BioSpectrum Asia Magazine - July 2024

In this issue

Innovation Takes Centre Stage in Paediatric healthcare
Children represent approximately one-third of the world's population, with over 580 million in the East Asia and Pacific region alone (Source: UNICEF). Historically underrepresented in healthcare care delivery and innovation, the landscape is evolving as governments and healthcare organisations in the region strive to address paediatric healthcare needs. Paediatric healthcare spans recommended immunisations before adulthood to developmental health, mental health, neonatal care and rare diseases, among others. Let’s deep dive into the innovations enhancing children’s well being in the region.

SS Innovations' Mantra surgical robotic system receives approval for use in Indonesia

Indian firm SS Innovations International, Inc. (SSII), a developer of innovative surgical robotic technologies dedicated to making world-class robotic surgery affordable and accessible to a global population, has announced that its SSi Mantra Surgical Robotic System has received regulatory approval from the Indonesian Ministry of Health for clinical use in the Republic of Indonesia.

1 min

Singapore launches child & maternal health, well-being strategy and action plan report

The Interagency Child and Maternal Health & Well-being (CAMH) Taskforce in Singapore has completed its Strategy and Action Plan and published its report.

1 min

AbbVie inks deal worth $1.56B with China's FutureGen to develop IBD therapy

US-based firm AbbVie and FutureGen Biopharmaceutical (Beijing) have announced a license agreement to develop FG-M701, a next-generation TL1A antibody for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) currently in preclinical development.

1 min

Shionogi signs €400M deal with French firm Cilcare to address hearing loss

Japan-based Shionogi & Co. has entered into an option agreement with French firm Cilcare DEV SAS to acquire the exclusive license for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of CIL001 and/or CIL003, the hearing loss treatment drug candidates worldwide.

1 min

Singapore contributes S$24M to the WHO's inaugural investment round

At the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Roundtable on ‘All for Health, Health for All: the WHO Investment Case’ held in Geneva, Switzerland recently, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung announced Singapore’s contribution of S$24 million to the WHO’s newly launched 2025/28 Investment Round.

1 min

EnGeneIC, Singapore Institute of Advanced Medicine forge partnership to revolutionise cancer treatment in Asia

EnGeneIC, an Australiabased clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of a First-in-Class targeted nano cell for cancer therapy, has announced strategic partnerships with Singapore Institute of Advanced Medicine Holdings (SAM) and Singapore Medical Incorporation (SMI).

1 min

Noul participates in malaria project initiated by US CDC

On-device AI healthcare startup in South Korea, Noul has announced that it will jointly participate in a malaria diagnosis project initiated by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

1 min

WHO and Italian National Institute of Health sign MoU to improve care for healthy ageing

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Dementia Observatory (Osservatorio Demenze) have signed a threeyear Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a close collaboration and exchange aimed at improving care for healthy ageing

1 min

Oxford University designs computer simulations to guide future vaccine trials

University of Oxford scientists are launching new computer simulations that will model how we can strengthen the world’s response to some of the viruses most likely to cause the next pandemic.

1 min

Innovation Takes Centre Stage in Paediatric healthcare

Children represent approximately one-third of the world's population, with over 580 million in the East Asia and Pacific region alone Source: UNICEF). Historically underrepresented in healthcare care delivery and innovation, the landscape is evolving as governments and healthcare organisations in the region strive to address paediatric healthcare needs. Paediatric healthcare spans recommended immunisations before adulthood to developmental health, mental health, neonatal care and rare diseases, among others. Let's deep dive into the innovations enhancing children’s well being in the region.

8 mins

Eliminating Silent Killer Through Swift Actions

Hepatitis continues to wreak havoc globally, with the latest World Health Organization WHO) report sounding alarms on viral hepatitis infections claiming 3,500 lives each day. The WHO estimates from 2022 reveal that 254 million people live with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C. The Asia Pacific APAC) region is at the epicentre of this crisis, hosting the top 7 highburden countries. Let's discuss the progress of the region towards achieving the 2030 targets for hepatitis elimination and identify what actions are needed to achieve these goals.

