Philippines as a Regional Hub for Biopharma Innovation is Attainable

August 2022

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) expressed full support to the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) priority agenda to promote the development and growth of Health and Life Sciences in the Philippines.

In a statement in July 2022, PHAP is confident that the Philippines can be developed as a regional hub for biopharmaceutical innovation, particularly, with the country potentially becoming a part of the actual research and development (R&D) process in biopharmaceuticals by using its various stages as entry point.

One of the stages is the clinical trial stage wherein the country is currently an active participant in the conduct of clinical trials, ranking third in Southeast Asia in the number of clinical trials after Thailand and Singapore, according to Diana M. Edralin, PHAP president. “When we participate in global clinical trials, we are creating early access to innovation, bringing in major investments, and building the scientific capacity of fellow Filipinos to pursue pharmaceutical R&D,” Edralin further added.

PHAP is the DTI’s designated to lead in the Industry Strengthening Working Group, which was created to develop and realize the Integrated Roadmap of the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry. Current DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual has said he is pushing for more domestic manufacturing in health and life sciences, targeting biopharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services.

(Sources: BusinessWorld; Malaya Business Insight)

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