BioSpectrum Asia July 2019

Biocompatibility
Redefined.

The Foundations for Single-Use Manufacturing.
Redefined from A – Z.
Control of our materials and processes leads to
consistent quality and safety of your biologics.
Benefit from the excellent and reproducible
extractables and particles profiles of our single-use
solutions.
www.sartorius.com/single-use-redefined

4 BIO EDIT

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Milind Kokje DRUG PRICES-
TOUGH TO SWALLOW
Chief Editor
Transparency matters especially when it comes to medicine prices. Hence, World
[email protected] Health Organisation (WHO)’s 72nd World Health Assembly held recently deserves
appreciation for adopting a landmark, but controversial, resolution that intends to
improve the transparency of markets for medicines, vaccines and other health products.
The resolution urges member states to improve the transparency of patents of medical
technologies, including biologic drugs, vaccines, cell and gene therapies, and diagnostics.

The original resolution introduced by Italy and co-sponsored by 20 other countries
was important as it aimed to improve access to medicines by bringing in transparency
over cost of research & development of medicines and other health-related technologies.
It urged member states to enhance public sharing of information on actual prices paid by
governments and other buyers for health products and greater transparency on pharma
patents, clinical trial results and other determinants of pricing along the value chain from
lab to patients.

Its ultimate objective was to help member states to make more informed decisions
while purchasing medicines and negotiate more affordable prices, which would ultimately
expand access to medicines. It is interpreted as a way for governments facing financial
resource crunch to control their drug spending. As such a transparency will impact the
prices of medicines thus, naturally the resolution became controversial with some countries
not favouring it as it was. These include Germany, UK, Japan, Switzerland and the US.

In the pre-assembly informal negotiations on the draft resolution these countries
sought to weaken the language. The draft resolution asked member states to make public
the cost of medicines, vaccines and other health related technologies, including the results
and costs of clinical trials. But these nations opposed the point related to publication of
R&D costs in the resolution. They wanted to leave it to member states to disclose this
information on voluntary basis and not to compel them to do so.

The pre-assembly efforts to come to consensus continued for four days. But as there
was no complete consensus what came out of the negotiations was a weaker final version
of the original draft. Sector experts feel that the final version, though weaker, will boost
transparency in drug prices. However, it is weak because it still keeps a lid on the key issue
of R&D cost since the resolution makes it voluntary to disclose it and about the clinical trial
results and cost.

Even after the consensus on the weaker language in the final draft, the UK tried to
postpone the review till January 2020. But that meant the adoption would have been
delayed by one year as the resolution could have been taken for consideration in next
assembly in May 2020. As that attempt failed UK, Hungary and Germany dissociated
themselves from the measure. Their claims were that the far reaching implications of
the resolution were not fully appreciated and four-month review period since the draft
resolution’s submission was insufficient.

The US was in the group that wanted the R&D cost information to be made public
voluntarily. But, in another interesting development 40 states in the US have filed a
lawsuit against 20 top pharmaceutical companies for conspiring to inflate prices of 100
commonly used medicines. So, on a global forum the US takes a stand not compelling
pharma companies to disclose their R&D cost, while on the other hand US states are
initiating action against pharma giants for allegedly inflating prices. The US should have
understood that if the companies are compelled to disclose R&D cost automatically the
issues like inflating prices will be overcome.

Though the language of the resolution had to be watered down due to the pressure
from member countries, a beginning has been made. The first step towards transparency
in prices has been taken and it is noteworthy because transparency is needed to create
trust which is an important element between a medicine and a patient to get cured.

BIO MAIL 5

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Acknowledgement Cancer Club

Many thanks for the print and In recent times, scientists around
online feature for the interview with the world are pooling data and ideas
PerkinElmer. to jointly study cancer. Please give
some information on such research
- Brian W, US collaborations.

Thank you so much for featuring the - S Waldman, Singapore
latest news update on India’s leading
online doctor consultation platform Super Malaria
DocsApp.
I wish to know more about the malaria
- Hena Anand, India drug industry and the new projects being
carried out by the governments in Asian
countries.

- Lucky Sinha, India

Vol 14; Issue 07; July 2019 MM Activ Singapore Pte. Ltd. India
Alok Srivastava
Publisher & Managing Editor: Singapore Business Head- Ad Sales &
Ravindra Boratkar MM Activ Singapore Pte. Ltd. Marketing (India & APAC)
Editorial: Saradha Mani ‘NITON, Block ‘C’, I Floor, No.11/6,
Chief Editor: Milind Kokje Manager Admin & Sales Support: Palace Road, Bangalore-560 052
[email protected] #08-08, High Street Centre, Tel: +91-80-41131912/13
1 North Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094 Mobile: +91-9845128747
Advisor - Content: Vijay Thombre Tel: +65-63369142 / Fax:+65-63369145 [email protected]
General Manager Content Creation Mobile: +65-90681202
and Coordination: Narayan Kulkarni [email protected] New Delhi
[email protected] Kalyani Sharma
Asst. Manager Content Creation USA Media Coordinator
and Coordination- APAC Region: Media Representative: Christen Pickens 103-104, Rohit House
Hithaishi C. Bhaskar Senior Connections Planner 3, Tolstoy Marg, Connaught Place,
[email protected] Havas Media New Delhi - 110 001
Content Team: 200 Hudson, New York, USA, 10013 Tel. No: +91 11 4354 2737
Dr Manbeena Chawla, Tel: +1 646 5875000 [email protected]
Kalyani Sharma, Prapti Shah [email protected]
Social Media Editor: Ankit Kankar Mumbai
[email protected] Europe Ankit Kankar
CFO & Special Correspondent: BioSpectrum Bureau Manager- Product &
Manasee Kurlekar MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Marketing Communication
Production & Design: Mobile: +91-9579069369 156, Kaliandas Udyog Bhavan, Babasaheb
MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications E-mail: [email protected] Woralikar Marg, Near Century Bazaar,
Anil Walunj Mumbai - 400 025
Taiwan Mobile: +91-9579069369
Cover Design: Media Representative: Ms Christine Wu [email protected]
Dominix Strategic Design Pvt. Ltd. Image Media Services Company
Business Enquiry: 2F-2, No. 35, Sec. 2, Flushing South Road, Photo: Shutterstock
Manasee Kurlekar Taipei 10665, Taiwan
[email protected] Tel: +886-2-87734199 Go Digital:
Assistant Manager - Fax:+886-2-87734200 T o request subscription
Sales & Marketing: Mobile: 886-937890533 email: [email protected]
Megha Babar E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected] website: www.imagemediatw.com
Subscription Services
Print Edition: Saradha Mani Chief Editor: Milind Kokje
[email protected]
Digital Edition: Ankit Kankar MCI (P) 053/06/2019
[email protected] Copyright: MM ACTIV Sci-Tech
Communications Pvt. Ltd.
Printed and published by Ravindra Boratkar
on behalf of MM ACTIV Singapore Pte Ltd.

Printed at Times Printers Private Limited
16 Tuas Avenue 5, Singapore 639340
Tel : +65-63112888

Reprinted in India for private Circulation

6 BIO CONTENT

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

COVERStory 18

FOCUS ON EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

As India and Japan strive to provide affordable healthcare to its citizens, including addressing the challenges such as
aging population, leaders of both the nations welcome the linking of Japan’s Asia Health and Well-being Initiative
(AHWIN) with India’s healthcare initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, by introducing affordable technology, skill
development and best practices in healthcare through reciprocal and mutually beneficial approaches. Added to it, Indian
Prime Minister has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Japan on Development of
Advanced Model Single Window in January this year, which will facilitate more investments into India.

24 SPEAKING WITH 25 BIOPHARMA INDIAN
32 TRENDS BIOPHARMA
“We aim to improve INDUSTRY
clinical R&D in the GROWING AT
APAC region” 12% CROSSES
₹ 22,000
Dr Makoto Sugita, CRORE
Senior Vice President & General Manager, Japan
Digital
29 EXPERT SAYS Health
Accelerating
Indian vaccine Healthcare
industry - more vibrant
in coming years

Dr K V BALASUBRAMANIAM,
Former Managing Director - Indian Immunologicals Ltd and
Strategic Management and Life Sciences Consultant, India

BIO CONTENT 7

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com CONNECT
ENGAGE
34 TECHNOLOGY SHARE

3D
printing:
Empowering
yet
challenging

37 SPEAKING WITH Connect with us

“Home-grown companies are building twitter.com/
up highly promising research pipelines” BioSpectrumMag

Sheng-Jie Ni, facebook.com/
Managing Director, Product and Solution Development, APAC, FedEx Express, Singapore BioSpectrumMagazine

41 TECHNOLOGY https://goo.gl/QY4nUp
/BS-LinkedIn
Understanding & addressing challenges
key to new discoveries and breakthrough www.biospectrumasia.com

Tiffani Manolis,
Senior Director for Pharma Strategic Program at
Agilent Technologies, San Francisco, California, USA

REGULARS

BioEdit.............................................. 04
BioMail............................................. 05
Regulatory News........................... 08
Company News............................. 10
Finance News................................. 12
Start-Up News................................ 13
WHO News...................................... 15
World News.................................... 16
Science News................................. 42
Academics News........................... 44
Supplier News................................ 45
People News................................... 47
Bio Event....................................50

8 REGULATORY NEWS BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Thailand Korea assigns $1.1M
launches for robotic health care
healthcare
services for The Ministry of Health and rehabilitation institute has
foreigners Welfare in Korea has secured supplied 120 rehabilitative robots
$1.1 million (for 1.3 billion to hospitals and community
Public Health won) developing care robots health centers to aid patients, the
Ministry in Thailand for the elderly and disabled. elderly and the disabled who have
has announced that The ministry-affiliated National mobility difficulties.
foreigners can now Rehabilitation Center held a care
access International- robot symposium in the Gangbuk
Standard Healthcare district of Seoul, ahead of the
services from the newly launch of the care robot research
established Foreign and development project. The
Customer Service multiphase project will commence
Centers (FCSC) at 133 this year in anticipation of the
centers and general growing aging population and
hospitals nationwide. increases in demand for elderly
The Ministry has care. South Korea is expected to
established the FCSCs become a superaged population
at various hospitals, by 2026. Since 2012, the state
including Samut
Sakhon Hospital, China NMPA approves
Ubon Ratchathani’s clinical trials for CABP
Sunpasittiprasong
Hospital and Sinovant Sciences, a Shanghai- of the pleuromutilin class being
Ayutthaya Hospital. developed as a potential treatment
It has also set up the based biopharmaceutical for community-acquired bacterial
Centre of Asean Health pneumonia (CABP). CABP is one
Network Collaboration company, has announced that of the leading causes of mortality
(AHNC) at provincial in China. Lefamulin works by
health offices, in order its Clinical Trial Application selectively inhibiting translation
to promote tourism of bacterial protein synthesis. In
and support the free (CTA) for lefamulin has been pre-clinical studies, lefamulin has
migration of foreigners demonstrated a targeted spectrum
into Thailand. The accepted by the Centre for Drug of activity against the pathogens
centers are expected that most commonly cause CABP,
to continue developing Evaluation at the China National including multi-drug resistant
facilities, equipment strains.
and personnel to Medical Products Administration
take care of foreign
patients, analyze (NMPA), enabling the initiation
reports and apply
innovations to promote of registrational clinical trials for
the access of foreigners
to services and assess patients with community-acquired
their work results to
constantly improve bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in
service.
the second half of 2019. Lefamulin

is a novel semi-synthetic antibiotic

REGULATORY NEWS 9

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Japan first to approve India, Kyrgyzstan to
Roche’s personalised strengthen healthcare
medicine Rozlytrek
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Indian
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a
(MHLW) has approved Rozlytrek (entrectinib) Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) between India
by Roche for the treatment of adult and and Kyrgyzstan for collaborative research work on
paediatric patients with neurotrophic tyrosine High Altitude Biology and Medicine and aiming at
receptor kinase (NTRK) fusion-positive, further development and strengthening of mutual
advanced recurrent solid tumours. Rozlytrek relationships in science and medicine, especially in
is the first tumour-agnostic medicine to be high altitude biology and medicine. The MoC will help
approved in Japan that targets NTRK gene in understanding the physical and mental picture of
fusions, which have been identified in a range soldier system at high altitude and mitigate the high
of hard-to-treat solid tumour types, including altitude related maladies by using Yoga practice,
pancreatic, thyroid, salivary gland, breast, herbals and neutraceuticals in Indian and Kyrgyz
colorectal, and solders/population. The Cabinet has also approved the
lung. It has proposal of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
been granted for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Sakigake between the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of
designation the Republic of India and the Ministry of Health of the
and orphan Kyrgyz Republic in the field of Health.
drug
designation by
the MHLW.
Rozlytrek
is also
undergoing regulatory review in Japan for the
treatment of people with ROS1 fusion-positive
locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell
lung cancer (NSCLC). This approval of Rozlytrek
represents a new chapter in personalised
healthcare, applying advanced diagnostics to
deliver precision medicines that target cancers
based on their molecular drivers instead of their
location in the body.

Gilead’s Epclusa now available via the NHI scheme in Taiwan

Gilead Sciences has announced velpatasvir 100mg), a once-daily a 12-week treatment regimen in
that Epclusa (sofosbuvir 400mg/ pan-genotypic, pan-fibrotic and combination with ribavirin (RBV)
interferon-free HCV single tablet for patients with decompensated
regimen (STR) for the treatment cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B or C).
of chronic hepatitis C, is available According to the Ministry of
via the National Health Insurance Health and Welfare (MoHW),
(NHI) scheme from June 1, 2019. there are an estimated 400,000
The reimbursement of Epclusa is people living with chronic
approved for adult patients with hepatitis C in Taiwan today. The
genotypes 1-6 HCV infection, MoHW has a goal of eliminating
HCV nationally by 2025, five
including as a 12-week treatment years ahead of the World Health
for patients with or without Organization’s global target for
compensated cirrhosis viral hepatitis elimination.
(Child-Pugh A) and as

10 COMPANY NEWS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Samsung Catalys Pacific to advance early-
BioLogics enters stage life sciences innovation
unique CMO deal
Catalys Pacific, a new venture capital firm in Japan built by a
South Korea headquartered global team seasoned in life sciences investing has announced
Samsung BioLogics (SBL) recently the launch of its first fund. Leveraging its networks in academia,
entered a new era by signing a biotech, venture capital and the pharmaceutical industry, Catalys
‘first of its kind’ deal with a US Pacific has assembled a group of Strategic and Preferred Partners
biopharmaceutical company with whom to create asset-centric global Bio venture companies.
valued at $7.8 million through Catalys Pacific begins operations as one of Japan’s largest life
2020. The client is an early stage sciences-focused investment firms. The firm’s mission is to
development company with a high provide solutions to unmet medical needs for patients worldwide
potential early stage asset with a by creating and investing in companies that drive innovation in
requirement to ensure stable and life sciences. Catalys Pacific maintains a strictly independent
consistent supply for its clinical governance structure that ensures autonomous assessment and
trials and commercialization. decision-making of its investments. By aligning with Catalys
Under the terms of the contract, Pacific, it’s Strategic Partners - Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.,
the deal will increase to $39.8 Eisai Co., Ltd., SoftBank Group Corp., Takeda Pharmaceutical
million when the client progresses Company Limited and Celgene Corporation - have renewed and
development of the clinical expanded their commitment to the advancement of assets in
product, and will increase to $301 partnership with venture-backed companies.
million when the client obtains
approval for the product. The
minimum committed amount can
be additionally increased based on
actual product demand. Samsung
BioLogics expects this new type of
innovative, client-centric agreement
to be highly attractive to early stage
companies by providing certainty of
stable and reliable supply through
various stages with optimized cost
effectiveness at commercialization.

