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BioSpectrum Asia Magazine - BioSpectrum Asia June 2025

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In this issue

APAC'S ALLIANCE-DRIVEN BIOTECH BOOM Partnerships are a cornerstone of the biotech innovation process. COVID-19 acted as a catalyst, accelerating collaboration across the sector and prompting partnerships between established players for the first time. Since then, biotech alliances have become more diverse, frequent, and strategically important, especially in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Biotech partnerships of APAC differ in a variety of ways from most global collaborations, primarily due to the unique geopolitical and socio-economic landscape of the region.The region has innovation hubs like Japan and South Korea as well as large, high-growth markets such as China and India. As China rapidly scales its biopharma capabilities, it is becoming both a key market and an innovator. This transformation has redefined regional deal-making, shifting the focus from technology transfer to co-development, shared commercialisation, and strategic alignment. APAC biotech deals are no longer early-stage R&D plays, they are beginning to span the full lifecycle, from bench to bedside, including commercialisation milestones. Let’s explore further the APAC's wave of regional biotech partnerships during the first five months of this calendar year ie. from January to May 2025.

Japan gives nod to gene therapy for treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

US-based Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. has announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) has approved ELEVIDYS (delandistrogene moxeparvovec) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) under the conditional and time-limited approval pathway in Japan.

1 mins

Singapore approves Dupixent as first-ever biologic medicine for COPD

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore has approved Dupixent (dupilumab) for adults as an add-on maintenance treatment for uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterised by raised blood eosinophils who are on a stable combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), and a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), or on a combination of a LABA and a LAMA if ICS is not appropriate.

1 mins

Dubai launches NABIDH Clinical Portal to enhance healthcare efficiency

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has launched a new training initiative aimed at raising awareness and boosting healthcare professionals’ capabilities in using the National Backbone for Integrated Dubai Health (NABIDH) Clinical Portal - a key component of Dubai’s digital healthcare transformation strategy.

1 mins

India announces first-of-its-kind public funded BioFoundry at ICGEB

Addressing the \"International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology\" (ICGEB) Board Meeting of Governors recently, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Government of India, dedicated India’s first of its kind public funded DST-ICGEB ‘Bio-foundry’ in New Delhi.

1 mins

Maldives and Malaysia exchange MoUs in healthcare and other sectors

An exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and Exchanges of Notes (EoNs) recently took place between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Malaysian government.

1 mins

Korea steps up support for expanding traditional medicine overseas

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MoHW), government of South Korea and the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development (NIKOM) have selected seven new medical institutions for the Traditional Korean Medicine Overseas Expansion Support Programme, with three for overseas expansion and four for attracting Chinese patients.

1 mins

Minghui Pharma announces oncology agreement worth $185 M with Qilu Pharma in Greater China

Minghui Pharmaceutical, a latestage clinical biopharmaceutical company, has announced an exclusive licensing and collaboration agreement with Qilu Pharmaceutical for the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of its B7-H3 ADC (MHB088C) in Greater China (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan).

1 mins

Terumo takes over Wuxi Biologics' drug product plant in Germany for EUR 150 M

China-based WuXi Biologics, a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO), has entered into an agreement with Terumo Corporation that Terumo will take over WuXi Biologics’ drug product (DP) plant in Leverkusen, Germany for EUR 150 million.

1 mins

GHIT Fund invests $4.5 M to develop diagnostics for TB

Japan-based Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund has announced an investment of approximately JPY 679 million ($4.5 million) for the development of diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB); in addition to an investment of approximately JPY 15.9 million ($0.1 million) for a drug discovery project for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis (by Kitasato University, Nagasaki University, University of Tokyo, and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).

1 mins

Lotus Pharma inks $125 M deal with LENZ Therapeutics to commercialise presbyopia treatment

US-based LENZ Therapeutics, Inc. and Taiwan's Lotus Pharmaceutical have announced an exclusive license and commercialisation agreement for Lotus to commercialise LNZ100 for the treatment of presbyopia in the Republic of Korea and certain countries in Southeast Asia.

1 mins

TPG acquires 35% stake in Schott Poonawalla from Serum Institute of India

Schott Pharma, a pioneer in drug containment and delivery solutions, has announced that TPG, a leading global alternative asset management firm, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 35 per cent stake in its joint venture Schott Poonawalla from Serum Institute of India (SII).

1 mins

Lotte Biologics invests $100 M in new ADC manufacturing facility in US

South Korea-based Lotte Biologics has signed a manufacturing agreement with an Asia-based biotech company for the production of a clinical-stage antibody drug conjugate (ADC) candidate.

