Try GOLD - Free
Pushing The Age Barrier
BioSpectrum Asia
|November 2023
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.
To address the growing concern of an ageing population, the APAC region is actively taking steps to tackle longevity-related issues. In August 2023, Singapore marked a significant milestone by inaugurating the world’s very first Healthy Longevity Medicine Clinic. This achievement is part of a broader wave of developments in the region that focuses on the science of ageing and longevity. Let’s explore further.
Asia’s rapid ageing is driving efforts to slow this process, with Singapore at the forefront. In September 2023, a groundbreaking Healthy Longevity Clinic was unveiled at Alexandra Hospital, aimed at delaying biological ageing and enhancing health span. This clinic uses Singapore-specific ageing biomarkers, incorporating research from the NUHS Centre for Healthy Longevity (CHL) to advance precision medicine and geroscience. The CHL, established in September 2022, is a pioneering pre-clinical and clinical ageing research institute, focusing on longevity medicine and biological age. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s broader approach to elderly care outlined in the 2023 Action Plan for Successful Ageing, promoting care, contribution, and connectedness for seniors. In July 2023, Singapore’s Duke-NUS also launched a nationwide study focused on shedding light on the well-being of older individuals and the impact of policies. This comprehensive study is designed to gain a deep understanding of the health, social, and psychological well-being of older citizens. Its ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights that can inform the development of effective policies and programmes to support Singapore’s ageing population.
This story is from the November 2023 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM BioSpectrum Asia
BioSpectrum Asia
"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
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
BioSpectrum Asia
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
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
BioSpectrum Asia
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 min
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
BioSpectrum Asia
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
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
BioSpectrum Asia
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 min
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
BioSpectrum Asia
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
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
BioSpectrum Asia
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 min
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
BioSpectrum Asia
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 min
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
BioSpectrum Asia
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
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
BioSpectrum Asia
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
BioSpectrum Asia Dec 2025
Translate
Change font size