Tessa Therapeutics, CSGKC establish Joint Venture

Tessa Therapeutics (Tessa), a will contribute $40 million for 13
per cent stake in the joint venture,
Singapore based clinical-stage while Tessa will contribute $20
million and its technology license
cell therapy company focused on rights for China. Tessa will hold the
remaining 87 per cent stake in the
the development of autologous joint venture. The joint venture’s
immediate strategic priorities will
and allogeneic therapies to treat focus on conducting clinical trials
in China for Tessa’s cell therapies,
cancer has announced its joint which target prevalent cancers
in the country for patients with
venture establishment with hematological malignancies and
solid tumours.
China-Singapore Guangzhou

Knowledge City (CSGKC). The

joint venture will be the sole combined total of $120 million
in the joint venture. CSGKC will
licensee of Tessa’s cell therapies contribute $80 million and Tessa
will provide $40 million in two
for research, clinical development stages. In the first stage, CSGKC

and commercialization in China.

Tessa and CSGKC will invest a

COMPANY NEWS 11

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Clarivate Prudential, Tictrac to provide
Analytics to personalised digital wellness services
provide
comprehensive Hong Kong headquartered million customers and £151 billion
drug discovery Prudential Corporation Asia has in assets under management in
intelligence announced the establishment the region. Tictrac, which serves
of its strategic partnership with clients and their users across the
Clarivate Analytics plc, UK-based health technology and US, Europe, Latin America and
a global leader who has servicescompanyTictractoprovide Asia, offers a digital platform that
built some of the most personalised wellness services helps users manage their wellness
trusted brands across the to consumers in Asia, engaging round the clock.
innovation lifecycle, has them on their lifestyle goals
signed an agreement to and helping them lead healthier
provide drug discovery longer lives. The collaboration
intelligence across the reinforces Prudential’s broader
Melbourne Biomedical commitment to making healthcare
Precinct (MBP). Under the affordable and accessible across
agreement, the University the region by leveraging digital
of Melbourne, Monash health technologies and best-in-
University, BioCurate class partnerships. Prudential
and the Walter Eliza is a leading Asian life insurer
Hall Institute of Medical and asset manager with over 15
Research will have
enterprise-wide access to AstraZeneca opens new
Cortellis drug discovery clinical research unit in India
intelligence to support their
strategic research practices Global science-led
from early science through
drug discovery. Cortellis biopharmaceutical company,
is a suite of life science
solutions from Clarivate AstraZeneca has officially
Analytics that inform
decision-making across the announced the expansion of its
drug/device development
and commercialization clinical research operations in
spectrum. Through Cortellis,
MBP precinct members will India with the launch of a new
be able to use key scientific
information and insights to dedicated unit in Bengaluru. This
prioritize drug development
candidates, benchmark new Development Operations
other companies, and
assess the competitive Centre will cement AstraZeneca’s
landscape early in the
research process. The data position as a leading initiator of
is available via a single
point of access to Cortellis, clinical research in the country.
enabling a fast, efficient and
comprehensive view of an AstraZeneca is among the top
indication and it’s potential.
3 initiators of clinical studies

among foreign pharmaceutical

companies in India in the past will focus on managing studies
in India to not only support the
three years, according to publicly global clinical drug development,
but also the local business with
available data. The new centre is clinical data and evidence. The
unit will support development of
located at Manyata Business Park AstraZeneca’s medicines, hosting
clinical trial experts focused on the
in Bengaluru alongside the India company’s core therapeutic areas:
oncology, cardiovascular, renal and
marketing and manufacturing metabolism, as well as respiratory.

headquarters. The Development

Operations Centre will employ

over 30 clinical research experts

that handle over 20 studies in 150

sites across India. This expansion

12 FINANCE NEWS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Japanese firm announces
investment plan with C-CAMP

The Centre for Cellular and C-CAMP – BNV Innovation Hub Macrogen signs
Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), (CBIH) which will largely focus on subscription
India’s premier bio-innovation facilitating Japanese investment agreement
hub in Bangalore recently signed a of up to $5 million in Indian of 4.1M AUD
Letter of Intent (LOI) with Beyond startups working on exciting with Microba
Next Ventures (BNV), one of the technologies in the Life Sciences
leading independent accelerators and Biotech domain. This hub
in Japan dedicated to incubation also aims to support startups
investment in technology startups. in both the regions through
The broad aim of this collaboration exchange of human resources
is to encourage and promote the and technologies and through
best deep science innovations other facilitation programmes
in the field of Life Sciences and and events to connect skilled
Biotechnology in India. The two talent, entrepreneurs and other
organizations intend to create the stakeholders in both regions.

Precision medicine and

biotechnology company

headquartered in Korea,

Macrogen announced that the

company signed a subscription

agreement of AUD 4.1 million

Sosei Heptares to receive new with microbiome analysis
milestone payment from Pfizer
company, Microba. Microba is

specialized in the genetic analysis

of the gut microbiome and was

established in 2017 by faculties

Japan based Sosei Group collaboration between Sosei of Queensland University and

Corporation and its strategic Heptares and Pfizer was signed has accumulated research data

alliance partner Pfizer in November 2015 to research and numerous related intellectual

announced that a new clinical and develop potential new properties since. Especially, its

candidate from their multi-target medicines directed at up to ten bioinformatics pipeline and the

drug discovery collaboration GPCR targets across multiple database are known to be best in its

was nominated to advance into therapeutic areas. Many of these field. Soon after the subscription

clinical development. Sosei targets have clinical or biological agreement, two companies will

Heptares will receive a $3 validation as key points for sign the licensing agreement

million milestone payment from therapeutic intervention to accelerate the market entry.

Pfizer for this achievement. The potentially targeting a range of Initially, microbiome database

first clinical candidate under this diseases but have proven difficult will be constructed in Asia Pacific

collaboration was nominated to address with conventional regions, including Korea, Japan,

by Pfizer in May 2019. The discovery approaches because of and Singapore, and expect global

multi-target drug discovery inherent technical challenges. service launch in early 2020.

START-UP NEWS 13

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Softbank Vision Fund invests $205M in health startup

San Francisco-based healthcare guiding members to treatments population health. Meanwhile,
technology startup Collective that meet their health needs Softbank is also planning to look at
Health has acquired $205 million while helping to reduce costs, and smaller transactions and invest in
in its latest funding round, led by delivering insights to employers startups at an earlier stage as part
Japan’s Softbank Vision Fund. that point the way to improved of a revamp of its India strategy.
The startup is working to reinvent
health plans, both for employers
and the populations they cover
under one, unified software
platform. The company has four
patents pending across its product
suite. The new funding will support
Collective Health’s expansion of
its product and engineering team
to accelerate development in
core areas, including: Reducing
administrative burden and waste,

Zuellig Pharma iWEECARE raises $1M
acquires health for global expansion
tech startup Klinify
Taiwanese healthtech startup iWEECARE announced
Hong Kong-headquartered healthcare services that it has secured $1 million in pre-Series A round
provider Zuellig Pharma has acquired Singapore- of investment, led by Singapore’s Verge HealthTech
based healthtech startup Klinify for an undisclosed Fund. Taiwan- and US-based Translink Capital and
amount. Klinify is a cloud-based management Darwin Venture also joined this round. Additionally,
system used by over 800 doctors in Malaysia to iWEECARE has received regulatory approval to
manage their clinics more efficiently. It allows market its product Temp Pal, which it claims to be
doctors to migrate to electronic records using tablet the world’s smallest smart thermometer, in both the
computers without having to change their workflow European Union and Taiwan. Temp Pal is a wireless
process. Klinify was founded by Krish Surendran body temperature-tracking solution that offers
and Nishanth Sudharsanam, and was formerly real-time monitoring combined with smart alerts.
known as Doctree.Asia. Zuellig Pharma had It is a patented stamp-sized soft patch that packs a
invested in Klinify earlier in May 2017 to support temperature sensor, customised thin battery that
its regional expansion and product development. In lasts two to three days, and a Bluetooth radio. The
the tie-up, Zuellig also integrated its services such small patch transmits body data to a secure cloud via
as product ordering and inventory management its own mobile app, generating real-time charts and
into the application. alerts as needed. The wearable solution can also be
applied in hospitals and clinics as it offers centralised
tracking and analytics from multiple devices.

14 START-UP NEWS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

MX3 Diagnostics develops saliva- CoWrks
based hydration testing system Foundry
launches
MX3 Diagnostics Inc. (MX3), a US lab equipment. This innovative accelerator
and Australia based startup that approach eliminates the need for programme
has developed the world’s first blood prick or urine tests, with in India
real-time saliva-based hydration results uploaded seamlessly to a
test, has announced the pre-order mobile device and stored in the Earlier this year, the
availability of its flagship portable cloud, allowing users to manage CoWrks Foundry
product, the MX3 Hydration and track their personal hydration partnered with the Yale
Testing System Pro Version. The levels anywhere at any time. Institute for Global Health
system uses a handheld digital (YIGH), supported by
meter and app to measure and RMZ Foundation, to
track personal hydration levels. announce the collaborative
It is the world’s first point-of-care Sustainable Health
system using saliva to provide Initiative (SHI) in India.
immediate and accurate diagnostic The SHI is a 24-week long
tests for health and fitness. By interdisciplinary business
using saliva, easily accessible and accelerator programme
incredibly informative, the MX3 for young and early stage
device will let users measure startups building innovative
key indicators of health and well solutions in healthcare.
being without expensive, invasive The SHI programme has
been designed to power
Alphamab completes ‘Innovation’ for long-
$60M Series B Financing term social, health and
environmental impact
Alphamab Oncology, a leading for developing the pipeline, in emerging economies.
commissioning a new R&D and With the ecosystem ripe
biopharmaceutical company manufacturing site, accelerating for innovation, healthcare
the clinical development of clinical companies in India are
based in China dedicated to stage assets, and preparing for effectively poised to impact
commercial launch of KN035 billions in the country as
global development of innovative (Envafolimab). The new round well as globally. As part
comes on the heel of its strong of this programme, each
biologics for cancer therapy, has $130 million Series A financing startup will receive up to
in November 2018, one of the $70,000 in seed funding,
completed a $60 million Series largest in China’s biotechnology mentorship from Yale’s
industry in recent years. Since faculty and alumni, as well
B financing led by Hudson Bay then, Alphamab Oncology has as benefits from a network
advanced several drug candidates of Indian industry experts.
Capital Management LP and in its pipeline and formed new In addition, the programme
partnerships for its leading assets. includes structured
participated by new investors sessions to help startups
evolve into a sustainable
including entrepreneur Adrian and scalable business
model, refine their go-to-
Cheng. Existing institutional market strategy and build a
global network.
investors including China

Venture Capital Fund (CVC),

PAG, and Advantech Capital

also participated. Proceeds from

the financing round will be used

WHO NEWS 15

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

WHO urges WHO launches
countries to fight new tool to handle AMR
tobacco epidemic
WHO has launched a global campaign urging
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging governments to adopt a tool to reduce the spread of
countries to fight the tobacco epidemic through antimicrobial resistance (AMR), adverse events and
full implementation of the WHO Framework costs. The AWaRe tool was developed by the WHO
Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Essential Medicines List to contain rising resistance
and enforcing effective tobacco control actions, and make antibiotic use safer and more effective. It
including WHO’s recommended “MPOWER” classifies antibiotics into three groups – Access, Watch
policy measures, for example by reducing demand and Reserve – and specifies which antibiotics to use
for tobacco through taxation, creating smoke-free for the most common and serious infections, which
places and cessation support. The organization also ones should be available at all times in the healthcare
encourages parents and community leaders to take system, and those that must be used sparingly or
steps to safeguard the health of their families and preserved and used only as a last resort. The new
communities by informing them of and protecting campaign aims to increase the proportion of global
them from the harms caused by tobacco. In consumption of antibiotics in the Access group to at
2017, tobacco killed 3.3 million users and people least 60 per cent, and to reduce use of the antibiotics
exposed to second-hand smoke from lung-related most at risk of resistance from the Watch and Reserve
conditions, including 1.5 million people dying from groups. Using Access antibiotics lowers the risk
chronic respiratory diseases, 1.2 million deaths of resistance because they are ‘narrow-spectrum’
from cancer (tracheal, bronchus and lung) and antibiotics (that target a specific microorganism
600 000 deaths from respiratory infections and rather than several). They are also less costly because
tuberculosis. they are available in generic formulations.

New collaboration between WHO and France

Emmanuel Macron, President hub will feature high-tech learning
of the French Republic and Dr environments, a world-class
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, health emergencies simulation
World Health Organisation centre and collaboration spaces
(WHO) Director-General have for learning co-design, research
signed a Declaration of Intent to and innovation. The Academy
establish the WHO Academy that will bring together adult learning
will revolutionize lifelong learning science, behavioural science and
in health. The Academy aims to cutting-edge learning technologies
reach millions of people with such as artificial intelligence and
innovative learning via a state-of- virtual reality with WHO’s norms,
the-art digital learning experience standards and evidence to deliver
platform at a campus in Lyon high-impact accredited and
and embedded in the six WHO tailored multilingual learning to
regions. The WHO Academy Lyon meet diverse needs.

16 WORLD NEWS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Unique solution to USAID opens
boost immunization in $225M health
developing countries programme in Nigeria

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, NEC Corporation, and U. S. Agency for International Development
Simprints Technology have signed a memorandum (USAID) has launched a $225 million worth
of understanding on the use of biometrics to improve new flagship health activity to help five
immunization coverage in developing countries. states in Nigeria improve access to primary
Guided by Gavi’s experience and expertise in healthcare services. The five years Integrated
immunization, this new project will combine Simprints’ Health Programme (IHP) would also help
biometric fingerprint technology and NEC’s reinforced improve essential commodities and increase
authentication engine to help demand for services of those states. The
create digital identities for mission would be implemented in Bauchi,
children 1-5 years of age and Kebbi and Sokoto, with two more states
boost immunization coverage to be added soon. IHP will contribute to
in developing countries. The revitalising primary healthcare by helping
fact that only half of all children the state health systems upgrade clinics
under 5 in sub-Saharan Africa and employ an integrated model for a full
are currently registered at complement of high-quality round-the-clock
birth, leaving many without an health services in every ward. The programme
official identity. This makes it would be implemented by the international
difficult for health practitioners group Palladium International with a
to ensure these infants get the vaccines they need at the coalition of international and national non-
right time. This new partnership will deploy the world’s governmental organisations in partnership
first scalable fingerprint identification solution to give with the states. It would help in provision
children aged 1-5 a digital ID linked to an accurate, of quality maternity and newborn care in
complete medical record. All biometric records will be health facilities, routine immunization, early
stored securely by Simprints, a UK-based non-profit diagnosis and timely treatment of maternal
social enterprise after caregivers give informed consent and neonatal complications, malaria,
to taking their children’s biometric data. diarrhea, and pneumonia.

GE Healthcare launches patient support monitor in S Africa

GE Healthcare and with precision during active
Medhold have announced patient transport between
the launch of CARESCAPE care areas. The solution is
ONE in South Africa. The a portable monitor device
announcement was made with docking capability
during the Africa Health on the transport bed or at
2019 event themed- The the bedside. It is designed
future of healthcare today: to provide an efficient
Re-envisioning Africa’s workflow with the added
healthcare system, held in benefit of relative ease
May 2019. CARESCAPE of use for new as well as
ONE is an advanced experienced users. The
lightweight plug-and-play system also provides a
monitoring solution for standardized yet fully
conducting intra-hospital flexible platform with one
patient transport. It allows device and one software to
nurses to visually monitor support cost effective fleet
critical patient conditions management.

