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BioSpectrum Asia March 2026

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine - BioSpectrum Asia March 2026

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In this issue

APAC Accelerates CERVICAL CANCER Elimination Cervical cancer remains one of the most pressing women’s health challenges in the Asia Pacific region, accounting for approximately 58 per cent of global deaths, according to an Economist Impact analysis commissioned by the Asia Pacific Women’s Cancer Coalition and supported by Roche. Despite being largely preventable through vaccination and early detection, the disease continues to impose a substantial clinical, social, and economic burden across low, middle, and high income countries in the region. The World Health Organisation has therefore set a target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, defined as reducing incidence to fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women. Achieving this goal requires meeting the 90 70 90 targets by 2030: 90 per cent of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70 per cent of women screened with a high performance test by ages 35 and 45, and 90 per cent of women with precancer or invasive cancer receiving appropriate treatment.

SEOUL'S RISKY DRUG PRICING RESET

Drug pricing has once again moved to the centre of policy debate in South Korea, with the government recently stepping back from its proposed generic drug pricing reform.

SEOUL'S RISKY DRUG PRICING RESET0

2 mins

Korea supports rapid growth of biopharma companies through global collaboration

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MoHW), South Korea government, and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) are recruiting participating companies for the 2026 Global Leading Company Collaboration Programme (K-Biopharma Next Bridge) to promote global open innovation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Korea supports rapid growth of biopharma companies through global collaboration1

1 mins

Global Harmonization Working Party re-elects Taiwan FDA to Chair medical devices regulation

The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has been re-elected as Chair of the Global Harmonization Working Party (GHWP) Working Group 3 (WG3) on Pre-market: Software as a Medical Device (SaMD).

Global Harmonization Working Party re-elects Taiwan FDA to Chair medical devices regulation2

1 mins

Dr Jitendra Singh calls for missionbased India-Australia technical cooperation

After talks between India's Union Minister for Science and Technology (S&T) Dr Jitendra Singh and Australian Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and Digital Economy Dr Andrew Charlton MP, India and Australia agreed to expand and restructure their S&T partnership towards missionoriented cooperation in the field of critical and emerging technologies.

1 mins

New Zealand improves access to new ADHD prescribing rules

As of February 1, 2026, changes to New Zealand's prescribing rules for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stimulant medicines have come into effect, expanding who can assess, diagnose and start people on treatment.

New Zealand improves access to new ADHD prescribing rules4

1 mins

China revises drug administration regulations to spur innovation

China has revised regulations concerning drug administration in a bid to promote drug innovation, strengthen management of online sales of medicines and reinforce drug safety supervision.

1 mins

Singapore launches first set of menopause management guidelines

The KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) Maternal and Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI) has launched Singapore's first set of Guidelines on Management of the Menopause Transition.

Singapore launches first set of menopause management guidelines6

1 mins

iX Biopharma secures $41 M contract from US govt for development of non-opioid pain treatment

Singapore-based iX Biopharma has been awarded a $40.95 million development contract by the United States Government to fund the development of Wafermine, its patented sublingual ketamine wafer for the treatment of acute moderate to severe pain.

iX Biopharma secures $41 M contract from US govt for development of non-opioid pain treatment7

1 mins

Pharma Essentia invests $46 M to build manufacturing plant in Puerto Rico

PharmaEssentia Corporation, a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Taiwan with deep expertise in the development of novel biologics for haematology and oncology, and its US subsidiary PharmaEssentia USA Corporation have announced that the global corporate Board of Directors has approved an investment of approximately $46 million to establish a new, wholly owned manufacturing subsidiary in Puerto Rico.

Pharma Essentia invests $46 M to build manufacturing plant in Puerto Rico8

1 mins

CARsgen injects RMB 370 M to expand CAR-T commercial manufacturing base in Shanghai

CARsgen Therapeutics, a company focused on developing innovative CAR T-cell therapies, has announced that through its indirectly whollyowned subsidiary CARsgen Diagnostics, it has signed Strategic Cooperation Agreements with Shanghai Jingong Enterprise, which is a key platform enterprise in the Bay Area High-Tech Zone of Jinshan District, Shanghai.