1 mins

Curaleaf International launches range of medical cannabis products in Australia

American firm Curaleaf International, part of Curaleaf Holdings, Inc., has announced the launch of Curaleaf-branded products in Australia.

1 mins

Illumina, OIST to accelerate genomics innovation in Japan

US-based Illumina, a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), an international graduate university in Okinawa, Japan, have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate genomics innovation in alignment with the One World, One Health framework, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

1 mins

Oliver Healthcare Packaging opens manufacturing facility in Malaysia

Oliver Healthcare Packaging, a leading healthcare company driving quality and innovation in medical packaging, has opened its new 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Johor, Malaysia.

1 mins

SK bioscience joins Korea's national initiative to develop Avian Influenza Vaccine

SK bioscience has been selected for the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)'s Priority Infectious Disease Pandemic Preparedness Rapid R&D Support Programme.

1 mins

Sonitus Medical grants BHM commercialisation rights outside of China

Sonitus Medical has entered into a strategic cooperation with BHM, a European manufacturer of bone conduction hearing devices.

1 mins

Abbott introduces TactiFlex sensor enabled ablation catheter in India

Abbott, the global healthcare company, has announced the launch of the TactiFlex Sensor Enabled Ablation Catheter, the world's first ablation catheter with a flexible tip and contact force technology.

1 mins

Johnson & Johnson Medtech partners with Qure.ai to boost early detection of lung cancer in India

Johnson & Johnson MedTech, a global leader in surgical technologies and solutions, has onboarded Indian startup Qure. ai, a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare, as a strategic partner to enhance early detection of lung cancer in India.

1 mins

Turion Labs launches in Singapore to power Southeast Asia's biotech breakthroughs

Turion Labs, a pioneering biotech venture formed by S&S LAB Korea and Future Lestari (Indonesia), has officially launched in Singapore, unveiling a transformative vision to position Southeast Asia as a global innovation engine for medical and life sciences.

1 mins

Rznomics partners with Eli Lilly to commercialise RNA-editing therapeutics

Rznomics Inc., a South Korea-based biopharmaceutical startup specialising in RNA-based therapeutics, has entered into a strategic global research collaboration and licensing agreement with Eli Lilly and Company to develop and commercialise novel RNA-editing therapies using Rznomics' proprietary trans-splicing ribozyme platform.

1 mins

Genezen and Optieum Biotechnologies focus on CAR-T therapy for glioblastoma

Genezen, a US-based viral vector Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO), and Japanese startup Optieum Biotechnologies, Inc., have announced a partnership for cGMP manufacturing of the lentiviral vector (LVV) construct used in the production of OPTF01, a novel CAR-T therapy for glioblastoma treatment.

1 mins

ekincare raises strategic investment from MSD IDEA Studio Asia Pacific

ekincare, India’s leading artificial intelligence (AI)-powered integrated digital health gateway, has announced the raising of a strategic, undisclosed investment led by global healthcare leader MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA) through MSD IDEA Studio Asia Pacific, an initiative by the MSD Global Health Innovation Fund (MGHIF).

1 mins

Gene Solutions and NEWCL forge strategic partnership to advance genetic testing in Taiwan

In a groundbreaking move, Gene Solutions, a Vietnam-based startup in prenatal and oncology genetic testing space, and NEWCL Biomedical Laboratory, Taiwan's pioneering clinical laboratory with LDTs certification, have joined forces to establish an advanced Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) laboratory in Taiwan.

1 mins

New partnership in Norway to strengthen pandemic preparedness

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) have bolstered the long-standing relationship between the two organisations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a recent meeting between NIPH’s Director General Guri Rørtveit and CEPI’s CEO Richard Hatchett.

1 mins

US FDA approves first and only at-home selfcollection device for cervical cancer screening

Teal Health, a women's health company on a mission to eliminate cervical cancer, has announced the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the Teal Wand, the first and only at-home vaginal sample self-collection device for cervical cancer screening in the United States (US).

1 mins

Africa CDC and Unitaid partner to strengthen equitable access to health products in Africa

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Unitaid have formed a new strategic partnership to expand the production of essential health products in Africa and improve sustainable access to medicines, diagnostics, and medical oxygen across the continent.

1 mins

AIIB and Gavi to advance sustainable health and immunisation financing

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance have signed a landmark partnership agreement to scale and improve sustainable financing for health & immunisation systems across low-income and lower-middle-income countries.