WORLD NEWS 17

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

IBM, KPMG, Merck & Walmart to evaluate use of blockchain in pharma

IBM, KPMG, Merck and Walmart have announced that the companies
have been selected by the United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to be included in a programme in support of the U.S. Drug Supply
Chain Security Act (DSCSA) that addresses requirements to identify,
track and trace prescription medicines and vaccines distributed within
the United States. The programme is intended to assist drug supply chain
stakeholders, including FDA, in developing the electronic, interoperable
system that will identify and trace certain prescription drugs as they
are distributed within the United States. Each company brings unique
expertise to the project, which will create a shared permissioned
blockchain network that allows real-time monitoring of products.
The proposed network is intended to help reduce the time needed to
track and trace inventory; allow timely retrieval of reliable distribution
information; increase accuracy of data shared among network members;
and help determine the integrity of products in the distribution chain,
including whether products are kept at the correct temperature.

Pfizer acquires Array Sanofi and Google
BioPharma for $11.4B to develop healthcare
innovation lab
Pfizer Inc. and Array BioPharma Inc. have announced
that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement Sanofi and Google will establish a new virtual
under which Pfizer will acquire Array, a commercial stage Innovation Lab with the ambition to radically
biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, transform how future medicines and health
development and commercialization of targeted small services are delivered by tapping into the power
molecule medicines to treat cancer and other diseases of emerging data technologies. The collaboration
of high unmet need. Pfizer has agreed to acquire Array aims to change how Sanofi develops new
for $48 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value treatments and will focus on three key objectives:
of approximately $11.4 billion. The Boards of Directors to better understand patients and diseases, to
of both companies have approved the merger. Array’s increase Sanofi’s operational
portfolio includes the approved combined use of efficiency, and to improve
BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) and MEKTOVI (binimetinib) the experience of Sanofi’s
for the treatment of BRAFV600E or BRAFV600K patients and customers. Both
mutant unresectable or metastatic melanoma. The companies will leverage deep
combination therapy has significant potential for long- analytics across data sets
term growth via expansion into additional areas of to better understand key
unmet need and is currently being investigated in over diseases and extract related
30 clinical trials across several solid tumor indications, patient insights. This will
including the Phase 3 BEACON trial in BRAF-mutant enable Sanofi to research
metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). and develop more personalized approaches
to treatment and identify accompanying
technologies to improve health outcomes. The
companies will apply technology and analytics
on Sanofi’s large real world database to better
understand what treatments work for patients.
This aims to result in an improved ability to offer
personalized treatment advice, thus optimizing
patient care and reducing healthcare costs.

18 COVER STORY

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

FOCUS ON
EASE OF DOING
BUSINESS

As India and Japan strive to provide affordable healthcare to its citizens,
including addressing the challenges such as aging population, leaders of
both the nations welcome the linking of Japan’s Asia Health and Well-being
Initiative (AHWIN) with India’s healthcare initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat,
by introducing affordable technology, skill development and best practices in
healthcare through reciprocal and mutually beneficial approaches. Added to it,
Indian Prime Minister has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between India and Japan on Development of Advanced Model Single Window in
January this year, which will facilitate more investments into India.

In June, Beyond Next Ventures (BNV), one of in both the regions through exchange of human
the leading independent accelerators in Japan resources and technologies and through other
dedicated to incubation investment in technology facilitation programs and events to connect skilled
start-ups, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with talent, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in both
the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms regions.
(C-CAMP), India’s premier bio-innovation hub. The
broad aim of this collaboration is to encourage and Talking about the collaboration, Dr Taslimarif
promote the best deep science innovations in the field Saiyed, CEO & Director, C-CAMP said “C-CAMP
of Life Sciences and Biotechnology in India. has been identifying and supporting the most
exciting early stage innovations and now looks
The two organizations intend to create the forward to nurture many more such high-risk high-
C-CAMP – BNV Innovation Hub (CBIH) which will return innovations at an early stage through this
largely focus on facilitating Japanese investment collaboration with Beyond Next Ventures. This will
of up to $5 million in Indian start-ups working on be a fantastic start to build Indo-Japan collaborations
exciting technologies in the Life Sciences and Biotech for high-end innovations.”
domain. This hub also aims to support start-ups
Sharing his views Tsuyoshi Ito, CEO, BNV said

COVER STORY 19

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Indian generic drugs firms eyeing at Japanese market

Increasing price pressures in the North approach. In 2016, SP Japan has taken over 14
American market, which accounts for nearly a third brands of the long-listed products (patent-expired
of India’s pharmaceutical exports, is prompting originator drugs) manufactured and marketed
Indian drug companies to explore avenues in in Japan from Novartis International AG, a
new markets like Japan and China apart from the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, and it outsourced
amplified focus on reviving markets like Africa, CIS, distribution of the products as well as provision
and Europe. of information on proper use to Mitsubishi
Tanabe Pharma Corporation, a leading Japanese
At the same time the Japanese government has pharmaceutical company.
been promoting the use of generic drugs to reduce
medical expenditure, which has been increasing Being the world’s third largest pharmaceutical
year-by-year due to Japan’s aging population. The market following the US and China, Japan is seen
government aims to increase the share of generic as a country brimming with business opportunities
drugs within the pharmaceutical market in Japan in in the life science industry, including medical
volume to 80 per cent by September 2020, which is equipment and the healthcare services. India, on the
the same level as that in the US and Europe. other hand, is one of the world’s largest exporters,
supplying pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates
Looking at the market potential, Sun and finished products, including generic drugs.
Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (SPIL), Based on this background, a large number of Indian
India’s largest and the world’s fourth largest companies envisage exporting ingredients from
pharmaceutical company in the generic drug India to Japan and jointly developing generic drugs
industry, established its Japanese subsidiary, Sun with Japanese companies to further enhance their
Pharma Japan Limited (SP Japan), in Tokyo in quality. Meanwhile, many Japanese pharmaceutical
March 2012. companies have great expectations for India’s
affordable ingredients. India is also considered an
To make its presence felt in the Japanese attraction for its talented human resources and high
market, which saw many Indian companies forced standards of research and technology. Hence there
to withdraw after having difficulties in meeting are win-win opportunities for pharma companies of
demanding requests for quality standards and both nations.
conforming to strict regulations and complicated
procedures, SP Japan has taken acquisition

20 COVER STORY

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

“As the top accelerator and VC in Japan, we look Bilateral Cooperation in
forward to combining our experience and extensive S&T between India and Japan
network with C-CAMP to support new innovations in
Japan and India. Through this collaboration, we plan India-Japan Science & Technology
to make full-fledged venture investments into the life cooperation was formalized through an Inter-
sciences field of India and contribute to the industrial Governmental Agreement signed in 1985.
and economic development in India in the future.” Bilateral S&T cooperation began in 1993 with
the establishment of the India-Japan Science
In April SBI Investment, the venture capital unit Council (IJSC), which has till date organised 19
of Japan’s financial services company SBI Group meetings, supported 250 joint projects, 1600
has invested in Bangalore based mfine, an app that exchange visits of scientists, 65 joint seminars/
lets users link with doctors through live chat or workshops and 9 Asian Academic seminars
video under a minute. mfine which was founded in and 10 Raman-Mizushima lectures. In 2006,
February 2017 follows the model of partnering with Department of Science & Technology (DST)
hospitals instead of aggregating individual doctors initiated a value-based partnership on the
on its platform. The company has over 500 doctors principles of ‘reciprocity and co-funding with the
across 20 specialities from 100 hospitals on its Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
platform at present and it claims to have consulted and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
over 100,000 customers in the last 15 months. through Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology (MEXT). Since then
In February, Japanese management consulting several Institutional Agreements/ Memorandum
firm Dream Incubator has announced investments of Understanding (MoU) in the areas of Life
of $6 million in breast-cancer screening startup Sciences, Material Sciences, High Energy physics,
Niramai Health Analytix Pvt. Ltd in a Series A round ICT, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Methane
of funding. The Bangalore -based startup, Niramai, Hydrate, Robotics, Alternative Sources of Energy,
which stands for non-invasive risk assessment with Earth Sciences, Peaceful uses of Outer Space have
machine intelligence, uses big data analytics and been signed between the Science Agencies of both
artificial intelligence, instead of thermal images, countries.
to detect breast cancer at the early stage. Founded
in July 2016, the company’s screening method is Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of
based on the principles of thermography, which can Science and Technology, Government of India
detect tumors five years before a mammography or has concluded a comprehensive MoU with the
a clinical exam can do so. The startup offers end- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science
consumers only a screening test while it sells its & Technology (AIST), Japan in February 2007
devices to hospitals and diagnostic centres. It also under the Joint Statement towards India-Japan
offers training, installation and service at more than Strategic and Global Partnership, signed by the
20 hospitals and diagnostic centres. Prime Ministers of India and Japan in December
2006.
Besides fresh investments by Japanese companies
they are also looking at acquiring stakes. In April According to reports, 8 projects focusing
Japan-based M3 Inc. has acquired a majority on drugs /therapeutics for diseases like cancer
have been supported. 4 projects funded in the
area of bio-informatics in collaboration with
scientists at CBRC (Computational Biology
Research Center), Tokyo include projects
on developing software tools to identify and
characterise members of olfactory receptors,
designing Cyborg lectin for use in targeted drug
delivery system in cancer and to identify efflux
pump inhibitors for Multidrug Resistant bacteria.
Another 4 projects supported in the area of Cell
Engineering in collaboration with the Biomedical
Research Institute at Tsukuba focus on studies
aimed at understanding cancers and novel ways

COVER STORY 21

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

for intervention using Ashwagandha derived stake in Neuroglia Health Pvt. Ltd. which operates
phytochemicals. DailyRounds, a community-based platform for
doctors and medical students. The acquisition
The MoU was renewed for second term (2012- marks M3’s entry into case-based problem-solving
2017) along with an establishment of a joint community platform and medical test preparation
laboratory DAILAB (DBT-AIST International business in India. The acquisition marks M3’s entry
Laboratory for Advance Biomedicine) at into case-based problem-solving community platform
Biomedical Research Institute (BRI), Tsukuba and medical test preparation business in India,
campus of AIST, Japan in October 2013. The a statement said. It did not disclose the financial
first International laboratory in Life Sciences & details.
Biotechnology of the two institutions is actively
conducting research projects on integrated M3 already has existing business in India with
drug screenings for stress, aging and cancer investments in Health Impetus Pvt. Ltd, which is
intervention with prime focus on elucidation of a joint venture with Quadria Capital-backed home
functional mechanisms of selected drugs. Besides, healthcare services provider Health Care at Home
several education and training programs to young India. Health Impetus, which operates under the
researchers from India and other countries. brand M3 India, runs online portals that helps Indian
SISTERs (Satellite Institutes for Special Training doctors stay abreast with the latest in research,
Education and Research) have been set up at IIT- medical news, evidence-based medicine, practice
Delhi; RCB, Faridabad, India; USJP, Sri Lanka; guidelines and expert articles. M3, which operates
Manipal University, India; and Sikkim University, a specialised portal for medical professionals,
India for drug development and therapeutic also intends to import services and technologies
diseases in India. developed in Japan and other countries to build next-
generation healthcare technologies in India.
The MoU for the next five year period
was signed during the visit of Prime Minister In November last year Japanese early-stage
Abe to India in September 2017. DBT also venture capital fund Spiral Ventures announced
signed Joint Research Contract with AIST for investments in a medical tourism venture Hospals,
expansion of DAILAB to DAICENTER in the which has expanded its services across the
same visit. DIACENTER expands the scope of Commonwealth countries, manages close to 200
the collaboration to focused research activities medical tourists visiting India and helps them
with several institutions in India and other Asian choose hospitals, book doctor consultations and
countries like Sri-Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand. It surgeries, buy medicines and also takes care of their
will focus on connecting academia to industry and accommodation and travel needs.
network innovation to entrepreneurship, thereby
promoting S&T relationship of the two countries. Similarly Japanese conglomerate Mitsui & Co.
DAILAB has become a role model of India-Japan announced investments in GOQii, a preventive
S&T co-operation. healthcare platform and both parties have agreed for
joint collaboration in November last year. Mitsui’s
The Department of Biotechnology has investment will enable GOQii to penetrate further
implemented an Indo-Japan collaborative across India and will also mark GOQii’s entry into
project on “Accelerating the application of stem Japan. Founded in 2014 GOQii’s smart tech-enabled
cell technology in human disease” with four healthcare platform brings together the entire
participating institutions from India and Centre preventive healthcare ecosystem including tools for
for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), real time personalised coaching, a high-growth health
Kyoto University, Japan as international partner. eCommerce store, scheduling health check-ups, a
The program aims to develop infrastructure and health locker and a ‘GOQii Cash’ program where
expertise for India to be a competitive force in healthy behaviour is rewarded with cash discounts.
the field of regenerative medicine and induced Given the state of ‘Sickcare’ delivery infrastructure in
pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) biology for developing India, Mitsui believes that preventive healthcare is
treatments for sickle cell anemia, β-thalassemia the only viable, long term, mass market solution.
and brain disorders and creating Haplobank
(biobank of revertible, mutant embryonic stem In April Nikkei Asia reported that The Incubate
cells) relevant to our population. Fund, a Tokyo-based venture capital specialist that
mainly invests in early-stage startups in Japan, will
Source: Embassy of India in Japan launch a new fund this summer with the aim of
investing in promising Indian startups. Experienced
Japanese staff will be stationed in the southern

22 COVER STORY

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Indian city of Bangalore to scout for companies to e-commerce and other sectors as the country’s
invest in. The Incubate Fund India, which is being middle class grows.
pitched to big Japanese companies and investors,
plans to invest 3 billion yen ($27 million) by the end Increasing trade
2019. Many startups are growing rapidly in India’s
The trade relation between the two nations has
increased in last five years as heads of both nations
have visited the countries three times each with
Japanese premier Shinzo Abe visiting India in 2014,
2015 and 2017 and Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi visiting Japan in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited
Japan on October 28-29, 2018 for the India-Japan
Annual Summit and met with Prime Minister of
Japan Shinzo Abe. During the visit, both nations
agreed to work together to address some of key issues
like providing affordable healthcare and addressing
aging population, besides other areas of interest.

As India and Japan strive to provide affordable
healthcare to its citizens, including addressing the
challenges such as aging population, both leaders
welcome the linking of Japan’s Asia Health and Well-
being Initiative (AHWIN) with India’s healthcare
initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, by introducing

Agreements signed between India and Japan in
October 2018 during the visit of Indian Prime Minister to Japan

Sr. No. Name of the MOU/Agreement/Treaty Description

1 MoC between Ministry of Health and Family To establish a mechanism to identify

Welfare of Republic of India and the Office potential areas for collaboration between

of Healthcare Policy, Cabinet Secretariat, India and Japan in common domains of

Government of Japan and the Ministry of primary healthcare, prevention of non-

Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan in the communicable diseases, maternal and child

field of Healthcare and Wellness health services, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition

and elderly care

2 MoC between The Ministry of AYUSH of MoC between The Ministry of AYUSH

Republic of India and the Kanagawa Prefectural of Republic of India and the Kanagawa

Government of Japan in the field of Healthcare Prefectural Government of Japan in the field

and Wellness of Healthcare and Wellness

3 MoU on Food Safety between Food Safety For furthering cooperation between the the

and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) agencies from India and Japan in area of

& The Food Safety Commission of Japan, food safety

The Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan, The

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of

Japan.