1 mins

Takeda and Iambic sign $1.7 B deal to advance AI driven design of small molecules

Iambic, a US-based clinical-stage life science and technology company developing novel medicines using its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven discovery and development platform, has announced a multi-year technology and discovery collaboration agreement with Japan-based Takeda Pharma that will use Iambic's industry leading AI drug discovery models to advance a select set of high-priority small molecule programmes, initially in Takeda's Oncology and Gastrointestinal and Inflammation therapeutic areas.

Takeda and Iambic sign $1.7 B deal to advance AI driven design of small molecules10

1 mins

W Health Ventures announces initial close of Fund II at Rs 550 Cr

W Health Ventures has announced the initial close of Fund II at Rs 550 crore, aiming toward a target of Rs 630 crore.

1 mins

Innovent inks $8.5 B deal with Eli Lilly for oncology and immunology-based medicines

China-based Innovent Biologics, Inc. has announced a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, in the US, to advance novel medicines in oncology and immunology.

Innovent inks $8.5 B deal with Eli Lilly for oncology and immunology-based medicines12

1 mins

S.Biomedics announces partnership with Catalent to develop and manufacture TED-A9

US-based Catalent and South Korea-based S.Biomedics have announced a strategic partnership to support the development and manufacturing of TED-A9, S.Biomedics' allogeneic pluripotent stem-cell-derived ventral midbrain-specific dopaminergic precursor cell therapy being developed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

S.Biomedics announces partnership with Catalent to develop and manufacture TED-A913

1 mins

QuidelOrtho enters strategic supply agreement to expand global immunoassay portfolio

QuidelOrtho has entered a long-term strategic supply agreement with China's Lifotronic Technology, to expand QuidelOrtho's global immunoassay portfolio and accelerate customer access to scalable, high quality, cost-efficient solutions across select markets outside the United States.

QuidelOrtho enters strategic supply agreement to expand global immunoassay portfolio14

1 mins

Cipla partners with IISc to set up Centre for Pulmonary Medicine in India

Cipla Foundation has announced its partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to support the establishment of a state-of-the-art Cipla Foundation Centre for Pulmonary Medicine at the Tata IISc Medical School in Bengaluru, India.

1 mins

Daiichi Sankyo collaborates with BostonGene to accelerate AI-based drug development

US-based BostonGene, the developer of the leading AI foundation model for tumour and immune biology, has announced a strategic collaboration with Japanese pharmaceutical firm Daiichi Sankyo.

Daiichi Sankyo collaborates with BostonGene to accelerate AI-based drug development16

1 mins

Roche launches AI-enabled predictive CGM solution for diabetes management in Middle East

Roche Diagnostics Middle East recently presented a landmark launch event revealing Accu-Chek SmartGuide, a breakthrough Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) innovation that sets a new standard of care for diabetes management in the Middle East.

1 mins

Zuellig Pharma acquires brands from Bayer to strengthen consumer healthcare portfolio

Singapore-headquartered Zuellig Pharma has acquired all rights, title, and interest in and to the Zam-Buk and Vapex consumer healthcare brands from Bayer Consumer Care AG for Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Zuellig Pharma acquires brands from Bayer to strengthen consumer healthcare portfolio18

1 mins

AusBiotech and Proto Axiom launch national partnership for life sciences companies

Aus Biotech and Sydney-based life sciences startup Proto Axiom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen national coordination across investor-focused programmes connecting researchers, investors, and industry within Australia's life sciences ecosystem.

