Rare diseases often lack treatment options and are decades behind in R&D. An important component of addressing this translational gap is the selection of the optimal therapeutic modality to translate advances in rare disease knowledge into potential medicines, such as small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, protein replacement therapies, oligonucleotides, gene and cell therapies, as well as drug repurposing. Global pharma firm, Merck is into development of therapies for one such rare disease, Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system prevalent in Asia-Pacific. It is the most common non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults. Like many other rare diseases, MS has received less attention from drug developers because of the smaller market opportunity in this group of patients. In an interaction with BioSpectrum Asia Liz Henderson, Senior Vice President APAC, Merck Healthcare explains the therapeutic prospects around this rare disease. Edited excerpts;
Why does multiple sclerosis (MS) deserve attention and investment in APAC for the development of novel treatments?
In my opinion, there can never be too many treatment options for someone with a serious autoimmune disease like MS, because not every treatment works for every patient.
Merck believes that a healthier future deserves a sizable investment. In 2018 our Healthcare business devoted roughly 20 per cent of total sales to R&D activities aimed at discovering and developing new therapies. All of these are integrated in four strategically located and highly connected hubs on three continents: Darmstadt, Boston, Beijing and Tokyo.
This story is from the BioSpectrum Asia Feb 2023 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 BioSpectrum Asia Feb 2023 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.