1 mins

PAHO to fortify the Caribbean's fight against AMR

Health leaders, development partners and regional stakeholders recently gathered to launch two synergistic, landmark, regional projects under the United Kingdom (UK) Government’s Fleming Fund and jointly implemented by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

1 mins

UK to roll out Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth programme

Expectant mothers will receive safer maternity care as a new National Health Service (NHS) programme to help prevent brain injury during childbirth is rolled out across the country.

1 mins

Nursing workforce grows, inequities threaten global health goals: WHO

The global nursing workforce has grown from 27.9 million in 2018 to 29.8 million in 2023, but wide disparities in the availability of nurses remain across regions and countries, according to the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, published by the World Health Organization (WHO), International Council of Nurses (ICN) and partners.

1 mins

WHO warns of slowing global health gains

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its World health statistics report 2025, revealing the deeper health impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on loss of lives, longevity and overall health and well-being.

1 mins

WHO and Medicines Patent Pool announce sublicensing agreement for RDT technology

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have announced a sublicensing agreement between MPP and a Nigerian health technology company, Codix Bio, to start development and manufacturing of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) using technology transferred from global in-vitro diagnostics company – SD Biosensor.

1 mins

APAC'S ALLIANCE-DRIVEN BIOTECH BOOM

Partnerships are a cornerstone of the biotech innovation process. COVID-19 acted as a catalyst, accelerating collaboration across the sector and prompting partnerships between established players for the first time.

8 mins

Upskilling and flexibility are key to staying relevant as hiring grows

With ongoing uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and recession risks, the life sciences job market remains volatile. The year 2024 saw continued layoffs, cautious investor sentiment, and growing competition for fewer job openings. As biopharma companies restructure, hiring patterns are changing, especially at mid and senior levels. What are the current trends, and which sectors are hiring the most? Let's find out.

6 mins

“We are developing customised solutions aligned with India’s regulatory and market needs”

US-headquartered Agilent Technologies International has opened its first-ever India Solution Center at its LEED Platinum-certified office in Manesar, Haryana.

2 mins

"Vaccine firms and governments remain focused on more traditional vaccine platforms in the near term"

The COVID-19 pandemic helped usher in a new era of vaccines and expanded the roster of modalities that can be applied to address some of the world's most infectious diseases.

2 mins

"APAC faces a disproportionate burden of vision impairment"

World Myopia Day, a part of Myopia Awareness Week observed from May 23 to May 28, 2025, is setting new trends to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of myopia globally.

4 mins

"APAC now leads global clinical development of multi-specific antibodies, accounting for over 40% of trials"

According to market projections, the biologics sector is expected to grow from $451 billion in 2024 to $938 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 7.6 per cent. While biologics, including vaccines, gene therapies, and monoclonal antibodies, offer targeted, effective treatments for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare conditions, these can be complex and costly to produce.

4 mins

Emerging GCC Hotspots in APAC: Spotlight on Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is now a top choice for Life Sciences and Healthcare (LSHC) multinationals to establish their Global Capability Centres (GCCs). India leads with over 100 GCCs, while countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines offer cost-effective advantages.

5 mins

Addressing Women's Health with Portable Devices

The confluence of innovation, affordability, and accessibility creates a compelling market proposition for healthcare providers, diagnostic chains, corporate wellness programmes, and public health systems alike in cancer care with focus on women's cancer in Asia.

5 mins

Beyond the Algorithm: Why MedComms Still Need Human Pulse

In an industry, now shaped by artificial intelligence (AI)-driven efficiencies and machine-generated drafts, it's natural to wonder: Is the medical communicator (MedComm) becoming obsolete?

5 mins

MedTech Disruption 2025: Startups Powering the Next Healthcare Leap

As the MedTech industry strides into 2025 and beyond, innovations are transforming the way diagnosis, treatment, and patient engagement are delivered.

7 mins

MUHS to pioneer Emotion-AI in Indian healthcare sector

In a landmark step toward advancing holistic healthcare, the academic wing of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) in India has officially partnered with Nihilent to explore clinical applications of Emoscape, the company’s innovative AI-based emotion detection platform.

1 mins

Sim Foundation pledges S$15 M to NTU Singapore to leverage AI in medical education & research

The Sim Foundation has pledged a gift of S$15 million to Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU, Singapore), which will bolster the University’s efforts in delivering transformative healthcare through education and research.