AusBiotech and Proto Axiom launch national partnership for life sciences companies19

1 mins

Saisei Ventures unveils bridge-to-biotech venture creation initiative

Saisei Ventures, a pioneering investment firm from Japan focused on advancing Japanese biotechnology and therapeutic innovations globally, announced the launch of Bridge-to-Biotech, a new initiative designed to support Japanese founders and entrepreneurs as they translate groundbreaking scientific discoveries into venture-ready biotechnology companies.

Saisei Ventures unveils bridge-to-biotech venture creation initiative20

1 mins

Galux raises $29 M to advance Al-driven protein design for drug discovery

Galux, a South Korea-based biotech startup pioneering artificial intelligence (AI)-driven protein therapeutics design, has announced the successful completion of a $29 million (KRW 42 billion) Series B financing.

1 mins

PreferCo and Glatt to open CoE for precision fermentation bioprocess scale-up in India

In a major boost to Government of India's BioE3 push, German major Glatt and India-based startup PreferCo have announced the launch of \"PreferCo-Glatt Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Bioprocess Scale-Up\" in Hyderabad's Genome Valley.

1 mins

MakeO announces acquisition of Zenyum to build Asia's largest consumer dental tech platform

The transaction positions Toothsi as a pan-Asian leader in clear aligner technology, orthodontics and consumer oral-care products, with India as the strategic and manufacturing hub for the combined business.

MakeO announces acquisition of Zenyum to build Asia's largest consumer dental tech platform23

1 mins

Hanchor Bio receives US FDA Orphan Drug Designation for HCB101 in gastric cancer

Taiwan-based biotech startup HanchorBio, Inc. has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to HCB101 for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Hanchor Bio receives US FDA Orphan Drug Designation for HCB101 in gastric cancer24

1 mins

WHO announces new customs classification for vaccines

The World Health Organization, in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Customs Organization (WCO), has helped update the system countries use to classify goods at customs.

WHO announces new customs classification for vaccines25

1 mins

WHO launches handbook to strengthen global STI response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever consolidated operational handbook on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), to help countries urgently strengthen the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of STIs across health systems.

1 mins

WHO prequalifies Biological E's oral polio vaccine

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified an additional novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), further strengthening the global supply of a vaccine at the heart of efforts to stop poliovirus type 2 outbreaks more sustainably and accelerate progress towards polio eradication.

WHO prequalifies Biological E's oral polio vaccine27

1 mins

APAC Accelerates CERVICAL CANCER Elimination

Cervical cancer remains one of the most pressing women's health challenges in the Asia Pacific region, accounting for approximately 58 per cent of global deaths, according to an Economist Impact analysis commissioned by the Asia Pacific Women's Cancer Coalition and supported by Roche.

APAC Accelerates CERVICAL CANCER Elimination28

10+ mins

India–EU FTA Paves Way for Expanded Healthcare Trade

On January 27, 2026, after years of negotiations, India and the European Union announced a landmark Free Trade Agreement.

India–EU FTA Paves Way for Expanded Healthcare Trade29

4 mins

Women's Health Surge in APAC

The rising burden of diseases such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, infertility, etc. is emerging as the key driver of the women's healthcare market across the globe. While North America led the women healthcare market in 2025, Asia Pacific (APAC) is expected to witness the fastest growth this year onwards. As a result, governments across the APAC region, are recognising the importance of women's health and are launching initiatives, particularly under female leaders, to improve access to healthcare services. Moreover, a number of women-led startups are now developing new solutions to address this growing burden of women-associated diseases in the APAC region. Let's take a closer look.

Women's Health Surge in APAC30

6 mins

"I see leadership as a multiplier effect. When individuals grow, organisations and communities advance"

For International Women's Day, we spotlight women leaders shaping the future of healthcare across the region. Among them is Evelyn Pang, General Manager of Moderna Singapore and Hong Kong.