4 MoU between National Institute of To promote academic linkages between

Pharmaceutical Education and Research the National Institute of Pharmaceutical

(NIPER), India, and Shizuoka University, Education and Research S.A.S Nagar, and

Japan for Academic and Research exchanges. Shizuoka University

COVER STORY 23

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

affordable technology, skill development and best Japanese firms in India
practices in healthcare through reciprocal and (Healthcare, Pharma, Biosciences,
mutually beneficial approaches. They also decided Analytical and Medical)
to exchange more information and work towards
cooperation in the domain of traditional medicine, Healthcare
including Ayurveda, which, along with Yoga, has ● Omron Healthcare India, Bangalore
a rich history of providing holistic alternative ● SastaSundar Healthbuddy, Kolkata
healthcare. ● Arkray Healthcare, Mumbai
● Konica Minolta Healthcare India, Mumbai
Recognising the close cooperation in Intellectual ● Zydus Takeda Healthcare, Ahmedabad
Property Rights between the Intellectual Property ● Health Impetitus, Mumbai
Offices of the two countries, the two leaders ● Expedient Healthcare, Gurugram
concurred to start a bilateral Patent Prosecution
Highway programme on a pilot basis in certain Pharma
identified fields of inventions in the first quarter of ● Rohto Pharma (India),Gurugram
FY 2019. They welcomed the expansion of Japan’s ● Nipro PharmaPackaging India, Meerut
Foreign Direct Investment in India under the “India- ● Astellas Pharma India, Mumbai
Japan Investment Promotion Partnership”. ● Eisai Pharmaceuticals India, Mumbai
● Nipro Pharma Corporation, Mumbai
As a result of these developments, Indian ● Takeda Pharmaceuticals India, Mumbai
Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ● Otsuka Pharmaceutical India, Ahmedabad
has approved a Memorandum of Understanding ● Sunways Rohto Pharmaceutical, Dholka
(MoU) between India and Japan on Development ● Eisai Pharmaceuticals India, Visakhapatnam
of Advanced Model Single Window in January this
year. The MoU would lead to cooperation between Biosciences
India and Japan on the development of ‘Advanced ● ISK Biosciences India, New Delhi
Model Single Window’ and its operationalization in ● Fujirebio India, Gurugram
Central and State Governments in India for taking ● KYOWA HAKKO BIO INDIA, Mumbai
administrative procedures necessary for business ● DSS Takara Bio India, New Delhi
operations, and to develop a structure in which those
procedures are completed in an expeditious manner, Analytical
so as to accelerate India’s effort to promote Ease ● Shimadzu Analytical (India), Mumbai
of Doing Business in India. The ‘Advanced Model
Single Window’ is based on the best practices in Medical
and outside India, with measurable parameters and ● Shimadzu Medical (India), Chennai
identify possible obstacles for establishment of the ● Hoya Medical India, New Delhi
Single Window in India. It will thus, facilitate more ● Mani Medical India, New Delhi
investments into India. ● Carna Medical Database, Gurugram
● Nipro Medical (India), Gurugram
Narayan Kulkarni ● Olympus Medical Systems India, Gurugram
[email protected] ● Aucnet Sanrad India, Navi Mumbai
(inputs from Dr Manbeena Chawla) ● Aloka Trivitron Medical Technologies,

Kanchipuram

Source: Embassy of Japan in India

24 SPEAKING WITH

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

“We aim to improve
clinical R&D in the APAC region”

« to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency to
ensure patient access to innovative therapies. I would
Dr Makoto Sugita, like to focus on both current and future business so
Senior Vice President that we can sustain our competitiveness for the future.
& General Manager,
Japan What are your views on the current status of
clinical R&D in the APAC region?
Aleading innovator of biopharmaceutical As the cost and complexity of drug development
services headquartered in the US, PAREXEL continue to increase, the Asia Pacific region is a key
International Corporation is the second destination for the conduct of clinical trials. In the
largest clinical research organization in the world. early 2000’s, Parexel was among the first to identify
With more than 25 offices and research centres in that APAC continues to be a growth area. Innovation
Asia, the organization has recently announced the will help solve some of these market challenges and
appointment of Dr Makoto Sugita as Senior Vice new accelerated pathways make Japan more attractive
President & General Manager in Japan. Hithaishi to global life sciences companies. The company is
CB from BioSpectrum Asia took this opportunity to committed to advancing the use of innovations in APAC
interact with Dr Sugita to find out more about his role and across the globe through fostering innovation in
and plans at PAREXEL. Edited Excerpts; clinical trial processes and measuring their impact,
investing in the workforce to deliver the promise of
What are your major plans at Parexel? big data and innovation and trial design, collaborating
In my new role, I will be focused on enhancing our to innovate and connect people and data silos and
service capabilities in both quality and quantity, engaging in multi-stakeholder initiatives earlier and
so that we can accelerate delivering innovative more often. It is more important than ever that we look
healthcare solutions to patients in partnerships with to ways to increase efficiency in drug development and
our clients and customers in Japan. Japan continues that the industry embrace innovations that can have
to be an important market for our customers, and we an impact on timelines. With these commitments, we
are excited to continue to build our presence in this aim to improve clinical R&D in the APAC region.
growing region.
How can real-world data be leveraged in clinical
How do you plan to accelerate the development research?
of innovative therapies at Parexel? The need for real world evidence is clear, but
For the last three decades, the average time to market unfortunately, the pathway for companies to obtain
for a new drug has hovered around 12 years, with the right data, data that presents actionable insights,
R&D costs of developing a drug more than doubling is often unclear. The needs and interests for leveraging
between 2003 and 2016, according to recent research real-world data and evidence have been growing. It is
Parexel conducted with the Economist Intelligence certainly an important capability which we can offer
Unit. This exponential growth in costs will continue as one of our services to our clients and customers.
unless something truly innovative is done to contain Our cross-functional teams, established processes and
it. In order to accelerate the development of innovative cloud-based technology platform helps generate fit-for-
therapies, it’s critical to have industry-leading purpose real world data that better supports scientific or
clinical site managing and monitoring capabilities. commercial analysis. Due to the huge diversity in unmet
Additionally, I’ll be focused on helping companies medical needs and medical care in the APAC region,
establish market access through real-world evidence there is significant opportunity to leverage real world
generation and demonstrate the value of their products evidence to improve access to therapies for patients. In
order to get treatments to the patients who need them
the most, it is critical that multinational trials embrace
both real-world data as well as other innovative trial
designs and approaches, such as adaptive trial designs,
precision medicine and patient-centric trials.

BIOPHARMA 25

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

INDIAN BIOPHARMA
INDUSTRY GROWING AT

12% CROSSES
₹ 22,000 CRORE
The Indian Biopharma Industry with over 300
companies is growing at 12 per cent growth According to AIOCD Pharmasofttech AWACS Pvt.
against the pharma industry growth which Ltd, there are over 200 companies in blood related
is passing through tough situation post-GST, products. Pfizer is leading the market in the country
ban on manufacture, sale and distribution of with sales of Rs 150 crore in 2018-19. Abbott India is
over 340 fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs. For the leading the hormones market in India with Rs 349
year 2018-19 the Biopharma Industry crossed Rs 22,124 crore in 2018-19. In the hormones space too there are
crore* over previous year’s revenue of Rs 18,290 core about 200 companies in the business.
with exports comprising of Rs 14,423 crore in 2018-19
witnessing growth over last year’s exports of 13,925 Only in insulin and vaccines space the number
crore. of companies are less than 20 and 40 respectively.
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is leading
Indian Biopharma industry, comprising hormones, the vaccines business in the country (out of pocket)
insulin, blood products and vaccines also imported with sales of Rs 662 core. Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
biopharma products worth Rs 5500 core in 2018-19 as continues to lead the insulin market with
against previous year’s imports of Rs 5039 crore. Rs 1351 crore. In all these biological
segments the domestic market
Serum Institute of India Ltd continues to lead the is being led by multinational
Indian biopharmaceutical industry with a revenue of companies. However Indian
Rs 4984 crore followed by Biocon (Rs 3946 crore) and companies do have some
Novo Nordisk with Rs 1352 crore. Top 3 biopharma presence but still they
companies contribute to 46 per cent of the total need to do a lot to
biopharma industry of Rs 22,145 crore. And Top 20 come at par with
biopharma companies contribute to 89 per cent of the multinational
the total biopharma industry. companies.

Western region continues to dominate the *Figures in Rs crores (Rs 70 =1 USD)
biopharma industry with contribution of 59 per cent
followed by Southern region with 36 per cent and
remaining 4 per cent coming from Northern region.

Indian biopharma companies exported Rs 8100
crore worth hormones and related products
during 2018-19 against Rs 7963 crore worth
of products in 2017-18. Vaccines
worth Rs 4453 crore were
exported in 2018-19.

26 BIOPHARMA

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

SERUM INSTITUTE
OF INDIA LTD

RETAINS
No. 1 POSITION

Serum Institute of India Ltd continues to lead the Indian
biopharmaceutical industry with revenue of Rs 4984 crore followed
by Biocon (Rs 3946 crore) and Novo Nordisk with Rs 1352 crore.

BioSpectrum Top 20 BioPharma Companies 2019* *Figures in Rs crores (Rs 70 =1 USD)

Sr. Company Revenue Revenue % Category Location Region
No. in 2018-19 in 2017-18 Growth

1 Serum Institute of India Ltd 4984 3987 25 India Pune West

2 Biocon Ltd 3946 2890 37 India Bengaluru South

3 Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd 1352 1180 15 MNC Bengaluru South

4 Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd 972 898 8 MNC Mumbai West

5 Sanofi India Ltd 948 842 13 MNC Mumbai West

6 Reliance Life Science Pvt Ltd 850 708 20 India Mumbai West

7 Bharat Biotech International Ltd 774 705 10 India Hyderabad South

8 Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd 708 443 60 India Ahmedabad West

9 Biological E Ltd 672 504 33 India Telangana South

10 Bharat Serums & Vaccines Ltd 600 540 11 India Mumbai West

11 Pfizer Ltd 579 619 -7 MNC Mumbai West

12 Indian Immunologicals Ltd 538 460 17 India Hyderabad South

13 Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd 406 338 20 India Mumbai West

14 Lupin Ltd 381 345 10 India Mumbai West

15 Abbott India Ltd 371 288 29 MNC Mumbai West

16 Shantha Biotechnics Pvt Ltd 369 NA NA India Hyderabad South

17 Zydus Cadila Healthcare Ltd 362 340 7 India Ahmedabad West

18 Baxter India Pvt Ltd 300 250 20 India Gurugram North

19 Ventri Biological Pvt Ltd 250 230 9 India Pune West

20 Sun Pharma Industries Ltd 237 218 9 India Mumbai West

Top 3 biopharma Top 10 biopharma Top 20 biopharma

companies contribute companies contribute companies contribute

46%to of the total 71%to of the total 89%to of the total

biopharma industry biopharma industry biopharma industry

BIOPHARMA 27

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

BioSpectrum Top 21-50 BioPharma Companies 2019* *Figures in Rs crores (Rs 70 =1 USD)

Sr. No. Company Revenue in 2018-19 Revenue in 2017-18 % Growth Category Location Region
21 Panacea Biotec Ltd 218 186 17 India New Delhi North
22 Wockhardt Ltd 197 221 -11 India Mumbai West
23 Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd/ Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd 181 170 6 India West
24 Eli lilly and Company (India) Pvt Ltd 161 141 14 MNC Pune North
25 Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd 145 138 5 MNC Gurugram West
26 Brilliant Bio Pharma Pvt Ltd 140 130 8 India South
27 Abbott healthcare Pvt Ltd 129 123 5 MNC Pune West
28 Hester Biosciences Ltd 128 120 7 India Hyderabad West
29 MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd 96 166 -42 MNC West
30 Haffkine Bio-Pharmaceutical Corporation Ltd 85 195 -56 India Mumbai West
31 Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Ltd 84 35 140 India Ahmedabad North
32 Biovet Pvt Ltd 60 55 8 India South
33 Zuventus Healthcare Ltd 57 46 23 India Mumbai West
34 La renon Healthcare Pvt Ltd 55 57 -2 India Mumbai West
35 Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd 51 48 7 India Bulandshahr North
35 Indovax Pvt Ltd 51 48 7 India Bengaluru North
36 Micro Labs Ltd 48 56 -14 India Mumbai South
36 Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd 48 46 2 India Ahmedabad South
37 Samarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd 35 28 25 India New Delhi West
38 Shreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd 34 24 44 India Gurugram West
39 Paviour Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd 33 44 -25 India Bengaluru North
39 Ozone Pharmaceuticals Ltd 33 26 26 India Hyderabad North
40 Cipla Ltd 32 31 3 India Mumbai West
41 Greensignal Bio Pharma Pvt Ltd 30 28 7 India Mumbai South
42 Claris Lifesciences Ltd 25 29 -15 India New Delhi West
43 Wallace Pharmaceuticals Ltd 24 20 17 India New Delhi West
44 Alkem Laboratories Ltd 23 21 13 India Mumbai West
44 Rpg Life Sciences Ltd 23 13 70 India Chennai West
44 Juggat Pharma Ltd 23 21 6 India Ahmedabad South
45 Astrazeneca Pharma India Ltd 21 16 27 MNC South
45 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd 21 14 44 India Goa West
46 Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals Ltd 20 16 27 India Mumbai North
46 Corona Remedies Pvt Ltd 20 15 36 India Mumbai West
47 Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd 19 17 16 MNC Mysuru West
48 Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt Ltd 18 26 -31 MNC Bengaluru West
49 Neon Laboratories Ltd 18 17 8 India Ahmedabad West
49 Mercury Health Care Pvt Ltd 17 15 11 India New Delhi West
50 Oaknet Healthcare Pvt Ltd 16 16 0 India Ahmedabad South
50 Raptakos Brett & Co. Ltd 16 15 10 India Mumbai West
Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai
Bengaluru
Mumbai

BIOSPECTRUM BIOPHARMA
SURVEY AND METHODOLOGY

BioSpectrum India, their achievements in the past the analysis are biologicals sales
a leading B2B financial years. and service figures. In several
media platform in cases, where revenue figures
Lifesciences space A detailed questionnaire were not available, estimates
since 2003 has re- (survey form) was sent to over 100 were arrived in discussion with
launched its ranking special companies in biologicals space to industry experts.
edition in June 2019 after gap of capture the needed information
2 years. In this survey we looked for the analysis. This was done For all the ranking purposes,
at only the Biopharma Industry during May 2019. Companies we have taken the biopharma
with companies specializing shared information with us to the business only into consideration.
in Biologics/ Recombinant extent it was possible by them. Wherever ‘Revenue is mentioned,
products/ mAbs/ Vaccines/ We have collected information it means, sales turnover from
Insulin. We highlighted the about listed companies from biopharma division. Therefore,
companies (both MNCs and stock exchange and financial revenue wherever mentioned
domestic players) based on agencies as well. is not necessarily the total sales
turnover of the company.
The revenues considered for

28 BIOPHARMA

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

BioSpectrum Top 10 Indian Biopharma companies* *Figures in Rs crores (Rs 70 =1 USD)

Sr. Company Revenue Revenue % Location Region
No. in 2018-19 in 2017-18 Growth
Pune West
1 Serum Institute of India Ltd 4984 3987 25 Bengaluru South
3946 2890 37 Mumbai West
2 Biocon Ltd 850 708 20 Hyderabad South
774 705 10 Ahmedabad West
3 Reliance Life Science Pvt Ltd 708 443 60 Telangana South
672 504 33 Mumbai West
4 Bharat Biotech International Ltd 600 540 11 Hyderabad South
538 460 17 Mumbai West
5 Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd 406 338 20 Mumbai West
381 345 10
6 Biological E Ltd

7 Bharat Serums & Vaccines Ltd

8 Indian Immunologicals Ltd

9 Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

10 Lupin Ltd

Indian companies

contribute

78% of the

total biopharma

industry while

22%remaining

by the MNC firms.

BioSpectrum Top 10 MNC Biopharma companies* *Figures in Rs crores (Rs 70 =1 USD)

Sr. Company Revenue Revenue in % Location Region
No. in 2018-19 2017-18 Growth
Bengaluru South
1 Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd 1352 1180 15 Mumbai West
972 898 8 Mumbai West
2 Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd 948 842 13 Mumbai West
579 619 -7 Mumbai West
3 Sanofi India Ltd 371 288 29 Gurugram North
161 141 14 West
4 Pfizer Ltd 145 138 5 Pune West
129 123 5 Mumbai West
5 Abbott India Ltd 96 166 -42 Mumbai South
21 16 27 Bengaluru
6 Eli Lilly and Company (India) Pvt Ltd

7 Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd

8 Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd

9 MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

10 Astrazeneca Pharma India Ltd

Western region continues to dominate the biopharma industry with

59% 36%contribution of and remaining
followed by Southern region with

4% coming from Northern region.