8 mins

Pharma's Obsession With Obesity On Rise

Obesity is a rapidly growing global health issue. According to the World Obesity Federation, approximately one billion people worldwide will be affected by obesity by 2030. Obesity has become big pharma’'s latest obsession, with significant interest and investment in this space. Both big pharma and small startups are jumping into the race, investing billions in combating obesity. Let's delve deeper into what's driving the appetite for obesity drugs.

7 mins

Macro Callouts for Healthcare Investing in Indial

India will have 1.2 billion people in the middleincome segment with over 42 per cent of the population in urban cities, by 2030. India’s healthcare and lifesciences market is estimated to reach 285 billion by 2028 implying a growth that is twice our GDP growth. These developments will lead to an estimated 30-35 billion in private capital investment getting allocated to the sector over the next 5 years.

4 mins

Why are strategic partnerships critical for life science innovation?

Strategic alliances between startups and large companies will be more and more important as the life science sector develops because they will spur research and expedite the release of breakthrough treatments for patients. Innovation stays at the forefront of the industry thanks to the cooperative efforts of resource-rich businesses and nimble startups, which ultimately benefit patients and improve global health outcomes.

4 mins

The Philippines- a preferred destination for medical education?

The Philippines is revolutionising medical education by providing affordable and value-formoney learning options at a fraction of the cost. With yearly tuition prices ranging from 2,000 to 6,000, it offers an economically realistic option for ambitious professionals worldwide. Furthermore, its curriculum is matched with US standards, ensuring seamless integration into foreign jobs, particularly in North America. This is supported by a strong network of residency programmes in the United States that aggressively seek the expertise of Philippine medical graduates.

4 mins

Australian Digital Health Agency appoints Dr Amandeep Hansra as new Chief Clinical Adviser (Medicine)

The Australian Digital Health Agency, the Australian Government’s statutory agency responsible for My Health Record, Australia's digital prescriptions and health referral system, and other e-health programmes under the national digital health strategy, has announced the appointment of Dr Amandeep Hansra as its new Chief Clinical Adviser (Medicine).

1 min

Prof. Liu Xiaogang wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Prize

Professor Liu Xiaogang from the Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore (NUS) has been named winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Centenary Prize in recognition of brilliance in research and innovation.

1 min

New blood test by Australian scientists tracks brain recovery after concussion

A blood test can accurately detect the ongoing effects of sport-related concussion and help determine when it’s safe to return to the field, Australia's Monash University-led research has found.

1 min

Singapore-Japan team finds common virus that triggers growth of nasopharyngeal cancer

Scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Chiba University in Japan have shown how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) alters specific genes, making nasopharyngeal cancer tumours (NPC) grow faster.

1 min

Sartorius opens new CoE for bioanalytics in US

Germany-headquartered life science group Sartorius has opened its new Center of Excellence (CoE) for bioanalytics in Ann Arbor, Michigan, US two years after breaking ground in the Tech Loop at Research Park.

1 min

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BioSpectrum Asia Magazine Description:

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine is a monthly magazine published by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communication in India. It is a leading biotechnology magazine in Asia, covering a wide range of topics related to the biotechnology industry, including:

* Biotechnology news and trends: BioSpectrum Asia covers the latest biotechnology news and trends from India and around the world.
* Biotechnology company profiles and interviews: The magazine profiles leading biotechnology companies in Asia and interviews their CEOs and other top executives.
* Biotechnology research and development: BioSpectrum Asia covers the latest biotechnology research and development from academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
* Biotechnology product reviews: The magazine reviews the latest biotechnology products and services.
* Biotechnology industry events: BioSpectrum Asia covers biotechnology industry events from around the world.

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest advances in biotechnology and their potential to impact the world around us.