pharmaceutical modules for pharmacy students .

“ The pharmacy students do not necessarily have to work as pharmacists but also become entrepreneurs and understand halal pharmaceuticals .”

He revealed all products manufactured in Duopharma Biotech facilities in Klang and Bangi were 100 per cent halal .

“ Since Q4-2018 , we maintained 90 to 95 per cent of the active pharmaceutical products manufactured at Duopharma Biotech ’ s facilities halal-certified . The rest of the halal certifications for the products are either being renewed or are newly applied . Currently , about 335 consumer healthcare products and prescription medicines are halalcertified by JAKIM ,” he added .

Wan Amir-Jeffery also shared about Duopharma Biotech ’ s halal-certified biosimilar product , developed with its partner , PanGen Biotech Inc , South Korea .

“ We developed ERYSAA ®, an erythropoietin biosimilar product , and completed Phase III clinical study in Malaysia and Korea . ERYSAA ® is the first halal biosimilar in Malaysia , certified by the Korea Muslim Federation , a JAKIM recognised halal certification body ,” he explained .

On challenges in halal pharmaceuticals

According to Wan Amir-Jeffery , Duopharma Biotech has established and strived to maintain a robust halal pharmaceutical supply chain since 1998 .

“ It is a Fardhu Kifayah commitment ( communal obligation ) to give assurance and confidence to our customers , especially the 61.3 per cent of the Muslim population in Malaysia , on our products ; whilst adding the value of hygiene , purity , and quality to others .”

He mentioned the halal journey for Duopharma Biotech had been

ERYSAA ® is the first halal biosimilar in Malaysia , certified by the Korea Muslim Federation , a JAKIM recognised halal certification body .”

challenging . One of the challenges faced by the company included sourcing halal-certified raw materials , primarily when the raw materials were classified as niche speciality APIs .

He said : “ It is a continuous effort for us to enhance awareness about halal and share our knowledge and technical expertise with our suppliers and vendors .

“ There is also a need to manage perceptions and understanding on the concept of halal for pharmaceuticals to healthcare providers and practitioners . There were pushback responses that halal only applies to food .

“ As we aim to gauge a wider

acceptance of the halal products available in the market , many do not realise that there are halal-certified pharmaceutical products available in the market especially for prescription medications as an informed choice for their patients .”

Wan Amir-Jeffery again highlighted the importance of halal at Duopharma Biotech .

He said : “ Halal is part of the underlying principles of Duopharma Biotech ’ s growth strategy . Our plans start with enhancing our internal talents and developing more key opinion leaders .

“ We are investing in innovation and product development , expanding our product portfolios into new therapeutic areas .

“ Halal is not just about food anymore . Its value responds to basic needs and quality of life , similar to the definition of sustainable production and sustainable consumption .

“ We optimise this value through various approaches of halal awareness to our customers ( healthcare providers ) and the public . Our consumer healthcare products carry the halal logo next to the brands of our products that signify its importance to our consumers .” – Xtra

IN APRIL 2020 , Duopharma Biotech Berhad invested in Naluri Hidup Sdn Bhd via a Simple Agreement for Future Equity ( SAFE ) for a personalised digital holistic healthcare application .

Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid , the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Commercial Officer of Duopharma Biotech Berhad , said Duopharma Biotech entered the collaboration as a returning strategic investor .

“ Together with other international and local venture capital firms , it will enable Naluri , a local pioneer in digital therapeutics , to expand operations into the region and depend on its data science capabilities ,” added Wan Amir- Jeffery .

“ This partnership will enable Duopharma Biotech to deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions using Naluri ’ s digital therapeutic solution . It is designed to help people manage their chronic disease risks through structured multidisciplinary behavioural and psychological coaching programmes .”

He stated the effective use of holistic therapeutics could double the healthcare effectiveness compared to a purely pharmacotherapeutic ( medication only ) approach .

“ It could also be four times more cost-efficient and increase accessibility to clinicians and other health and fitness experts online ,” he said .

Wan Amir-Jeffery shared one of Duopharma Biotech ’ s strategic pillars was to utilise the smart application of digital technologies to enhance the effectiveness of healthcare and achieve the objective of a healthier life for all .

“ We are proud to be part of this latest milestone to empower homegrown health technologies .”

DUOPHARMA HAPI Sdn Bhd is an RM50 million investment in a manufacturing facility that produces classified products made of Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients . Hence , the acronym HAPI .

Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid , the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Commercial Officer of Duopharma Biotech Berhad , said the HAPI Plant was equipped to produce a wide range of cancer medicines to treat , among others , breast cancer , lung cancer and cervical cancer .

He highlighted Duopharma Biotech ’ s

objective of establishing its HAPI Plant in Malaysia is to offer equitable and affordable oncology medication that would greatly assist patients and caregivers in better treatment outcomes . He said the plant would also provide some level of self-sufficiency for oncology medications to the country .

Touching on Letrozole , the first product produced at the facility , he said : “ We have rebranded Letrozole to Lebreta in July 2021 . Healthcare professionals and patients have wellaccepted the product based on the encouraging total volume market share of 62 per cent .”

He shared the product was now under registration in Pakistan , Brunei , Singapore and the Philippines .

“ Duopharma HAPI is also a halalcompliant facility , and we are well in the progress of applying for halal certification for Lebreta .”

He revealed the HAPI facility ’ s second cancer care product is Imatinib with the brand name , Trevive .

“ Trevive has completed its technology transfer and pilot batches from our partner Natco Pharma ,” he shared , stating they will be commercialising Imatinib in Q1 or Q2 2022 .