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BioSpectrum Asia Magazine - BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025

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In this issue

Life Sciences Trends 2026: From Regulatory Agility, AI and Investments to Digital Health Transformation As the curtains close on 2025, it’s time to reflect on how the year unfolded. BioSpectrum encapsulates some of the key trends for 2026, starting with the reigning behemoth, China. To understand what lies ahead for the life-sciences sector, BioSpectrum Asia spoke with analysts from across its major market segments. Their insights reveal the following key predictions spanning pharma, biotech, medtech, healthcare, digital health, and manufacturing that are expected to define the industry in the year to come. Let’s dive deeper.

PIVOTING PHARMA STRATEGY TOWARD NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The United States has effectively shut the door on several Indian medicines after President Donald Trump imposed a steep 100 per cent duty on branded and patented drugs.

3 mins

India lays focus on evidence-based healthcare decision-making

India's National Health Authority (NHA), the implementing agency of Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY) and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

1 mins

Australia to establish independent Centre for Disease Control

The government of Australia has passed legislation to deliver on its commitment to establish an independent Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

1 mins

Vietnam launches project to accelerate cervical cancer testing

FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics), a global health non-profit based in Geneva, Switzerland, has launched a new project in partnership with the Hai Phong Department of Health, Vietnam to develop a copayment mechanism that will expand access to cervical cancer screening across Hai Phong.

1 mins

Singapore strengthens national blood supply

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Singapore Red Cross (SRC) have launched an enhanced \"Adopt a Bloodbank\" programme and a new Blood Partner Award to forge sustainable partnerships to create a vibrant blood donation scene in Singapore.

1 mins

Insilico and Lilly enter $100 M collaboration for AI-driven drug discovery

Hong Kong-based Insilico Medicine, a clinical-stage generative artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery company, has announced a research collaboration with American pharma firm Eli Lilly, that the two parties will combine Insilico's state-of-the-art Pharma.AI platforms with Lilly's development and disease expertise to jointly discover and advance innovative therapies.

1 mins

Kotak Alts invests Rs 40 Cr in Mediversal Healthcare

Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (Kotak Alts), through its Kotak Life Science Fund I, which invests in early to growth-stage life sciences and healthcare businesses in India, has made an investment of Rs 40 crore in Mediversal Healthcare.

1 mins

Roche inks nearly $1 B deal with Qyuns Therapeutics

China's Qyuns Therapeutics has entered into a global exclusive collaboration and license agreement with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, pursuant to which the company grants Roche the global exclusive right to develop, manufacture, and commercialise QX031N.

1 mins

EirGenix partners with Sandoz for breast cancer biosimilar in $152 M deal

Taiwan-based EirGenix Inc. has entered into a second global exclusive licensing agreement with international biosimilar leader Sandoz AG for the commercialisation of its independently developed breast cancer biosimilar, EG1206A (Pertuzumab Biosimilar to Roche Perjeta), covering all territories except Taiwan, Mainland China, Macau, South Korea, Mongolia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Japan.

1 mins

Mölnlycke opens first wound care manufacturing site in China

Mölnlycke Health Care, a global leader in MedTech, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, recently celebrated the commencement of its new wound care manufacturing site in Changshu, China.

1 mins

CSL Seqirus to localise advanced influenza vaccine manufacturing in Saudi Arabia

Australia-based CSL Seqirus and Vaccine Industrial Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia to enhance the biotechnology sector by accessing advanced cellbased seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines and localising manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.

1 mins

Meiji to establish Singapore subsidiary to expand biz in ASEAN region

Japan's Meiji Seika Pharma has decided to establish a local subsidiary in Singapore to strengthen its presence and expand its business in the ASEAN region.

1 mins

Fujifilm launches joint research with National Cancer Center in Japan

Fujifilm Corporation has signed a joint research agreement with the National Cancer Center Japan, a Tokyo-based national institution recognised for its leadership in cancer care and research.

1 mins

Omron invests in South Korean healthcare startup Sky Labs

South Korea-based healthcare startup Sky Labs has attracted investments with Omron Ventures, Omron Group's enterpriseled venture capital (CVC).

1 mins

Monash spinout RAGE Biotech secures $29 M to advance next-generation RNA therapeutics

Australia's Monash University spinout RAGE Biotech has raised $29 million in Series A funding, marking a major step toward translating RNA-based therapeutics for chronic inflammatory disease into the clinic.

1 mins

Helex raises $3.5 M to advance targeted gene therapies for kidney diseases

Helex, a US and India based therapeutics startup developing a new class of targeted medicines for genetic kidney diseases, has announced its oversubscribed $3.5 million Seed round, led by pi Ventures.