EXPERT SAYS 29

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Indian vaccine industry -
more vibrant in coming years

« trade, which though do not add up in terms of volumes,
account for significant value of Rs 2000 crore. With
Dr K V sales revenues from institutions pegged at Rs 800
BALASUBRAMANIAM, crore, the domestic human vaccine industry generates
Former Managing revenues of about Rs 2800 crore (Rs 70 =1 USD).
Director - Indian
Immunologicals Ltd and Not to be left behind, the animal vaccine segment of
Strategic Management this industry also supports large livestock vaccination
and Life Sciences programmes of the State Governments, by supplying
Consultant, India about 0.5 billion doses of 7 important animal vaccines.
India is home to a large livestock population and its
With a + 7 per cent economic growth, India significant agrarian economy is still dependent on
now leads the world ranking on a major livestock for much of stable, rural income. The animal
economic indicator viz. economic growth. vaccine segment generates sales revenues of about Rs
However, India has to still emerge out of debilitating 800 crore.
poverty which affects a large number of its people and
also significantly improve the quality of life of most Thus collectively, the Indian vaccine industry
of its people. Pulling the vast number of Indians out supplies about 1.5 billion doses, of both human and
of poverty calls not just for higher economic growth animal vaccines, of value Rs 3600 crore to the domestic
with equity and equality, but also access to good market. Adding exports of Rs 3100 crore, the industry
healthcare, improved sanitation and better quality of generates sales revenues of Rs 6700 crore. It is also
the environment. growing at a healthy rate of 10 per cent p.a.

On the healthcare side, India accounts for a This is no small achievement considering that
major portion of the world population suffering from manufacture of vaccines requires the highest level of life
communicable and non-communicable diseases. science technologies to be deployed, an extensive range
Much of modern health care is neither accessible nor of testing for safety and efficacy; and achieving low
affordable by most Indians. Even where available, there costs through high scales of operations. Several Indian
are several health delivery issues to be dealt with. The vaccine companies are World Health Organization
Indian vaccine industry works in this setting, which (WHO) pre-qualified for their manufacturing sites.
makes affordability and accessibility paramount for They are also partnering with international agencies in
preventive health care. the development of new vaccines for diseases affecting
the developing and least developed countries. No
The Indian Vaccine Industry wonder that Indian vaccine industry stands counted
as a prominent group in the global vaccine industry
The importance of the Indian vaccine industry can be with its Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of quality,
gauged by the fact that it supports a massive Universal affordability and reliability.
immunization programme of the Government of
India and preventive health care programmes of State
Governments, by supplying about 1 billion doses of
12 important human vaccines. In addition, thanks to
its ability to make high quality vaccines at affordable
prices, the Industry exports over 0.7 billion doses
of human vaccines largely to the Global Alliance for
Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) supported United
Nations Childrens’ Education Fund (UNICEF)’s Global
immunization programme in the developing and least
developing countries.

A number of other vaccines are sold in the private

30 EXPERT SAYS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Top 10 human vaccine companies and micro level challenges, which are briefly described
(in the descending order of sales below.
in domestic market)
India suffers from inadequate data on disease
● Glaxo Smith Kline Ltd burden in order to take prudent decisions about diseases
● Sanofi India Ltd to be covered in its immunization programmes. As a
● Serum Institute of India result, the Government is often criticized that decisions
● Biological E Ltd on vaccines to be included in the immunization
● Bharat Biotech Intl. Ltd programmes are dictated by the industry and are not
● MSD India considered decisions by immunization experts. For
● Indian Immunologicals Ltd example, why would Hib take priority over rubella in
● Panacea Ltd the immunization programme considering that rubella
● Zydus Cadila Ltd is a serious disease particularly causing congenital
● Wockhardt Ltd rubella syndrome (CRS) in infants and is considered
more important than Hib to be addressed?
Immunization in India
Immunization coverage in India is also lower among
However, ironically India has still a long way to go developing countries due to low public awareness
to achieve total immunization of its children and in on the value of vaccination and lack of wholehearted
protecting them against major diseases. Polio has only involvement of people in immunization drives
recently been eradicated in India and among the last undertaken by the Government. Low appreciation of
few countries to do so. Some recent field incidents the value of vaccines is particularly acute in the animal
concerning polio did cause some scare but fortunately, vaccines market. To compound this, periodic adverse
a good surveillance mechanism and pre-emptive action events affects trust that people repose in vaccines.
addressed the issue. Notwithstanding this, India still Effective communication to overcome this, both by the
has several adverse field events, not so much due to the industry and the Government, is inadequate.
quality of the vaccines, but due to poor immunization
practices by an over-burdened immunization workforce In India’s federal structure the States carry out
dependent on an ageing and weak health infrastructure immunization, while funding of immunization
for immunization. The present immunization coverage programmes is largely met by the Central Govt. For
rate in India stands at 89 per cent, however with a wide a developing country like India with a multitude of
disparity in coverage since 37 per cent of the districts demands on Government for health interventions, this
have immunization less than 80%. This is much imposes limitations on the budgets for immunization.
lower when compared to other developing countries This also directly affects uptake of vaccines and in
such as Srilanka or Thailand which have 99 per cent achieving effectiveness of immunization.
coverage. The number of diseases covered in primary
immunization in India was until a few years ago only 7 Vaccines must be stored and transported at low
(for BCG, Polio, DTP, Hep B and Hib) and this has now temperatures. In a tropical country like India, with
increased to 10 (Japanese Encephalitis, Rotavirus and poor transport networks in some major regions, this is
Rubella added) thanks to the Indradhanush initiative a serious challenge. It is only of late that much emphasis
of the Government. Compared to over 14 diseases (plus is being placed on creating a proper transport network
Influenza, Varicella, Rubella, Pneumonia) covered and vaccine storage infrastructure in the country. It will
by the developed countries for immunization of their be a while before this significantly improves. Till then,
children, means that disease coverage in India has to the cost of logistics in the vaccine business will continue
still improve. to be challenging.

Therefore, while it may feel good to have a vibrant Development of new vaccines is largely left to the
vaccine industry earning laurels at the global level, the private sector. The steps taken by the various government
vibrancy must be matched by serious concern about the agencies to fund new vaccine development
state of immunization and must result in positive efforts have not had much material effect in terms
by the Government to improve both immunization and of bringing to the market new vaccines
disease coverage. relevant to our country. Sustained
efforts in the development of
Challenges vaccines even for

The Indian vaccine industry is faced with several macro

EXPERT SAYS 31

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

diseases like Japanese encephalitis, Chikungunya or Top 10 animal vaccine companies
Swine fever, which periodically plague some parts of (in the descending order of sales
the country, are not high priority for the private sector in the domestic market)
as they do not pay off commercially. Besides, the eco
system in biotechnology is not mature to support new ● Indian Immunologicals Ltd
basic research which is direly needed for new vaccine ● Brilliant Biopharma Pvt Ltd
development. ● Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group
● Hester Biosciences Ltd
For vaccines not covered by the Government, ● MSD India
spending is by private savings of citizens. However, the ● Zoetis Ltd
vaccines sold in the private market (for Rabies, Typhoid, ● Indovax Ltd
Influenza, Pneumonia, Hepatitis A, Chicken pox, HPV ● Biovet Ltd
and combination vaccines) are largely from the stable ● Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd
of multi-national companies. They are expensive and ● Biomed Ltd
only serve the more affluent people in the metros and
major non-metro cities. It is ironical that although the the market by volume but 70 per cent of the market by
vaccines sold by multinational companies are solely value. Both on account of the growth in the economy
to the private market and not to the government and due to targeted Government programmes to
programmes, they yet account for nearly 50% of the reduce rural poverty and improve standard of living, it
sales revenues in the domestic market. Therefore, there is expected that the vaccine industry will benefit in good
is need to pursue the objective of making vaccines measure. The opportunity will be for vaccines which are
affordable to the larger population. not in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
basket, viz. Rabies, Typhoid, Influenza, Pneumonia,
The regulatory environment in India for Hepatitis A, Chicken pox, Human papilloma virus and
biopharmaceuticals in general and vaccines in combination vaccines, and sold in the private market.
particular, has seen significant changes in the recent More indigenous market offerings by domestic players
past. This makes regulatory approvals for vaccines can be expected. However, it must be stated that
arduous, time consuming and costly. As a result, keeping these vaccines affordable can help improve
interest of the private sector for development of vaccines market penetration.
for orphan diseases remains very muted since there is
no commensurate commercial payoff. This is also a The opportunities for exports will continue,
challenge to keep the present cost competitiveness alive especially to the GAVI/UNICEF procurement
programmes for immunization in the least developed
in the face of higher regulatory demands. countries. More Indian players are expected to meet the
stringent WHO Pre-qualification requirements for even
Opportunities more number of vaccines. This would help increase the
revenues and profitability of the industry.
It is said that when the going gets
tough, the tough get going! The Indian On the technology side, since newer vaccines are
vaccine industry has, thanks to its based more on recombinant DNA technologies, it can
be expected that companies will focus more on building
international exposure, technology such technology capabilities. This can have spin offs
development partnerships and in terms of development of other bio-therapeutic
products. This will be a logical extension to the human
access to a large domestic therapeutic market for the Indian vaccine industry.
market, been able to
progressively develop Summary
capabilities in applied
research and vaccine In summary, it can be stated that while the Indian
development. As a vaccine industry is beset with numerous challenges-
often faced by growing industries, there are significant
result, it is now well placed opportunities for growth with more depth in the
to harness new opportunities in domestic market, more breadth in product offerings
the emerging vaccine space. In and from progressively higher technology capabilities.
the following paragraphs, a few The industry can thus be expected to be even more
important challenges are described. vibrant in the coming years.

It is expected that a large private
market will emerge for vaccines in
India. The Rs 2000 crore private
domestic human vaccines market
today accounts for only 7 per cent of

32 TRENDS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

DIGITAL WHO’s push for Digital Health
HEALTH
ACCELERATING In the April 2019, the World Health Organization
HEALTHCARE (WHO) released new recommendations on 10 ways
countries can use digital health technology to improve
A digital wave has swept the world. Technology people’s health and essential services. The guideline
advancements have transformed every aspect demonstrates that health systems need to respond to
the increased visibility and availability of information.
of life and healthcare isn’t far behind. The People also must be assured that their own data is
digitization of the entire healthcare ecosystem safe and that they are not being put at risk because
is underway. From telemedicine to wearables to they have accessed information on sensitive health
the remote patient monitoring device, Integration topics, such as sexual and reproductive health issues,
of technology with healthcare helps in meeting WHO states. It further adds that health workers
need adequate training to boost their motivation to
the unfulfilled challenges in the healthcare transition to this new way of working and need to use
industry. Digital healthcare aims to amplify the technology easily.
shortcomings of traditional healthcare systems.
The guideline stresses the importance of providing
Prevention, helping patients monitor and supportive environments for training, dealing with
manage chronic conditions, lowering the cost of unstable infrastructure, as well as policies to protect
healthcare provision, and making medicine more the privacy of individuals, and governance and
tailored to individual needs – some of the areas coordination to ensure these tools are not fragmented
across the health system.
where applying technology to healthcare can
immensely help. The guideline encourages policy-makers to review
and adapt to these conditions if they want digital tools
Healthtech or Digital Health is a thriving market. to drive tangible changes and provides guidance on
Global Digital Health Market value expected to taking privacy considerations on access to patient
surpass $504.4 billion by 2025; according to data.
a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.
Increasing demand for remote monitoring services due WHO has issued a number of resources to
to rising incidences of chronic diseases worldwide is a strengthen digital health research and implementation,
major factor propelling the global market growth. This including the mHealth Assessment and Planning for
could be the reason why Tech giants are betting big on Scale (MAPS) toolkit, a handbook for Monitoring and
healthcare with almost all the big firms be it Google or Evaluation of Digital Health, and mechanisms to harness
Amazon are investing billions in healthcare. The most digital health to end TB, eHealth Strategy Toolkit in
valuable company in the world - Apple updated its collaboration with International Telecommunications
Health app, last year, to display medical records from
39 hospitals. The firm also added a new Apple Watch
feature called the electrocardiogram (EKG), a more
advanced method of heart monitoring. Apple received
an FDA clearance for this.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company is also making
a number of bets in healthcare and life sciences.
Calico, focuses on health and well-being, in particular,
the challenge of ageing and associated diseases. And
Verily is developing tools to collect and organize
health data, then creating interventions and platforms
that put insights derived from that health data to use
for more holistic care management.

TRENDS 33

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Union (ITU) and the Digital Health Atlas, an online Digital Health in India
global repository where implementers can register their
digital health activities ● India is at the cusp of digital health revolution
● Digital intervention in healthcare is expected
Digital Health in Asia
to drive the industry at a CAGR of 23% by
Digital Health is thriving in Asia. Last year, Investment 2020 says India Digital Health Report 2017
in digital health was around $6.3 billion in Asia, ● HealthTech startups like Cure.Fit, DocPrime,
confirming it as the 2nd largest HealthTech ecosystem GoQii etc. are leading the digital health
in the world. Significantly exceeding 2017 in dollar revolution in the country
size, and doubling 2016, the Asia ecosystem is fast ● In 2018, HealthTech funding in India reached
catching the US, says a report by HealthTech Alpha, $515M, its largest investment total in history
a Galen Growth Asia solution. The most number of as per a report by Galen Growth Asia
news new announcements and investments came ● Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
from China and India. has undertaken various initiatives using
Information & Communication Technologies
Some other important initiatives include: (ICT) for improving efficiency & effectiveness
 Big technology companies, such as Tencent and of the public healthcare system. Ministry
Alibaba, announced new healthcare ventures is continuously working on planning and
 In collaboration with the Food and Drug introducing more of ICT initiatives. The ICT
Administration of the Philippines (FDA), mClinica initiatives by Ministry are:
introduced a new mobile app, Electronic Logbook, ● National Health Portal
to digitize prescriptions using cutting edge image ● e-Hospital
recognition and machine learning. With this, the ●Mera Aspataal’ (Patient Feedback) Application
Philippines became the first country in Asia to use ● Central Drugs Standards Control
a nationwide mobile app to disrupt the pharmacy
prescription process Organisation, “SUGAM”
 WeDoctor and Ping An Good Doctor – the “AI ● Mobile apps like
doctors” are increasingly becoming popular in China ● Vaccine Tracker (Indradhanush
 BioTel Care (formally known as Telcare),
a BioTelemetry company, has developed a next- Immunization)
generation wireless blood glucose monitor for ● India Fights Dengue
diabetes management. It is the first FDA-cleared, ● NHP Swasth Bharat
cellular-enabled glucometer which supports real-time
transmission and consolidation of patient data in an Digital Health in China
FDA-cleared cloud
 Japan-based Omron Healthcare has developed a  China is a forerunner when it comes to
continuous, noninvasive Beat By Beat blood pressure adoption and use of all new technologies for
monitoring technology. Omron says this is the first healthcare finds a survey by Philips
of its kind in the world, uses Omron’s proprietary
pressure sensor to apply pressure in a way to partially  Healthcare professionals in China are
flatten the radial artery, thus enabling measurement of more likely to recommend patients use
blood pressure for each heartbeat simply by attaching technologies to self-track blood pressure and
the monitor unit on the wrist other health indicators than their peers in the
Health tech is an unprecedented opportunity to West
solve Asia’s healthcare woes. New technologies like
Artificial Intelligence (AI), cognitive computing,  China has emerged as a leader in fostering
natural language processing, wearable technology, technologies like artificial intelligence,
virtual reality and augmented reality are providing telemedicine, cloud-based hospitals, and
new opportunities to provide more personalized WeChat
prevention, diagnostic, and treatment. As digital
health improves, it will, in turn, strengthen health  In 2018, the Chinese Government issued
systems, enable universal health coverage, and a guideline on the promotion of Internet
improve health and well-being for all. Plus healthcare development to improve
healthcare modernization management,
Ayesha Siddiqui optimize resource distribution, innovate
[email protected] service mode, improve service efficiency,
reduce service cost and meet the increasing
demand on healthcare

34 TECHNOLOGY

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

3D PRINTING:

EMPOWERING YET CHALLENGING

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing
was first developed in 1983 when the father of 3D
printing Chuck Hall manufactured the world’s first-
ever 3D printer and used it to print a tiny eye wash
cup. Today, that cup has paved the way for a quiet
revolution that is changing the healthcare industry
in dramatic ways.

