Cell & Gene Therapy in Asia Pacific: Revolutionizing Disease Treatment

27 February 2023 | Monday | Opinion


A look at the region's leadership in the field and investment in research and development of innovative therapies.
Image Source : Public Domain

Image Source : Public Domain

Cell and gene therapies are revolutionizing the way we think about treating diseases. These advanced therapies have the potential to cure a range of illnesses that previously had limited treatment options. The Asia Pacific region has been at the forefront of this field, with several countries investing in research and development of these therapies.

Japan is one of the leaders in the Asia Pacific region when it comes to cell and gene therapies. In 2014, Japan became the first country to approve a cell therapy product, a treatment for macular degeneration. Since then, the country has approved several other cell and gene therapies, including a CAR-T therapy for leukemia and lymphoma.

China is also making strides in the field of cell and gene therapy. The country has a large patient population, which makes it an attractive market for companies developing these therapies. China has been investing heavily in research and development of gene therapies and is home to several companies working on innovative treatments for diseases like cancer and genetic disorders.

Other countries in the Asia Pacific region are also investing in cell and gene therapy research. South Korea, for example, has established a $1.3 billion fund to support the development of these therapies. Australia and Singapore are also emerging as players in the field, with several companies and research institutions working on innovative therapies.

There are several key players in the field of cell and gene therapy in the Asia Pacific region. Here are a few examples:

  1. Japan: Japan has been a leader in the development of cell and gene therapies, with several companies and research institutions working on innovative treatments. Some of the key players in Japan include Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Astellas Pharma, and Takeda Pharmaceutical.

  2. China: China has a large and growing market for cell and gene therapies, and the country is investing heavily in research and development. Some of the key players in China include Beigene, Legend Biotech, and Sinovac Biotech.

  3. South Korea: South Korea has established a $1.3 billion fund to support the development of cell and gene therapies, and the country is home to several companies working in this field. Some of the key players in South Korea include Kolon Life Science, Macrogen, and ViroMed.

  4. Australia: Australia has a strong research ecosystem and several companies working on cell and gene therapies. Some of the key players in Australia include CSL Limited, Avita Medical, and Mesoblast.

  5. Singapore: Singapore has invested in several initiatives to support the development of cell and gene therapies, including the establishment of the Singapore Consortium for Synthetic Biology and the Bioprocessing Technology Institute. Some of the key players in Singapore include Tessa Therapeutics, CellResearch Corporation, and Hummingbird Bioscience.

The specialties of these key players vary, with some focusing on specific diseases or conditions while others are working on more general cell and gene therapy platforms. However, all of these companies and research institutions are contributing to the growth and advancement of the field of cell and gene therapy in the Asia Pacific region.

One of the key advantages of developing cell and gene therapies in the Asia Pacific region is the relatively low cost of conducting clinical trials. This has attracted several multinational companies to the region, as they look to take advantage of the lower costs and larger patient populations.

As the field of cell and gene therapy continues to grow, the Asia Pacific region is well positioned to play a leading role in the development and commercialization of these advanced therapies. With strong support from governments and a growing ecosystem of companies and research institutions, the region is poised to make significant contributions to the future of medicine.

 

BioPharma APAC Insight Series

communications@biopharmaapac.com

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