1 mins

Cornerstone Robotics secures $200 M in oversubscribed funding

China-based startup Cornerstone Robotics, a leading global innovator in surgical robotics, has announced the closing of an oversubscribed new financing round of approximately $200 million.

1 mins

Brazil pledges $72 M in support of Gavi's global immunisation efforts

Brazil has announced a landmark pledge of $72 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for the organisation's 2026-2030 strategic period.

1 mins

US advances women's health related to Hormone Replacement Therapy

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced historic action to restore gold-standard science to women's health.

1 mins

Africa CDC launches operational research on malaria in Southern Africa

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched operational research on malaria in Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe, supported by a $150,000 grant from the World Bank.

1 mins

Health boost for Britain's forces as new NHS programme launches

Thousands of veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families to receive better healthcare in recognition of their service.

1 mins

WHO launches global guidelines on diabetes during pregnancy

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guidelines for the management of diabetes during pregnancy, a condition affecting about one in six pregnancies - or 21 million women annually.

1 mins

New WHO report urges bold steps for equitable access to novel TB vaccines

A new WHO report calls for bold financing and access strategies to ensure novel tuberculosis (TB) vaccines reach adolescents and adults in high-burden countries.

1 mins

Life Sciences Trends 2026: From Regulatory Agility, AI and Investments to Digital Health Transformation

As the curtains close on 2025, it's time to reflect on how the year unfolded. BioSpectrum encapsulates some of the key trends for 2026, starting with the reigning behemoth, China. To understand what lies ahead for the life-sciences sector, BioSpectrum Asia spoke with analysts from across its major market segments. Their insights reveal the following key predictions spanning pharma, biotech, medtech, healthcare, digital health, and manufacturing that are expected to define the industry in the year to come. Let's dive deeper.

10+ mins

How Sponsors Could Gain Advantage by Embracing Dose Optimisation in Asia by 2026

In 2026, oncology drug development in Asia may move away from the historical maximum tolerated dose (MTD) paradigm toward evidence-based dose optimisation. Sponsors might consider adopting strategies similar to the FDA's Project Optimus, which emphasises selecting doses that balance efficacy and safety rather than relying solely on toxicity thresholds. Doing so could improve patient outcomes and position companies favourably as regulatory expectations evolve.

1 mins

Biotech Outlook 2026: Advancing AI, Organoids, and Translational Science

The Asia-Pacific biotech sector is entering 2026 with renewed momentum. Investment in the pre-clinical organoid space continues to grow as the industry increasingly explores human-relevant models and aims to reduce reliance on animal testing where scientifically feasible. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies are expanding their focus on next-generation drug modalities – particularly antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and targeted protein degradation (TPD) – further strengthening demand for advanced discovery platforms and more predictive research tools.

2 mins

Clinical Research Trends 2026: Hybrid DCTs Set for Surge as Innovation Outpaces Regulatory Hurdles

APAC's openness to innovation, combined with its large population and low trial density, creates strong potential for expanding decentralised clinical trials (DCTs), especially for patients with limited trial access. While regulatory diversity and operational challenges will continue to hinder fully decentralised models, the region is expected to adopt more digital technologies in clinical research. As a result, hybrid DCTs will keep gaining traction, and effective management of digitally collected data will remain a central focus for data science teams.

4 mins

Rise of Global MedTech Innovation in APAC

Asia Pacific (APAC) region has become a key global hub for MedTech innovation, shifting from a cost focused region to a centre of early commercialisation, clinical validation and scalable solutions. Reports have revealed that the share of MedTech startups, over the years, from outside the region has doubled, from 15 per cent to 30 per cent, highlighting rising global interest in APAC as a strategic entry point. This shift is primarily driven by MedTech startups from the US, the UK, and Canada. Additionally, global companies are making efforts to nurture MedTech innovations in the region. Let's take a closer look at how this trend will shape up for 2026.

4 mins

Is China Poised to Overtake the US as Biotech's Global Powerhouse?

What was once the United States' unquestioned domain is now China's fastest-rising frontier. China's biotech sector is reshaping the global industry. Big pharma companies are deepening ties with Chinese biotechs, clinical trials are growing at record speed, and patent activity is surging. With all these milestones, is China poised to dethrone the United States as the benchmark for biotech innovation and market leadership? Let's find out.