Since its introduction, 3D printing has been used force. The Chinese government is in support of the
in various areas in the medical field, for example industry and multiple 3D printing action plans and
building anatomical models, personalising fiscal support are in place. As a result,
medical devices and implants, aiding in precision the use and spending of 3D printing
medical interventions and the latest development, 3D have received a boost in the country
bioprinting. The technology is expected to be worth no with continuous interest and rising
less than $3 billion by 2021 and looks set to disrupt maturity,” points out Mun Chun
the cost implications of several medical procedures. Lim, market analyst for IDC
Asia-Pacific’s imaging, printing
“The growth of 3D printing in the healthcare and document solutions research.
and medical industry is accelerating. According to
a report from market research firm International The Ministry of Industry and Information
Data Corporation (IDC) released in 2019, healthcare Technology in China released a plan to develop China’s
providers are set to be the second 3D printing industry in 2015 and 2016. That mission,
largest industry that will spend on the National 3D Printing Industry Development
3D printing this year, with a spending Promotion Plan (2015-2016), establishes goals for
total of nearly $1.8 billion”, mentions innovation and commercialization of 3D printing.
Rob Mesaros, Vice President In 2017, institutions in China spent $1.1 billion on
of 3D Printing & Digital 3D printing thus paving the way for customized
Manufacturing for Asia Pacific implants that can reduce both use of materials and
& Japan, HP Inc. the likelihood of body rejection. Last year, China
opened its first 3D bioprinting centre at Zhongshan
Rising demand for implants customizations People’s Hospital which will be used to study fields
during surgical procedures coupled with growing such as regenerative medicine and human tissue
R&D investments is driving the healthcare 3D engineering.
printing market growth. Currently, North America is
the leading contributor to the global healthcare 3D On the other hand, Singapore invested $30 million
printing market. The North American healthcare 3D to open one of the largest 3D printing centre at the
printing market is projected to expand at a CAGR of
22.7 per cent during 2019-2024, leading to a global
revenue of $901.2 million by 2024. However, the
Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is anticipated to expand at
the highest CAGR of 25.9 per cent between 2019 and
2024.

“As we are gearing towards industry 4.0 era, 3D
printing is poised to transform the manufacturing
process and how things are made. The advent of 3D
printing opens up endless possibilities and unleashing
a disruptive power in the global supply chain. For
the Asia-Pacific region, China is the main driving

TECHNOLOGY 35

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Nanyang Technological University back in 2016. A Challenges
year later, the Singapore Economic Development
Board invested $18 million in partnership with the Technology Limitation
National University of Singapore and NAMIC (the “There is a need for greater
National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster) education and exposure to 3D
to open another centre for additive manufacturing to printing technologies to address
apply 3D-printing technology in the biomedical and concerns around quality, reliability
healthcare fields. As a result, more and more world- and consistency. In addition, there
leading companies are being attracted to Singapore is also a need to expand the range of 3D printed
by the exciting work being done in this field. In 2018, materials available. Manufacturers need a wider
German chemical company Evonik announced that choice of materials and they have to be able to
its interest in the potential biomedicine applications manufacture products made of multiple materials”
of additive manufacturing had convinced it to develop - Rob Mesaros, Vice President of
a high impact research and development hub in 3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing for
Singapore.
Asia Pacific & Japan, HP Inc.
Singapore’s National Additive Manufacturing
Innovation Cluster has also spread its roots in another Lack of Regulatory Framework
Asian tech powerhouse, Taiwan. In 2018, NAMIC “For 3D printing to drive widespread
joined hands with Taiwan’s China Medical University impact across the healthcare system,
Hospital (CMUH) and National Applied Research there is a need for significant
Laboratories to create Asia’s first medical 3D printing ecosystem development. Foremost
industry team. The 3D Printing Medical Research of the changes needed is a renewed
Centre (3D MRC) at CMUH is the world’s first institute regulatory framework that addresses development
to hold the entire chain from the development of pathway for more complex Class II and Class III
fundamental research to clinical applications. The devices. For e.g. an orthopedic implant can be 3-D
operating model of the 3D MRC is unique when printed but current development process entails
compared to similar entities in Asian, rigorous efforts around development and validation of
European, and American countries. the standardized design to obtain regulatory approval
(often including simulated validation for 22-25 years
Dr Yi-Wen Chen, Deputy of wear and tear), an approach hard to replicate in
Director of 3D MRC shares, the case of customized 3D printed implants. Hence,
“Singapore’s National Additive there is a strong need for stakeholder convergence
Manufacturing Innovation Cluster to envision how we leverage the power of 3D
falls in line with the Taiwanese printing and possibility of customization or rapid
government’s ‘Southbound Policy’, turnaround without compromising on patient safety,
which is aimed at enhancing cooperation and exchanges a key element mandating rigor of validation currently
between Taiwan and 18 countries in Southeast Asia, required”.
South Asia and Australasia. Taiwan has also developed - Pushpa Vijayaraghavan, Director at
a 3D printing laboratory at Hsinchu Biomedical Park Sathguru Management Consultants - Business and
in order to promote Taiwanese biotech and medical innovation advisory in Healthcare, Lifesciences
equipment on the global market.”
Need for collaboration
Besides Taiwanese government, another layer
is being added by the government in South Korea “The most empowering solutions
in the field of 3D printing. The Ministry of Science,
ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) is spending much come packed with equally
of the budget on various 3D printing businesses to
strengthen South Korea’s competitiveness and ability strengthened challenges.
to meet the growing demands. The South Korean
government has invested around $37 million to Collaborative work in this domain
accelerate the development of 3D printing across the
country. The government is also exploring fast-track could enable the innovators from
approvals for 3D printed medical devices in order to
have the innovative devices available to patients as different disciplines to harness the cross-discipline
quickly as possible.
information to make a revolutionary product that
At par with others, Japan has invested $22 million
would address the multiple challenges involved,

with respect to time constraints, interoperability

issues, costs, clinical evidences, speed, etc.”

- Guruprasad, Vice president and

Healthcare practice head, Bosch India

36 TECHNOLOGY

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Companies in Asia working on the direction of advanced technology, Foundation
3D printing in healthcare for Innovation and Research at Sastra: Technology
Business Incubator (FIRST) has been established
● Sichuan Revotek- China at SASTRA University in Tamil Nadu with support
● Regenovo Biotechnology- China from the Indian Government’s Department of
● MedPrin- China Science and Technology.
● Prismlab China- China
● Structo- Singapore “3D printing market is gradually evolving in India.
● Creatz3D- Singapore Bioprinting is one area where India
● United Orthopedic Corporation- Taiwan can make a mark in the global market.
● Tontai Group- Taiwan This field of bioprinting can prove
● Advanced Biomedical Technology Inc.- Taiwan to be a key enabler in precision and
● Rokit Healthcare- South Korea personalized medicine”, says Alok
● Medicalip- South Korea Medikepura Anil, Director & Co-
● FusionTechnology- South Korea Founder, Next Big Innovation
● 3D Korea- South Korea Labs.
● Cyfuse Biomedical- Japan
● J 3D- Japan Though 3D printing has numerous applications
● Pandorum Technologies- India in a variety of industries, it is effectively growing
● Next Big Innovation Labs- India in the healthcare and medical space. As a result, a
● Novabeans- India number of startups are also exploring this area.
● Think3D- India The confluence of a range of such new technologies,
● Imaginarium- India such as 3D printing, machine learning, and artificial
intelligence, promises to both transform treatments
through its New Energy and Industrial Technology and cut the costs associated with them, moving the
Development Organization (NEDO) to spur the work of healthcare professionals towards a more
growth of highly advanced 3D printing mechanisms proactive and predictive regime, earlier detection
for human tissue regeneration. On the manufacturing of diseases, and personalised care. “The prospering
front, Japan has also caught the eye of US based demand to leverage 3D printing in the Healthcare
high performance additive manufacturing (HPAM) and medical device domain has been intense to
and material science company Oxford Performance deliver on patient-specific products to the end
Materials (OPM) who has collaborated with Tokyo users. Med tech companies are forging to engage
based advanced material supplier JSR Corporation with providers to impart innovative and customized
in 2018 to launch medical & dental operations across medical devices and solutions. There is a significant
Asia. To add to this, the Ministry of Health, Labour, impact of 3D printing in the machine learning space,
and Welfare (MHLW) has announced that medical which can enable dramatic reduction in time & effort
insurance will cover the cost of 3D printed models spent by med tech organizations on
for surgeons to use when preparing for difficult and creating complex models, thereby
highly intricate operations. enabling optimum channelization
of their resources”, points out
Another important market player in the field Guruprasad, Vice president
of medical devices within Asia is India. In 2018, and Healthcare practice head,
Indian 3D printing service bureau, think3D, opened Bosch India.
a new 3D printing facility for medical device
manufacturing with an investment of $6 million. Beyond technology
The facility is located in the AP MedTech Zone, a
manufacturing park for medical equipment in the 3D printing is poised to disrupt the healthcare
Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Following up this industry but there are a number of challenges associated
year, Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS) with it such as lack of expertise, materials cost,
and Andhra Pradesh Economic Development technology limitations etc. Although these are some
Board (APEDB) signed a pact with the American of the main challenges associated with 3D printing
multinational information technology company HP on average, their order shifts with an industry’s needs
Inc to build a Centre of Excellence (CoE) to work and maturity in additive manufacturing adoption.
on 3D printing technology. Taking another step in Nevertheless, there are obstacles that need immediate
attention for the field of 3D printing to prosper.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

SPEAKING WITH 37

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

“Home-grown companies are building
up highly promising research pipelines”

Asia is the most populous continent, «
accounting for 60 per cent of the worlds’
population. Market access barriers for Sheng-Jie Ni,
foreign investors have been diminishing in recent Managing Director,
years as governments are showing signs of relaxing Product and Solution
regulations surrounding private investment into Development, APAC,
healthcare. Healthcare spending in Asia is expected FedEx Express,
to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of Singapore
9.2 per cent, compared to 5.6 per cent in the U.S.
Private and public hospitals in Asia are increasingly 1. Greater shipment monitoring and
looking to invest in IT solutions in efforts to increase control with Industry 4.0
operational efficiency, improve clinical outcomes,
and boost profit margins. The Asia Pacific region is Advancements in supply chain technology has
slated to record the highest growth rate in healthcare allowed healthcare companies an unprecedented
IT, with organizations digitizing in order to ensure degree of real-time tracking and tracing of their
patient safety and streamlining of workflow systems. shipments through the Internet of Things (IoT).
Southeast Asia is poised for growth. The region’s Using this data, pharmaceutical companies can
healthcare market is projected to be worth $134.2 map information such as location, light exposure,
billion by 2020. humidity, barometric pressure, and shock. They can
also ensure the integrity and security of temperature,
In this background BioSpectrum spoke to Sheng- one of the most pressing challenges for the modern
Jie Ni, Managing Director, Product and Solution industry.
Development, APAC, FedEx Express, who made
presentation at the Asia Health Conference 2019, FedEx offers customers our own pioneering
in Singapore recently and shared his views on technology, SenseAware, which provides safe and
many topics including opportunities and challenges compliant transportation of temperature-sensitive
as healthcare trade rises; Important logistics shipments in clinical trials and innovative pharma.
considerations for global expansion and Cold chain Our network of connected sensors has the ability
best practices. Edited excerpts; to gather, send and monitor data, enabling a
comprehensive array of real-time tracking and
The healthcare industry continues to expand tracing data.
globally. As businesses in this space look
to expand overseas, what are some of the 2. Transportation as a critical part of
pertinent supply chain considerations they Quality Assurance (QA)
must have? How can they build logistics and
transport as part of their quality systems? Transportation has become a major consideration
The global healthcare industry is undergoing in the QA system for businesses in the healthcare
profound change as aging populations drive a space. Transportation spending among healthcare
growing need for new pharma solutions. This will
be especially true for Asia, with more than a billion
people over the age of 50 forecast to be living in
this region by 2025. Businesses in the healthcare
spaces are increasingly recognizing the importance
of making their supply chain an intrinsic part of the
value chain.

Against this backdrop, here are three key
supply chain considerations that businesses
must have as they look to connect to more
possibilities around the world:

38 SPEAKING WITH

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

companies is rising, with Asia’s biggest players Choosing the right packaging will involve
spending around $3 million on logistics annually. balancing cost with quality. In terms of cost, it will
depend on shipment frequency, and whether the
Highly specialized packaging is a key component container required will need to be bought or rented.
of QA, with demand rising exponentially. Around 17 In terms of safety, a passive solution might be best
per cent are using specialized or active containers for short-term temperature protection. Longer
(referring to temperature-controlled transportation), protection times might require an active plug-in
while 12 per cent are using deep frozen packaging. option.

FedEx offers a suite of customizable healthcare 2. Validate and qualify the transportation process
packaging solutions to meet the unique needs of the This gives businesses all the options and
industry, whether it involves delivering a pacemaker contingencies so they can make the right decision at
to a heart patient in Taiwan from half way around the right time for the right product.
the world in just one night, or transporting sensitive It is vital in terms of complying with the Goods
biomaterials such as human liver cells between Distribution Practices (GDP), and is especially
Japan and Singapore and have them arrive in perfect important when businesses have a new product,
condition – the possibilities are endless. are working with a new packaging solution, or are
sending products to a new market.
3. Building the right collaborations with 3. Apply visibility and monitoring technology
logistics providers While supply chain control and visibility is
important for all industries, it’s absolutely vital for
Healthcare is a sector where the quality, integrity, the healthcare industry. From biologic manufactured
and security of the shipment can be life-changing; items, to pharmaceuticals, to clinical trial materials,
and where crucial clinical trials can be compromised healthcare shipments are sensitive and difficult to
with just a small change in temperature. replace.
The traditional way to check these kinds of
Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly shipments is with a temperature logger – but
looking to build collaborations with logistics technology has moved forward. Connecting every
companies, as opposed to transportation vendors, element in healthcare logistics is critical to improving
for the assurance that their sensitive and valuable visibility and control over shipments; hyper-precise
shipments are well taken care of. For example, FedEx technology provided by small sensor devices are set
has an APAC Healthcare Control Tower that offers to chart a new journey for the healthcare sector, as
specialized Customs clearance, regulatory support, it moves ever steadily from a post-dated
dedicated local hotlines, and a streamlined shipping temperature tracking model to a live-
experience for frozen shipments, including dry ice tracking model.
and packaging fulfilment to hospital pick up by At FedEx for instance, we offer
authorized specialists. customers our own pioneering
technology, SenseAware, which
Even if shipments do not go as planned, travels with the shipment and
customers want to know that their logistics partners provides real-time monitoring on
have the pre-prepared contingencies that can be the road – so you can track the
swiftly implemented to protect shipment integrity. temperature, location, light exposure,
For instance, we have a dedicated FedEx Healthcare humidity barometric pressure, and
Priority team that is fully trained for contingency shock. This is “journey mapping” at
management and proactively monitors customer its best.
shipments. 4. Advanced contingency planning
Contingency
What are the best practices available? planning
At FedEx we believe there are four best is not as
practices in cold chain logistics: straightforward
as it may seem.
1. Temperature/Environmental protection during A good plan
transportation must compare
and validate
Having quality packaging is the best way to timelines,
protect shipments. In general, there are two types of
packaging:

• Active packaging works physically with a
compressor – it requires an electricity socket to
function.

