Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co. Ltd. released phase II data showing its recombinant two-component COVID-19 vaccine Recov appeared more effective than Comirnaty (tozinameran), the mRNA vaccine developed by Biontech SE and Pfizer Inc., as a booster for users of inactivated vaccines.
The Australian government delivered an early Christmas present to the biopharma industry in the form of a new National Medicines Policy giving voice to major industry goals – among them a clear vision to “achieve the world’s best health, social and economic outcomes for all Australians through a highly supportive medicines policy environment.”
Investment in the fourth quarter of 2022 was dismal in Asia Pacific, as the global venture community focused on preserving capital. And the region faced other challenges throughout the year, as leaders in Australia and across Asia became acutely aware of the vulnerabilities in their supply chains. But the year also saw some big deals and collaborations involving companies across Asia Pacific, along with advances in regenerative and digital medicine.
Japan’s Central Social Insurance Medical Council said it would issue similar drug price revisions in 2023 as it did in 2022 for drugs listed on the National Health Insurance, confirming the move to annual price cuts on drugs.
Boan Biotechnology Co. Ltd. raised HK$152.8 million (US$19.6 million) from a Hong Kong IPO, capital the company will use to speed up product development, expand marketing and ramp up manufacturing.
Biopharma happenings in Asia-Pacific, such as deals and partnerships, grants, preclinical data and other news in brief: Antengene, Assiopea, Beijing Continent, Catalyst, Cipla, Connect, Cosmo, Equillium, Ethris, GNI Group, Hikma, Hyphens, Merck, Metacrine, Ono, Peptidream, Shanghai Junshi.
Clinical updates from Asia, including trial initiations, enrollment status and data readouts and publications: Bioxytran, Clene, Jiangsu Recbio Technology, Junshi, Neuren, Novavax.