KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 25): Pharmaniaga Bhd has inked Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with two biotechnology companies based in Thailand for vaccine research & development (R&D) and bioequivalence solutions as well as pharmaceutical product development innovation.

In a statement on Friday (Feb 25), the pharmaceutical company said the signing was a step up in its efforts to become a major regional pharmaceutical player by partnering with technical firms in Thailand.

Pharmaniaga said that the MoUs were signed between Pharmaniaga LifeScience Sdn Bhd (PLS) and BioNet Group, and Pharmaniaga Research Centre Sdn Bhd (PRC) with Bio-Innova Co Ltd. PLS and PRC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the group.

According to the statement, the collaboration between PLS and BioNet will serve as a foundation in establishing the framework to exchange information and know-how to facilitate the registration, manufacture, supply and marketing of various finished products and bulk antigens in respect of biopharmaceutical products, especially vaccines.

Meanwhile, PRC and Bio-Innova will be exploring opportunities in bioavailability and bioequivalence studies as well as to build capabilities in product development by capitalising on Bio-Innova’s scientific expertise.

“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.

“Hence, this collaboration with BioNet will support the development of combination vaccine formulation by providing required antigens and know-how method using recombinant acellular pertussis vaccine, leading to the most innovative paediatric combination, and market insights for long-term use in Malaysia and other relevant territories,” Pharmaniaga’s group managing director (MD) Datuk Zulkarnain Md Eusope said.

He added that Pharmaniaga needs to accelerate the introduction of new products to the market with the growth strategies that it has laid.

“It is timely for Pharmaniaga to establish a strategic partnership with the right partners, such as BioNet and Bio-Innova.

“We will be able to capitalise on each other’s strengths and know-how to synergise and accelerate our shared pursuit towards technology and innovation advancement. It will also help us to further improve our products and processes, as well as enhance our competitiveness to achieve greater resilience for our businesses,” he noted.

At market close on Friday, Pharmaniaga shares rose one sen or 1.2% to 84 sen, giving it a market capitalisation of RM1.09 billion.