• Passive packaging involves use of a pre-
conditioned gel to protect shipment temperature.

SPEAKING WITH 39

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

transportation lanes, modes, air and ground customized package recovery.
transport, and protecting product integrity during the The FedEx MEDPAK VI°C solution is the first
shipment journey.
temperature-controlled reusable packaging network
Infrastructure is one of the contingencies service that is offered to customers in Singapore,
businesses should always plan for. For instance, a Japan, and Korea on a “per use and return” rental
shipment that gets stuck in an airport should have basis. This industry-first reusable packaging uses
access the cold chill rooms. Phase Change Material (PCM) technology for precise,
passive temperature control, which offers zero
At FedEx, we have dedicated facilities designed temperature deviation and covers a minimum of 96
to protect the integrity of temperature-sensitive hours of temperature stability. With FedEx providing
shipments in key world hubs like that at the FedEx fixed pricing per destination and managing the one-
Express World Hub in Memphis, where we have the way rental and returns, customers can reduce costs
FedEx Cold Chain Centre, a first-of-its-kind facility on packaging inventory, product deletion, and return
which forms an integral part of the FedEx global cold logistics. We also have an integrated network that
chain shipping network. Here in APAC, we have cold offers full custodial control for the collection and
chain facilities in our hubs in Singapore, Shanghai, delivery of shipment to support, monitor, and control
and Osaka. the end-to-end process.

What kind of healthcare-centric products FedEx Healthcare Priority is supported by a
and solutions are offered by FedEx Express dedicated team. The dedicated FedEx Healthcare
for customers in APAC? How FedEx Express Priority team is fully trained for contingency
is different from other leading players in the management and proactively monitors customer
region? shipments, while the APAC Healthcare Control Tower
FedEx has invested significantly in our healthcare offers specialized Customers clearance, regulatory
portfolio of solutions and services. In APAC, we support, dedicated local hotlines, and a streamlined
deliver our healthcare logistics solutions under the shipping experience for frozen shipments, including
banner of FedEx Healthcare Priority. Our focus dry ice and packaging fulfillment to hospital pick up
in growing the healthcare services in APAC is on by authorized specialists.
the priority service, the specialized packaging,
temperature-controlled shipping, and the customized At FedEx we are able to integrate the time-critical
services. and temperature-controlled parcel and freight needs
of our customers into one operating platform. This
As one of world’s largest air cargo providers, provides a much more streamlined touch point
we provide a wide range of simple but effective for our customers and greater control on their
distribution solutions that meet the needs of different shipments.
healthcare sectors in APAC. For instance, we support
the needs of the clinical trial sector into key markets How do you see competition in the market?
such as Singapore or China, with our flagship next- As the world’s largest express transportation
day delivery to central laboratories in Singapore by company, we have built a reputation for bringing
10am, while Australia and Thailand are the first greater visibility, control, and security to the world’s
healthcare supply chain. With the strong support of
markets to offer all-inclusive pricing that includes the FedEx network behind us, we remain focused
dry ice, packaging, and transportation. on investing in solutions to deliver the region’s
healthcare needs.
Additionally, the FedEx Priority Alert service
is a global service where an analyst Which countries in Asia Pacific are doing better
provides around- for FedEx Express in terms of volume and
the-clock support, value? How do you see the business in these
advanced countries during the year?
shipment Healthcare is one of the APAC’s fastest-growing
monitoring, sectors, led by the biological and medical sciences
proactive, industries. With the global biologics market
personalized anticipated to reach approximately $400 billion by
notification in 2025, global pharma companies are shifting their
the event portfolios towards biopharma. Healthcare companies
of a delay, are seeing more than 50 per cent revenue growth for
and when
necessary,

40 SPEAKING WITH

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

their biological portfolios. 3. Regulatory Requirements
In terms of specific APAC markets, Japan, Complex healthcare trade regulatory
requirements are becoming stricter and vary
China, and South Korea are expected to experience frequently. Overlooking a simple detail can place
significant growth. Japan is the second largest a business at risk for delays, returned shipments,
pharmaceutical market in the world, while its $33.6 audits, costly fines, and penalties.
billion market for medical devices and materials To navigate this challenge, the FedEx Quality
is among the world’s largest. China, already the Management System (QMS) is specifically designed
world’s second largest economy, is a major player, for the healthcare industry and a Quality Assurance
particularly when it comes to the fast-expanding (QA) team that offers a detailed audit trail through
domestic market. The Chinese clinical trial supply the shipment’s journey as well as Corrective and
and logistics market is also expanding at around 10.4 Preventative Action (CAPA) needs to ensure that all
per cent per year. South Korea is Asia’s third largest shipments are compliant to regulations.
pharmaceutical market, and like China, is a major
player in biologics. South Korea’s pharma sales are What are the important logistics considerations
forecast to grow to $18.3 billion by next year. for global expansion for the local companies in
the region?
FedEx has grown our healthcare business in With healthcare trade growing exponentially, local
tandem with these markets, and will continue to companies in APAC should consider the following
invest in healthcare solutions to meet the supply when looking at global expansion:
chain needs of the region.
1. Build a robust operational process and plan for
How do you see opportunities and challenges contingencies in advance.
as healthcare trade rises in the region?
A good analysis should compare and validate
1. R&D Spending transportation lanes, modes, contingency planning
As healthcare trade rises in APAC, we see strength and protect the integrity of a product during the
in pharma research and development spending in shipment journey.
Asia. It is not only global pharma companies that are
investing in the region; home-grown companies are 2. Adopt best practice and ensure they adhere to
also building up highly promising research pipelines. industry quality benchmarks.
FedEx remains focused on supporting these
companies under the banner of FedEx Healthcare Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and
Priority in APAC. For instance, we support the International Air Transport Association (IATA) “gold
needs of the medical device industry in key markets standard” guidelines should be factored into a set of
such as Japan, where we not only deliver surgical standard operating procedures (SOPs).
instruments and devices, but handle reverse logistics.
2. Clinical Trials Logistics 3. Build a distribution solution that best balances
Clinical trials in particular is a large and still- costs and quality.
growing business for FedEx, as more and more
customers look for transportation services and FedEx surveys show that quality is by far and
solutions to send their biological products worldwide. away the most important attribute for pharma
companies today, who want to assure product
stability, better manage risks, and maintain quality.

According to you, what are the best cold chain
practices the companies from Asia Pacific
should follow to be in the race against global
players?

Pharma cold chain distribution can be very
complex, involving various components such as
container fulfilment, customer brokerage, monitoring
and intervention, and specialized pickup and
deliveries.

Best practice would be for companies to integrate
all these into a seamless experience for the customers
– so customers would require only one call, one
quote, and one invoice.

Narayan Kulkarni
[email protected]

TECHNOLOGY 41

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Understanding & addressing challenges
key to new discoveries and breakthrough
As lab managers play a key role in new
discoveries and breakthroughs, looking for «
ways to improve productivity and efficiency
in the lab will benefit the companies as well as the Tiffani Manolis,
pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries Senior Director for
alike. Pharma Strategic
Program at Agilent
With well-developed infrastructure, thriving research Technologies, San
ecosystem, encouraging measures from both the Francisco, California,
government and the private sector, as well as a great USA
pool of skilled talent, Singapore has emerged as one
of the most advanced biomedical hub in Southeast driven by a number of factors; one such factor is the
Asia. It is the choice location for companies to ramp industry trend towards expedited regulatory approval
up investments for R&D, drug discovery, development processes (such as the FDA’s accelerated approval
and production of new products to meet the region’s program), in disease areas where there is a high unmet
healthcare needs. medical need. When regulators are driving speedier
approval processes, it means that labs need to become
With a shared goal of improving patients’ health, more productive than ever before, placing significant
companies focus on pharma researchers’ unmet needs demands on infrastructure and driving decisions
to bring innovative solutions to market. Thus, it is about which instruments lab managers choose to have
imperative to speak with lab managers who dedicates within their labs.
countless of hours just to find the right analyses and
diagnosis. Understanding the key challenges and 2. Improve overall system efficiency
pain points faced by laboratories can help identify In order to achieve greater productivity, pharma
unmet needs and key industry trends to provide better lab managers also need to look at ways to improve
healthcare service. overall system efficiency, which again reflects the
growing pressures that laboratories are under to
Needs of pharma lab managers provide robust results in shorter time frames that
ever before. When you think about the additional
In today’s age when efficiency and uncompromising processes and training that needs to be put in place
quality is of the essence, laboratory managers need when instruments are not up and running as soon as
the assurance that the new instruments they purchase possible, with all applications, software and associated
for their labs can meet this ever-increasing demand. consumables as a standard, can help understand
This is particularly apparent in the pharmaceutical the impact that overall system efficiency has on the
and biopharmaceutical industries, where the demand modern day pharma lab. This also demonstrates
for unwavering quality at an optimal speed is the need for a world-class service organisation that
crucial; leaving no room for errors when it comes to intimately understands customer challenges.
pharmacovigilance and bringing new medicines to the When asked about the specific challenges lab
market. managers face, instrument maintenance/downtime is
considered one of the top challenges, followed by the
Lab managers aims to achieve two particular complexity of testing requirements, and then time-
goals according to Agilent Technologies’ Global Lab consuming sample preparation.
Manager Survey where 700 respondents (laboratory To alleviate these concerns, one such example is
managers, directors and other key decision makers) by bringing customers into the R&D processes and
commented on their laboratory sustainability goals, consult them every step of the way to ensure that their
staff training, current and future goals productivity concerns are being addressed in the new instruments
and workflow. These are: that are being developed. This means biomedical
companies can ensure that any new solutions solve
1. Obtain higher throughput/productivity customer challenges.
Lab managers are looking for improved efficiency,
speed and productivity within their workplaces. The
pressures to achieve increasing productivity can be

42 SCIENCE NEWS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Experts in Korea link DNA damage with lung cancer

Researchers at the Korea malignant transformation.
The team observed
Advanced Institute of that major genomic
rearrangements, which led
Science and Technology, to the development of lung
adenocarcinoma, are very
South Korea have likely to be acquired decades
before cancer diagnosis. The
demonstrated that genomic researchers used genomic
archaeology techniques to
anomalies during early trace the timing of when
the catastrophes took place.
childhood and adolescence The research team plans
to delve into the molecular
can lead to the development mechanisms that stimulate
complex rearrangements in
of lung cancer in later the body by screening the
genomic structures of fusion
years, even in non-smokers. genes in other cancer types.

The researchers analyzed

the genomes of 138 lung

adenocarcinoma patients,

including smokers and

non-smokers, using

whole-genome sequencing

technologies. They explored

DNA damage that induced

uncontrolled cell growth and

NTU explores binding Eisai, Harvard
secrets of superglue protein scientists discover
anti-cancer compound
Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU),
Singapore have pinpointed how a special class of plant- In what they have called an ‘unprecedented
derived enzymes, known as peptide ligases, work to join achievement,’ scientists from US based
proteins together. Such binding is an important process Harvard University and Japanese
in the development of drugs, for example in specifically pharmaceutical company Eisai have
attaching a chemotherapy drug to an antibody that managed to synthesize a anticancer
recognises tumour markers to target cancer cells. More compound. A anti-cancer agent was found
broadly, peptide ligases are a useful tool in biotechnological in scarce
and biomedical applications such as protein labelling, quantities in
imaging and tracking proteins in the body. The NTU sea sponges
Singapore scientists have shown that the secret to a peptide and has
ligase’s ‘superglue’ property lies in two specific regions of finally been
the enzyme that give it the ability to attach itself to other synthesized
molecules, and to alter the rate at which it works. The team in a
recently received funding from NTUitive, NTU’s innovation laboratory
and enterprise company, and is now working to develop the in sufficient
recombinant enzyme into a product. quantities
that can undergo serious studies.
Chemists at Harvard University, working
with researchers at Eisai, have totally
synthesized E7130, from the halichondrin
class, which had been used in mouse
studies. The molecule has undergone
unusually rapid development and is already
being tested in a Phase I clinical trial in
Japan. Eisai hopes to begin a second clinical
trial in the U.S. in due course.

SCIENCE NEWS 43

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Indian researchers develop new detection kit for malaria

A group of researchers from the to specifically capture the antigen with specific substrates inside the
Indian Institute of Technology released by the parasites in the syringe, the blue dye turns pink.
(IIT) in Guwahati, India has blood of malaria patients. When The dye is then adsorbed over a
developed a simple detection the captured antigens interact modified chromatographic paper.
method for malaria that uses an The formation of pink colour on the
instrument when in the lab or a paper is a direct indication of the
piece of chromatographic paper presence of parasites in the blood
when in the field. The kit can serum. The intensity of the colour
be used to detect Plasmodium increases when the concentration
parasite, which causes malaria and of antigen is high. This kit also has
also specifically detect Plasmodium high stability in hot and humid
falciparum. Using an ordinary conditions. When mass produced,
syringe fitted with a small magnet, the kit can be cheaper than the
magnetic beads and few chemicals existing rapid detection test kit
inside, the researchers were able available in the market.

Korean scientists 3D NUS uncovers
print artificial corneas promising cancer
target for liposarcoma
Professor Dong-Woo Cho of Mechanical
Engineering, Professor Jinah Jang of Creative A study conducted by a team of researchers from the
IT Convergence Engineering, and Hyeonji Kim Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore)
at Pohang University of Science & Technology at the National University of Singapore has revealed
(POSTECH), collaborated with Professor Hong a close association between liposarcoma (LPS), a
Kyun Kim of Ophthalmology at Kyungpook type of cancer that develops from fat cells, and the
National University School of Medicine, and 3D bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein family.
printed an artificial cornea using the bioink which The researchers found that the development of LPS is
is made of decellularized corneal stroma and highly dependent on the presence of BET proteins, and
stem cells. Because this cornea is made of corneal the ability to deplete BET proteins makes the protein
tissue-derived bioink, it is biocompatible, and 3D family a promising cancer target for LPS. Through a
cell printing technology recapitulates the corneal detailed analysis of the genetic elements responsible
microenvironment, therefore, its transparency is for the development of LPS in samples of patients
similar to the human cornea. In the 3D printing who have a recurrence of the cancer or are resistant to
process, when ink in the printer comes out standard therapies, the researchers discovered that the
through a nozzle and passes through the nozzle, main DNA conversion programme in LPS is fostered
frictional force which then produces shear stress by BET proteins. Moving forward, the researchers will
occurs. The research team successfully produced look into ways to reduce LPS patients’ resistance to
transparent artificial cornea with the lattice drug treatments, and identify other targets that may be
pattern of human cornea by regulating the shear hindering their response to the treatments.
stress to control the pattern of collagen fibrils.