"I see leadership as a multiplier effect. When individuals grow, organisations and communities advance"31

4 mins

Diversity will make us more creative and powerful, while also creating a more equitable leadership pathway for life science companies

In an interview with BioSpectrum Asia, Jieun Shin, Executive Vice President and Head of the Manufacturing Division at Samsung Bioepis shares candid insights into the challenges she has navigated on her path to senior leadership, and her advice for women seeking to advance in science and manufacturing.

Diversity will make us more creative and powerful, while also creating a more equitable leadership pathway for life science companies32

2 mins

Asia is a growth engine, and India is a cornerstone of that strategy — both as a destination for advanced therapies and as a contributor to global innovation

Dr Stefan Miltenyi, Founder, President, and Managing Director of Miltenyi Biotec, a Germany-based global biotechnology leader founded in 1989, pioneered Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) technology and has driven the company's growth into a leading provider of tools and integrated solutions for cell and gene therapy. BioSpectrum Asia met him at the 23rd edition of BioAsia, hosted by the Government of Telangana in Hyderabad, India where he outlined the company's vision for deeper ecosystem integration, scalable cell therapy infrastructure, bioinformatics advancement, and long-term capacity building – underscoring why India stands central to Miltenyi Biotec's regional growth roadmap over the next five years. Edited excerpts;

Asia is a growth engine, and India is a cornerstone of that strategy — both as a destination for advanced therapies and as a contributor to global innovation33

4 mins

Investing in women's health is investing in Southeast Asia's future

Since joining Roche Malaysia in 2021 as General Manager, Deepti Saraf has steered the organisation through a pivotal chapter for healthcare. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, her immediate priority was safeguarding uninterrupted treatment access by reinforcing supply chains and supporting healthcare providers on the frontlines. As systems transitioned into recovery, her focus evolved toward long-term transformation—particularly in breast cancer care. In an interview with BioSpectrum Asia, Deepti shares her perspective on evolving healthcare priorities, the persistent barriers to early detection, and how patient-centric strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and Malaysia’s growing role as a regional innovation hub can help strengthen cancer care systems across Southeast Asia. Edited excerpts:

Investing in women's health is investing in Southeast Asia's future34

6 mins

"We believe Korea outpaces many Western markets in its appetite and readiness to adopt integrated digital-biological innovation"

Quanterix Corporation, a U.S.-based biotechnology company focused on ultrasensitive biomarker detection, has entered an exclusive distribution agreement in Korea with Seoul-based digital healthcare company Emocog Inc., led by Co-CEOs Jun-Young Lee and Yoo-Hun Noh. The agreement, which includes Quanterix's clinical diagnostics brand Lucent Diagnostics, covers the Simoa Single Molecule Array platform, including the HD-X immunoassay analyser and blood-based Alzheimer's biomarker reagents. The deal marks the first launch of Simoa in Korea as a formally authorised In Vitro Diagnostic device rather than a Research Use Only instrument. David Wilson, Vice President of Clinical Strategy at Quanterix, discusses the strategic rationale behind entering the Korean market, the role of local partnerships in APAC expansion, competitive dynamics across regions, and how ultrasensitive biomarker detection could shape precision medicine in Asia-Pacific over the next five years. Edited excerpts:

"We believe Korea outpaces many Western markets in its appetite and readiness to adopt integrated digital-biological innovation"35

3 mins

"The global trend is moving beyond centralised hubs toward distributed networks and domestic capability"

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) and US-based Germfree Laboratories have announced a strategic partnership to develop Saudi Arabia's first fully integrated, modular Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Manufacturing Campus.

"The global trend is moving beyond centralised hubs toward distributed networks and domestic capability"36

4 mins

Mission (im)possible? Efficient Global Antibody Drug Conjugate Product Approvals

The growth in Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) products hitting the market, including those following recent approvals in 2025 in Japan and China brings into sharp focus the importance of the regulatory strategy, especially considering that the global regulatory framework for ADCs has been in a state of evolution.

