A roundup of some of the most important recent pharma news from the dynamic ASEAN region, including a big new investment from Novartis in its antibody plant in Singapore, the establishment of ‘pharmaceutical ecozones’ to streamline the drug application process in the Philippines; Vietnam’s journey to attaining WHO Level Four status; and how a lack of innovation is holding Thailand back.

 

Novartis lays out $256M for antibody plant expansion in Singapore, plots 100 hires (Fierce Pharma)

Over the years, Singapore has attracted a suite of biopharma majors, and Novartis is no exception.

Now, the Swiss drugmaker is upping its commitment there with plans for an antibody manufacturing expansion designed to address “soaring demand in the Asian market.”

Novartis on Friday said it broke ground on a $256 million expansion of its biopharmaceutical production facility in Singapore. The project will introduce digitalization and automation at the site in a bid to boost manufacturing productivity and to help upskill the company’s workforce.

 

PEZA backs creation of pharma ecozones (Philippine News Agency)

MANILA – The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) backs the proposal of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to establish pharmaceutical economic zones in the country.

In a statement Friday, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said he is optimistic about the rise of investments in medical and drug manufacturing through the creation of pharmaceutical ecozones across the country.

Marcos met with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last Feb.13 and proposed the idea of setting up pharmaceutical ecozones, aiming to streamline the drug application process and enhance efficiency.

 

Thailand’s medical hub dream shattered by lack of innovation: Pharma leaders (The Nation)

According to leading Thai pharmaceutical companies, a major challenge for the industry is forging a strong domestic medicine manufacturing base on which the country can rely.

BANGKOK – Their comments came in response to the announcement that “CPHI South East Asia 2024”, ASEAN’s leading pharmaceutical event, will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok from July 10 to 12.

While praising the event as a platform for Thailand’s pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to demonstrate their potential as a medical hub of Asia, Greater Pharma and T.MAN Pharmaceutical pointed out big obstacles to achieving that aim.

 

Could ASEAN Become Next Priority For Korean Pharma Firms? (Scrip – Paywalled)

Southeast Asia has so far not been a priority market for South Korean pharma firms, largely because of challenges such as access and affordability for patients. But a Deloitte executive suggested at a recent seminar that technology-based medicines, for example using next-generation formulation technologies, could be an initial focus for Korean firms looking to enter the rapidly growing ASEAN grouping.

 

Vietnam realises pharmaceutical industry development strategy (Vietnam+)

Vietnam is striving to develop the pharmaceutical industry to level 4, the highest as classified by the World Health Organisation, according to the National Strategy for Pharmaceutical Industry Development by 2023, with a vision toward 2045.

Hanoi (VNA) –Vietnam is striving to develop the pharmaceutical industry to level 4, the highest as classified by the World Health Organisation, according to the National Strategy for Pharmaceutical Industry Development by 2023, with a vision toward 2045.

Accordingly, the country is improving research capacity and the application of new drug production technology and promoting clinical pharmacy development. Vietnam is also strengthening supervision of safe and reasonable drug use, aiming to become a centre for new science and medical innovation in the region.