44 ACADEMIC S NEWS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

IIT-D collaborates with university in Taiwan

Indian Institute of Technology, will be awarded a joint degree for research and academic activities
Delhi (IIT-D) and National Chiao the thesis by both institutions. in a mutually beneficial way and
Tung University (NCTU), Taiwan Both institutions also seek to to look for synergies across the
have signed a Memorandum of work together and carry out joint doctoral programs of each other.
Understanding (MoU) to establish
and offer a Joint Doctoral Degree
Programme (JDP). The MoU
has been jointly signed by Prof.
V. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT-
Delhi and Prof. Mau-Chung Frank
Chang, President, National Chiao
Tung University, Taiwan. Under
the MoU, an academic and student
exchange will be developed
through the JDP whereby students
who successfully completes all the
requirements of the programme

Fudan University forms Deakin University
AI initiative for brain health launches Institute
of Health
China’s Fudan University is agreement that will see joint Transformation
teaming up with University of funding provided for various
Sydney for a research initiative education and research Deakin University in Victoria
to explore the uses of artificial projects concerning brain has announced the launch
intelligence (AI) to improve and intelligence science.The of the Institute for Health
brain and mind health. University of Sydney’s Brain Transformation, established to
The research partnership, and Mind Centre focuses on help guide the transformation
officially titled the Brain and conditions that affect child of the way Australian health
Intelligence Science Alliance development, youth mental and care is promoted, designed
(BISA), will combine study of health and brain ageing, while and delivered. The main goals
computational neuroscience Fudan University specializes in of the institute, which is made
with the ethics of AI use. The brain intelligence science and up of more than 200 researchers
partnership is part of a larger technology. focusing on birth to end of life
care, will be to boost population
health, improve patient
experience and grow efficiency
in the healthcare system. The
institute will also focus on
health issues like the growing
inequality between advantaged
and disadvantaged groups,
ageing populations with complex
conditions, the increasing burden
of preventable risk factors such
as obesity, and the need to deliver
quality care cost-effectively.

SUPPLIER NEWS 45

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Hamamatsu Thermo Fisher Scientific unveils
advanced imaging system
Photonics
For biological researchers requiring high-quality images from their
develops novel samples without over-investing time and resources, a new, easy-to-
use imaging platform features a powerful camera and other imaging
3D fluorescence capabilities to accelerate and streamline analysis. The Invitrogen
iBright 1500 imaging series is the latest offering in Thermo Fisher
Scientific’s innovative line of western blotting solutions for life
science researchers, and includes two models, the Invitrogen iBright
FL1500 imaging system and the Invitrogen iBright CL1500 imaging
system. The new iBright 1500 series expands upon the functionality
of the original Invitrogen iBright 1000 imaging system series, first
launched in May 2017, with additional application support to meet
the demands of today’s biological research applications and are
engineered with a focus on ease of use.

scanner

Japanese manufacturer

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. has

developed a novel 3D fluorescence

scanning method called Zyncscan

that performs x-z plane scans

using a light-sheet for cell-based

fluorescence assays in microplates.

This technology provides an x-z

plane scan using a light-sheet

for a whole 96/384/1536-well

microplate, allowing users to

obtain 3D fluorescence images

of whole wells in xy: 2-3μm and

z: 6-7μm voxel resolution for ≤ Biotage and Yingsheng to
develop clinical MS applications
300μm thickness from the well

bottom within a few minutes per

colour. This technology also allows

for ultra-high level separation Biotage has announced together with Yingsheng’s
its strategic collaboration other products and technical
of cell fluorescence signals from with Shandong Yingsheng solutions. This collaboration
Biotechnology to develop opens up a market not previously
the background, which makes it Clinical Mass Spectrometry available to Biotage. Clinical
Applications in China. MS detection can be used in
possible to obtain fluorescence Yingsheng is mainly focused varied applications like Vitamin,
on independently researching, Hormone and New Born
cell images in the cell culture producing and selling in vitro screening. MS detection owns
diagnostic reagents and medical clear advantages in sensitivity
mediums containing serum and equipment, building a genetic and accuracy compared to
detection platform and mass traditional methods. Due to
with fluorescent dyes (i.e., no need spectrometry detection platform cost, complexity and technical
around metabolomics and reasons, it was not widely
to wash out fluorescent dyes). genetics. Biotage will provide available before. This new joint
systems and consumables effort is to provide a complete
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. has within its Analytical Chemistry solution for this market from
portfolio to be sold by Yingsheng an instrument, consumable to a
been developing a fluorescence under its own brand and technical solution.

instrument for cell-based

assays equipped with Zyncscan

technology, CYTOQUBE, a Light-

Sheet Microplate Cytometer. The

company plans to initiate validation

and application experiments in

several research sites in drug

discovery and development by

early 2020.

46 SUPPLIER NEWS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Qiagen to Shimadzu introduces new
design test for system for image analysis
Lyme disease
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) has announced the
Qiagen and DiaSorin have partnered for release of the iSpect DIA-10 dynamic particle image analysis
the development of an ultra-sensitive system, which performs particle imaging, size analysis
QuantiFERON-based diagnostic test and foreign object detection, in addition to obtaining size
to detect Lyme disease early. Qiagen’s distributions and number concentration, in as little as
QuantiFERON technology comprises two minutes. The iSpect DIA-10 creates a user-friendly
a sample collection component environment by automating processes such as pump operation
with the company’s assay stimulus/ and particle imaging according to the analysis conditions
initiation and a read-out component selected. Results are obtained in three easy steps. The user
to measure the signal generated by the sets the sample, selects the analysis conditions and sets the
stimulus. The QuantiFERON read-out data output. Particle images are simultaneously monitored
component will be run on DiaSorin’s and measured in real time while the sample flows through
LIAISON family of fully automated the unit. An autofocus function maximizes productivity by
analysers. Moreover, the companies eliminating variation between operators. The iSpect DIA-10
intend to design both components for can be used for applications related to paints, pharmaceuticals,
use on these platforms. Qiagen and lithium-ion batteries, cellulose nanofibers and metal powders
DiaSorin plan to conduct multi-site for 3D printers. The technique may also be used to identify
clinical validations during the 2020 microplastics in water, an emerging field of study due to the
Lyme disease season and submit adverse effects of microplastics on the human body and the
regulatory filings in the US and Europe environment.
at the end of the same year.

Agilent receives FDA approval for companion diagnostic assay

Agilent Technologies Inc. has agent, is indicated for the first- recurrent HNSCC whose tumors
announced that the U.S. Food line treatment of patients with express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) as
and Drug Administration (FDA) metastatic or with unresectable, determined by an FDA-approved
has approved its PD-L1 IHC 22C3 test. PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx
pharmDx assay for expanded use. is the only companion diagnostic
The assay is now approved as an aid FDA-approved to aid in the
in identifying patients with head identification of HNSCC patients
and neck squamous cell carcinoma for treatment with KEYTRUDA.
(HNSCC) for treatment with HNSCC is the fifth cancer type for
KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), which PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx
anti-PD-1 therapy manufactured has gained FDA approval in the
by Merck. KEYTRUDA, as a single United States.

PEOPLE NEWS 47

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Zai Lab Limited hires Roche appoints
Dr Valeria Fantin as CSO Thomas
Schinecker as
Zai Lab Limited, a China and U.S.-based innovative commercial Diagnostics Head
stage biopharmaceutical company, has announced the appointment
of Valeria Fantin, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Dr Fantin Roche has announced that Peter
will lead the Company’s internal drug discovery effort on a global Voser, a member of the Board of
basis and will be based in the Company’s U.S. Headquarters in San Directors of Roche Holding Ltd
Francisco, reporting to Dr Samantha Du. Dr Fantin joins Zai Lab since 2011, has decided to step
down as a member of the Board
from ORIC Pharmaceuticals, where she served of Directors of Roche due to his
as Chief Scientific Officer. Dr Fantin is a additional role as interim CEO of
proven leader with over two decades ABB. Michael Heuer (65), CEO
of industry experience in exploratory Roche Diagnostics and member
biology and oncology drug discovery and of the Corporate Executive
development. While at ORIC, she was Committee, will retire as planned
responsible for building the research at the end of July. The Board
team and establishing a pipeline of Directors has appointed
targeting mechanisms of therapy Thomas Schinecker, currently
resistance in cancer, including driving Head of Centralised and Point
the GR antagonist ORIC-101 from of Care Solutions, as CEO Roche
discovery to the clinic. Before ORIC, she Diagnostics and a member of the
was Vice President of Tumor Cell Corporate Executive Committee
Biology at Pfizer, responsible with effect from 1 August 2019.
for advancing small molecules Schinecker began his career
and biologics from target in 2003 as a trainee for Roche
validation to Phase 2 proof- Diagnostics under the Roche
of-concept across signaling, Perspectives programme. He
metabolism, epigenetics and has held various management
immuno-oncology. positions in marketing & sales
and product development in
LEO Pharma Korea Singapore, Austria, Sweden
names new CEO and the United States. Before
assuming his current position as
LEO Pharma Korea has appointed Shin Head of the Global Business Area
Jung-beom as its new chief executive officer Centralised and Point of Care
(CEO). Before the appointment, Shin had Solutions based in Rotkreuz,
served as head of the Roche Korea’s oncology Switzerland, he was General
business division. Shin contributed Manager for Roche Diagnostics
greatly to the growth of Roche Korea by Germany. Schinecker holds a
further strengthening Roche’s leadership PhD in Molecular Biology from
in oncology treatment. In particular, he New York University, USA.
achieved a successful partnership with
various stakeholders both in and outside the
organization based on his experiences and
leadership, ranging from sales marketing
to commercialization. Before joining Roche
Korea, he also worked in sales, marketing
and planning and strategy departments at
Sanofi-Aventis Korea and Lily Korea, and
received his MBA from the Wharton School
at the University of Pennsylvania.

48 PEOPLE NEWS

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

Parexel appoints Singapore bestows
Dr Makoto Sugita to highest award to
lead Japan organization Prof Dzau, Prof O’Reilly

Parexel, a leading provider of Clinical, Singapore has honoured Professor Victor J. Dzau, President
Consulting and Commercial solutions to of the United States’ National Academy of Medicine, and
accelerate the development of innovative Professor Sir John O’Reilly, Chairman of the Science and
new therapies to improve the world’s Engineering Research Council (SERC) at The Agency for
health, has announced the appointment of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), with the
Makoto Sugita, MD, PhD, MBA, as Senior Honorary Citizen Award for their valuable contributions
Vice President & General Manager - Japan. to Singapore. President Halimah Yacob conferred the
Dr Sugita most Award on Professor Dzau and Sir John. Professor Victor
recently served as J. Dzau is the President of the National Academy of
Vice President and Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) in the
Head, Regional United States. He was the
Leader of the President and CEO of the
Integrated Team Duke University Health
for Medical, System in the United
Clinical and States, and has served
Regulatory in on the Governing Board
Asia/Pacific of the Duke-National
Medical Devices for Johnson & Johnson. University of Singapore
He will lead Parexel’s Japan organization to (NUS) Graduate Medical
deliver quality service to clients in the fast- School (now known as
growing region. Dr Sugita holds a Doctor Duke-NUS Medical School) and the Board of Singapore
of Medicine and a Doctor of Philosophy Health Services. Professor Sir John O’Reilly is the
from Tohoku University, a Master’s in Chairman of A*STAR’s Science and Engineering Research
Business Administration (MBA) from Council (SERC), where he has played an invaluable role
McGill University’s MBA Japan Program, in charting the strategic direction for R&D in Singapore,
and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from particularly in the engineering and physical sciences
Washington University. He will be based at domains. Sir John has also been instrumental in fostering
Parexel’s office in Tokyo, Japan and report close links and R&D collaborations between Singapore
directly to Saarony. (A*STAR) and British companies (such as Rolls-Royce)
and universities (such as Warwick University).

ICMR Head wins public health award

Director General of the Indian Council is reported as a leader in the field of
of Medical Research (ICMR) Professor biomedical innovations in India. He was
Balram Bhargava has been awarded the the force in the establishment of the
2019 Dr Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize Stem Cell Facility at AIIMS which was,
for Public Health at the 72nd World reportedly, the first centre in the world
which initiated treatment for dilated
Health Assembly in Geneva in cardiomyopathy patients. Bhargava
June 2019. He bagged the founded the Stanford India Biodesign
award for his achievements Centre, the Indian chapter of the Stanford
as a clinician, innovator, Biodesign and he is the Executive
researcher and trainer. Director. The organization has set
Bhargava is also a senior goals to promote innovators of medical
consultant cardiologist technology through fellowships and also
at the All India to conduct internships and events related
Institute of Medical to the area.
Science (AIIMS). He

Increase your exposure
with a Business Insight in
BioSpectrum Asia Magazine

For Business Insight enquiries please contact

Ankit Kankar
Manager- Product & Marketing Communication
Email : [email protected] | Skype : ankit.kankar
Mob : (Singapore) +65 83094128 | (India) +91-9579069369

www.biospectrumasia.com

50 BIO EVENT

BIOSPECTRUM | JULY 2019 | www.biospectrumasia.com

“India is expected to meet the WHO
norm of 1:1000 doctor-patient ratio by 2024”
Dr V K Paul, Member
(Health), NITI Aayog said Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog speaking at a session on “specialist training
that in next 5 years, India to tackle the burden of NCDs” organized by FICCI India on May 3 in New Delhi.
will have 2,500 new hospitals
thereby creating 2.5 million in medical education by 2024, but further added that empowering
additional jobs. By 2024, India attaining the required number of GPs on diabetes management can
is also likely to attain the WHO specialist doctors is a five times vastly improve patient outcomes as
norm of having one doctor for more difficult agenda. He further about 95% of the diabetics in India
every thousand patients, he said. added that 80,000 PG seats will be are being attended to by primary
added by 2024, with participation care doctors, GPs and family
Speaking at the launch of of private sector healthcare physicians.
certificate course on ‘Specialist providers.
Training To Tackle The Burden Sharing ECHO’s vision of
of Noncommunicable diseases Manoj Jhalani, AS & MD touching 1 billion lives by 2025,
(NCDs)’ organized by Federation (NHM), Ministry of Health and Dr Sanjeev Arora, Founder &
of Indian Chambers of Commerce Family Welfare, Government of Director, Project ECHO said, “Out
and Industry (FICCI) Dr Paul India highlighted the quadruple of the 1 billion, we want to reach
added that with the improvement challenge of quantity, quality, right 400 million beneficiaries in India,
in the ease of doing business in skill-mix and physical distribution through training doctors using
the private healthcare sector, of human resources for healthcare. the ECHO model of integrated
new players will enter the sector He said, “It is important to guided practice. India needs to
which will not only create new empower primary health teams exponentially increase its capacity
employment opportunities but also and General Physicians (GPs). building programs and this is
provide better healthcare services. The Ministry is working on several not possible without leveraging
aspects to increase number of technology.” He said that through
FICCI, jointly with NITI Aayog, specialist doctors in the country these partnerships about 1,000
has been working on identifying and is also exploring participatory training hubs can be set up in
innovative alternate methods approaches for engaging private India. This can be a game changer
of strengthening the number of sector like contribution for and once proven successful, can
specialized doctors in India that stipends paid to DNB students at be replicated to other disease
can be scaled-up, especially for high both public and private hospitals.” conditions or specialties or to other
burden diseases and conditions. sectors like primary education, he
In continuation to this, FICCI has Appreciating the government’s added.
partnered with ECHO (Extension focus on health, (Hony) Brig Dr
for Community Healthcare Arvind Lal, Chairman, FICCI The FICCI-ECHO Diabetes
Outcomes) to launch the first of its Health Services Committee & CMD, Certification Course for GPs is a
kind Diabetes Certification Course Dr Lal Path Labs said, “We all quote 20-week, tele-mentoring program
for General Practitioners (GP), the British, US, Cuban, Thai and that will be initially taken up as a
considering the WHO statistics Indonesian models of healthcare, pilot project to train 100 GPs on
of 69.2 million Indians suffering but with Ayushman Bharat, an logical management of diabetic
with diabetes in 2015 and not Indian model will emerge.” He patients.
enough endocrinologists to deliver
specialized care.

Commenting on the tie-up, Dr
V K Paul said, “The ECHO model
is unique in more than one ways,
but what makes this program even
more unique is the partnership
with the industry through FICCI”.
He also highlighted that the
government has made provisions
to double the number of UG seats