and increased mortality, the degree of unawareness is very high with up to 85 per cent not being aware of their condition. Early diagnoses can help enable better treatment outcomes, better quality of life, and damaged nerves can be regenerated if nerve care damage has not progressed too far.

Addressing Diabetes-related Complications

Southeast Asia is currently home to 90 million adults diagnosed with diabetes, and this number is expected to reach 113 million by 2030, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2022. Out of these 90 million, 46 million remain undiagnosed.

The Better The AI Gets, The Harder It Is To Ignore

Hong Kong based Insilico Medicine, a pioneer in AI-based drug discovery, has made significant strides in recent years. Two of their candidates have reached clinical trials, with INS018-055 leading the pack as the first AI-discovered drug designed by generative AI to enter phase 2 clinical trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Back in 2014, when the company began, AI for drug discovery was relatively unheard of, but now it’s an indispensable part of the drug discovery process. Insilico’s partnerships with major pharmaceutical firms like Janssen underscore the growing importance of AI in this field. Dr Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, sheds light on the industry’s evolving response to AI in drug discovery, partnerships, regulatory reforms etc. and also shares the company’s future plans. Edited excerpts:

SK bioscience, Vaxxas collaborate to develop needle-free patch delivery platform of typhoid vaccine

South Korea-based SK bioscience has entered into a collaboration agreement with Vaxxas, an Australian biotechnology company developing a unique vaccine patch platform technology, to develop a second-generation typhoid conjugate vaccine with support from Wellcome.

Interacting with Startups to Tackle Mental Healthcare

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC), a government organisation for economic cooperation across APAC countries, reported that mental illness accounted for more than 20 per cent of the total years lost and less than 50 per cent of the people affected by mental illness received evidence-based treatment. To address these mental health concerns, startups in the APAC region have new technologies for improving awareness of mental health, maintaining the privacy of a patient, improving accessibility, and reducing unwanted hospitalisation. There is also a rise in mental wellness solutions in the form of phone apps and other digital platforms which will enable a paradigm shift towards preventive mental healthcare in the next few years. Let’s delve further.

What's Transforming Australia's Thriving Life Sciences Industry?

With research and development thriving, and demand for locally made biopharmaceuticals increasing in an effort to secure reliable medical supply chains, Australia has set its sights on becoming a global life sciences hub. As Australia heads towards becoming a global life sciences hub, the industry pledges opportunities for all stakeholders, solidifying its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s healthcare landscape.