Mission (im)possible? Efficient Global Antibody Drug Conjugate Product Approvals37

2 mins

Hong Kong to nurture dietetic professionals with new academic programme

In response to the growing demand amid Hong Kong's rapidly ageing population for healthcare professionals such as dietitians, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has launched the Master of Science (MSc) in Dietetics programme in the 2025/26 academic year to nurture a new generation of dietetic professionals.

1 mins

New scholarship in Singapore to develop future leaders in engineering and medicine

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has received a generous gift from Dr Wong Ngit Liong, Executive Chairman of Venture Corporation, to fund postgraduate scholarships and expand opportunities for future leaders in engineering and medicine.

New scholarship in Singapore to develop future leaders in engineering and medicine39

1 mins

Monash University and Thermo Fisher introduce Catalyst PhD programme

Australia's Monash University and US-based Thermo Fisher Scientific have launched the Catalyst PhD programme - a new industry partnership designed to apply doctoral-level research skills directly to real-world business challenges.

Monash University and Thermo Fisher introduce Catalyst PhD programme40

1 mins

Juvenescence appoints Eileen Jennings-Brown as CTO and strengthens UAE presence

Juvenescence, a clinical-stage AI-enabled biotech company, has announced the appointment of Eileen Jennings-Brown as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and a significant expansion of its operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the establishment of new research offices at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi's rapidly growing life sciences and biotechnology hub.

Juvenescence appoints Eileen Jennings-Brown as CTO and strengthens UAE presence41

1 mins

Ashish Kohli steps in as Vice President, Vision Care, Asia Pacific at Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson has announced the appointment of Ashish Kohli as Vice President, Vision Care for Asia Pacific region.

Ashish Kohli steps in as Vice President, Vision Care, Asia Pacific at Johnson & Johnson42

1 mins

CSL CEO Dr Paul McKenzie retires, Gordon Naylor takes charge as interim CEO & MD

The Board of Directors of Australia-based biotech firm CSL have announced that Dr Paul McKenzie will retire as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Managing Director (MD).

CSL CEO Dr Paul McKenzie retires, Gordon Naylor takes charge as interim CEO & MD43

1 mins

Daiichi Sankyo names Dr John Tsai as Global Head of R&D

Japan-based Daiichi Sankyo Company has appointed Dr John Tsai to succeed Dr Ken Takeshita, who is stepping down as Global Head of R&D, effective April 1, 2026.

Daiichi Sankyo names Dr John Tsai as Global Head of R&D44

1 mins

Thermo Fisher elevates Charudatta A. Dedhe as Senior Director - Services (Asia Pacific & Japan)

US-based Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that Charudatta A. Dedhe has taken on the role of Senior Director - Services (Asia Pacific & Japan), where he now leads Services and Operations across the Asia Pacific and Japan region, driving service excellence, digital transformation and AI-enabled customer experience innovation.

Thermo Fisher elevates Charudatta A. Dedhe as Senior Director - Services (Asia Pacific & Japan)45

1 mins

Australian trial of personalised vaccines to treat children with deadly brain cancers

A world-first clinical trial will test cancer vaccines designed specifically for children with advanced or treatment-resistant brain tumours, following a $2.578 million investment from the Australian Government.

Australian trial of personalised vaccines to treat children with deadly brain cancers46

1 mins

First Promega companion diagnostic receives China's NMPA approval

The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the OncoMate Microsatellite Instability (MSI) Detection Kit as a Class III in vitro diagnostic medical device in China.

First Promega companion diagnostic receives China's NMPA approval47

1 mins

The Dragon Targets 80-year Life Expectancy

China's first-ever national policy dedicated specifically to the pharmaceutical retail sector marks more than a regulatory update—it represents a structural redesign of how medicines and primary health services are delivered to nearly 1.4 billion people. Issued by the Ministry of Commerce alongside eight other departments on January 22, the new framework aims to transform traditional pharmacies into comprehensive “health stations,” strengthening their role in prevention, access, and emergency response.

2 mins

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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.

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