1 mins

HKBU and Shanghai Industrial Investment to advance medical education and research

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and Shanghai Industrial Investment (Holdings) Co Ltd (SIIC) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging their respective strengths to advance the proposed establishment of Hong Kong's third medical school, contributing to Hong Kong's development into an international hub for medical training, research, and innovation.

1 mins

Olympus appoints Bob White as new CEO

Japan-based medtech company Olympus Corporation has announced the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) aimed at accelerating its ongoing transformation efforts in the medtech space.

1 mins

Bora Pharma appoints industry veteran JB Agnus as Chief Commercial Officer

Taiwan-based Bora Pharmaceuticals, a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, has announced the appointment of Jean-Baptiste (JB) Agnus as Chief Commercial Officer.

1 mins

Ken Shinomiya becomes leader of Asahi Kasei's Healthcare Sector

Asahi Kasei has appointed Ken Shinomiya, President of Asahi Kasei Life Science, as the Leader of its Healthcare Sector succeeding Richard Packer.

1 mins

Nandakumar Kalathil steps in as Country General Manager for Agilent India

Agilent has announced the appointment of Nandakumar (Nanda) Kalathil as the Country General Manager (CGM) for Agilent India.

1 mins

Mark Butler steps in as Minister for Disability in Australia

Mark Butler has been appointed as Minister for Health and Ageing, and the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, following his swearing-in on May 13, 2025 as a result of Anthony Albanese's Labor government being re-elected at the 2025 Australian federal election.

1 mins

Dileep Mangsuli becomes Chairman of CTSI, South Asia

Cancer Treatment Services International (CTSI) has announced the appointment of Dileep Mangsuli as Chairman.

1 mins

Korea develops retinal therapy to restore lost vision

Researchers at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have successfully developed a novel drug to restore vision.

1 mins

India designs breakthrough ECG lead system for enhanced diagnosis of atrial arrhythmias

Researchers at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, India, have developed an effective upgrade to Electrocardiography (ECG), one of the most commonly used techniques to monitor heart activity.

1 mins

Australia starts world- first immunotherapy trial to treat Type 1 diabetes

Researchers at The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia have dosed 5 participants in the first clinical trial of a potentially revolutionary immunotherapy drug to treat Type 1 diabetes.

1 mins

Hong Kong pioneers novel, needle-free, live-attenuated influenza vaccines

A research team led by the School of Public Health in the LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), in collaboration with the Centre for Immunology & Infection (C2i), has achieved a significant breakthrough in developing broadly protective, live-attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV).

1 mins

New Zealand offers test to help more women beat ovarian cancer

New Zealand’s University of Auckland researchers are working on developing a new test that could help women access a revolutionary treatment for ovarian cancer.

1 mins

New imaging technique in Japan to personalise heart disease treatment

Researchers from the University of Tokyo, Japan have found a way to observe clotting activity in blood as it happens, without needing invasive procedures.

1 mins

Syncell unveils new partner network expanding commercial capabilities in Taiwan

Taiwan-based Syncell, a leader in next-generation subcellular protein purification and spatial proteomics analysis, has announced the launch of their preferred partner network.

1 mins

Nuclera establishes distribution network across APAC and Middle East

Nuclera, a UK-based biotechnology company accelerating protein expression and optimisation through its benchtop eProtein Discovery System, has established a distribution network across Asia Pacific (APAC) and the Middle East.

1 mins

Intco Medical launches Syntex synthetic disposable latex gloves in China

Intco Medical, based in China, has announced the global launch of its exclusive patented Syntex Synthetic Disposable Latex Gloves product.

$Intco Medical launches Syntex synthetic disposable latex gloves in China60$

1 mins

Agilent partners with Ubix Therapeutics to advance transformative cancer research in South Korea

Agilent Technologies Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ubix Therapeutics to accelerate highly targeted cancer therapy research and development in South Korea over the next five years.

1 mins

Cariflex opens world's largest polyisoprene latex plant in Singapore

Cariflex, the global market leader in polyisoprene rubber latex for medical-end markets and wholly owned subsidiary of DL Chemical, has officially inaugurated its new polyisoprene latex plant at Jurong Island, Singapore.

1 mins

Qiagen enhances clinical genomics portfolio with acquisition of Genoox AI-powered software

Netherlands-headquartered Qiagen has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Israel-based Genoox, a provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered software that enables clinical labs to scale and accelerate the processing of complex genetic tests.

1 mins

Ensuring Compliance with Surprise Inspections

On May 6, the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) announced its intent to expand the use of unannounced inspections at foreign manufacturing facilities that produce foods, essential medicines, and other medical products intended for American consumers and patients.

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.