2020 began with the industry expecting a buoyant uptick in medtech, biopharma and start-up space, focusing on applied research, new technologies, affordability and manageability. However, the pandemic proved to be an unexpected dampner on an international scale.
While most industries have been struggling with the impact of COVID-19 and the slow-moving economy, the life sciences industry has quickly adapted itself to control the situation.
Since the virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the life sciences industry has played a major role in disease management. From prevention - by manufacturing hand sanitisers and personal protective gear, diagnosis - by developing numerous testing kits, to treatment - by designing low cost, yet effective ventilators and the discovery of an efficient vaccine, the industry rose to the occasion.
As a result, in 2020 there were a maximum number of innovations reaching from lab to market in the shortest possible time frame. It is likely that COVID-19 will continue to be a defining issue for the life sciences industry across the globe in 2021 that will see companies working on robust investment plans in research and development.
Home to nearly 60 per cent of the world’s population, the Asia Pacific (APAC) region with its diverse demography and economies, needs urgent intervention from the respective governments and industry to invest further. Innovative medical research, availability of rapid and flexible supply and access to medicines are the need of the hour to ensure continuity of care to people who might need it in case of a future pandemic.
This story is from the January 2021 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2021 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ushering Fourth Industrial Revolution in Telangana
Taking advantage of the 21st edition of BioAsia 2024 at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) in Madhapur, the Government of Telangana, a southern state in India, leveraged the confluence of the global platform to spearhead initiatives aimed at propelling the state into the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR).
How Indian Biotech Investments are on a Doubling Spree
A latest report by Ankur Capital provides a closer look at the investments made in biotechnology in the last decade in the country.
"AI will be integrally involved in not only the diagnosis of cancer but also in determining the prognosis and best therapeutic option”
South Korea-based Deep Bio, a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) healthcare firm focused on cancer pathology, is making waves in the industry.
"Because of its specificity and selectivity, ADCS have the potential to reduce adverse side effects and improve patient survival"
Japan-headquartered Daiichi Sankyo, the global healthcare company, launched its subsidiary Daiichi Sankyo Singapore Pte. Ltd. to bridge unmet needs in oncology.
Can Test, Treat, Track Beat Malaria?
Malaria has long been a major public health concern in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in South East Asia (SEA) affecting millions of people.
Engineering CAR T cell sharpshooters
Approved CAR T-cell therapies have shown remarkable results in patients with certain types of blood cancers.
Addressing Challenges in Cell Therapy Manufacturing
Even with significant advancements, there are still anumber of issues with cell therapy manufacturing that need to be resolved as production grows.
"We anticipate India will adopt decentralised models for managing CGTs, ensuring closer proximity between patients and treatment facilities"
Cell and gene therapy (CGT) expert from Germany, Miltenyi Biotec has recently announced its entry into the Indian market to provide researchers, scientists and clinicians easier access to expertise, research, and manufacturing solutions.
Addressing Accessibility and Affordability of CELL & GENE THERAPIES
Cell and gene therapies (CGT) are one of the hottest sectors in the pharmaceutical industry.
Korea designs sweat resistant wearable robot sensor
New electromyography (EMG) sensor technology that allows the long-term stable control of wearable robots and is not affected by the wearer's sweat and dead skin has gained attention recently.
