Pharmaniaga Berhad is looking to collaborate and partner with Thailand’s BioNet Group for vaccine research and development (R&D) and Bio-Innova Co. Ltd. (Bio-Innova) for bioequivalence solutions as well as pharmaceutical products development innovation.
Both parties will now establish the framework to exchange information and know-how to facilitate registration, manufacture, supply and marketing of various finished products and bulk antigens in respect of biopharmaceutical products, especially vaccines. Pharmaniaga Group Managing Director Datuk Zulkarnain Md Eusope said, “As part of our efforts to support the Government in reducing import dependency for critical and high-value vaccine products, our high-tech EU certified plant, PLS, has embarked on developing biopharmaceuticals such as vaccines to ensure affordable, high-quality vaccine supply and build self-sufficiency for Malaysia.
The collaboration is aimed to co-develop a combination of vaccine formulation by providing required antigens and know-how method using recombinant acellular pertussis vaccine, for paediatric combination, and market insights for long-term use in Malaysia and other relevant territories. Meanwhile, another wholly-owned subsidiary, Pharmaniaga Research Centre Sdn Bhd (PRC) also signed a strategic collaboration with Bio-Innova to explore opportunities riding on Bio-Innova’s scientific expertise in bioavailability and bioequivalence studies as well as to build capabilities in product development.
Datuk Zulkarnain said that with the growth strategies, Pharmaniaga needs to accelerate the introduction of new products to the market. Since bioequivalence study is a mandatory requirement prior to product approval submission to the authorities, it needs to establish collaborations with international centres with advanced technical know-how to ensure product development timelines are met he added.
Pharmaniaga Chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Mohd Rafique remarked “We need to innovate and improve continuously, thus the collaborations play a vital role to further enhance and spur Malaysia’s pharmaceutical industry, as well as open more opportunities.” BioNet is headed by President Mr. Vitoon Vonghangool who was pleased to work on the development of the next generation of vaccines.
Meanwhile, Dr Sasitorn Kittivoravirkul, Managing Director of Bio-Innova, said this strategic collaboration will bring a tremendous opportunity to strengthen R&D capabilities in the ASEAN region for generic medicines today and also biosimilars and innovative medicines in the near future.