4 mins

Regenerative medicines and microbiome health are emerging as exciting frontiers, with Australian companies and researchers pushing into new therapeutic approaches

After more than a year at the helm of AusBiotech, CEO Rebekah Cassidy reflects on her early priorities and the organisation’s ambitions as Australia accelerates its position in the global life sciences economy. In an email interaction on the sidelines of AusBiotech 2025, she highlights the country's progress in mRNA, cell and gene therapy, and radiopharmaceuticals, outlines emerging areas of momentum, and discusses how new partnerships and MoUs are strengthening collaboration across the biotech ecosystem. Rebekah also outlines how AusBiotech is preparing Australia for a more competitive and connected global life sciences economy and the strategic priorities shaping AusBiotech’s next chapter. Edited excerpts:

7 mins

"The next 5-years will see mRNA science evolve beyond infectious disease"

A new survey from Moderna Singapore reveals persistent vaccine hesitancy among older adults in Singapore, even as international travel and year-end gatherings increase the urgency of protection. The findings point to clear opportunities to strengthen public health, including empowering healthcare professionals as trusted messengers and promoting co-administration of vaccines.

4 mins

Free Trade Agreements: Catalysts for Asia's Pharma Growth and Global Access

Asia has emerged as a pivotal hub in the global pharmaceutical landscape. With countries like India, China, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore driving significant production, research, and innovation, the region accounts for an increasingly large share of global pharmaceutical output. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are reshaping this scenario, serving as strategic instruments to reduce trade barriers, streamline regulatory frameworks, and foster regional and global collaboration. By lowering tariffs, simplifying customs procedures, and providing stronger intellectual property protections, FTAs enable pharmaceutical companies to access new markets more efficiently, scale production, and offer affordable medicines worldwide.

4 mins

Blood-based Biomarkers and the New Landscape of Alzheimer's Research

For much of the past century, Alzheimer's disease has been one of medicine's most daunting frontiers—biologically complex, devastating in impact, and difficult to diagnose early. Conventional diagnostic methods like positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis offer precision but remain invasive, costly, and logistically challenging, especially in low- and middle-income regions.

2 mins

Submitting clinical data to the FDA and PDMA: An efficient and compliant approach

In both the US and Japan, regulators provide an extensive set of resources detailing the rules and specifications governing submissions for marketing approval of new drugs and biologics. Fortunately, despite some differences, the regulations concerning clinical data have a surprising amount in common. It is possible that with a solid understanding of the requirements and an adherence to best practices, sponsors can develop some of the same material for submission to both countries.

2 mins

Dubai Medical University launches first department of integrative medicine

Dubai Medical University has announced the establishment of the Department of Integrative Medicine under the College of Pharmacy.

1 mins

Monash University invests $1 B into new campus in Malaysia

Monash University Malaysia will partner with TRX City to deliver its 2.8 billion ringgit ($1 billion) local investment into a future Monash campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

1 mins

Australia builds tailored heart pump to transform heart failure care

Despite making up half of the 64 million people living with heart failure, patients with this common form have no access to heart pump treatments and are left with only medication or palliative care.

1 mins

Japan opens doors for RNA-based therapies and drug design

A group of researchers at Tokyo University of Science, Japan, are exploring whether a combination of state-of-the-art computational tools could reliably model the fundamental folding process of a significantly larger and more structurally diverse library of RNA stem loops than ever tested before.

1 mins

No Funding No Vax for TB?

The World Health Organization (WHO)'s latest updates on tuberculosis (TB) released on November 12 reveal significant progress in diagnosis, treatment, and political commitment, but also expose deep vulnerabilities—especially in the South-East Asia Region (SEARO)—related to funding gaps and the uncertain future of novel TB vaccines. SEARO remains the global epicentre of the TB epidemic, carrying more than 45 per cent of the world's TB incidence despite representing only a quarter of the global population.

2 mins

Read all Stories from BioSpectrum Asia

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine Description:

Publisher: MM-Activ-Sci-Tech-Communication

Category: Business

Language: English

Frequency: Monthly

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine is a monthly magazine published by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communication in India. It is a leading biotechnology magazine in Asia, covering a wide range of topics related to the biotechnology industry, including:

* Biotechnology news and trends: BioSpectrum Asia covers the latest biotechnology news and trends from India and around the world.

* Biotechnology company profiles and interviews: The magazine profiles leading biotechnology companies in Asia and interviews their CEOs and other top executives.

* Biotechnology research and development: BioSpectrum Asia covers the latest biotechnology research and development from academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies.

* Biotechnology product reviews: The magazine reviews the latest biotechnology products and services.

* Biotechnology industry events: BioSpectrum Asia covers biotechnology industry events from around the world.

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest advances in biotechnology and their potential to impact the world around us.