Duopharma Biotech is working to solidify its position as the market leader in the halal pharmaceutical sector
22
THE HEALTH | SEPTEMBER , 2023
Halal Health
At the forefront of halal pharmaceuticals
Duopharma Biotech is working to solidify its position as the market leader in the halal pharmaceutical sector
BY DANIAL FAUZI
DUOPHARMA BIOTECH Berhad , one of Malaysia ’ s top pharmaceutical businesses , has been at the forefront of halal pharmaceutical research and development for the Muslim market , upholding halal standards that Muslims can accept while also adhering to industry standards in producing drugs and pharmaceuticals .
This is no exaggeration , given the various accolades and accomplishments Duopharma Biotech has achieved over the past 10 years . One of their most recent achievements was gaining the halal certification for their oncology product for cancer therapy in December 2022 from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ).
Duopharma Biotech has also partnered with international organisations relating to cancer treatment . One such organisation is UE LifeSciences Inc ., a women ’ s health innovator company based in the US , which plans to commercialise and scale breast screening medical devices in Malaysia . This will represent a ground-breaking innovation for easily accessible lesion detection for women .
Duopharma Biotech , listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia , has played a crucial role in the research and development of halal pharmaceuticals . It has also actively participated in the entire halal pharmaceuticals industry , from sourcing the raw materials from halal sources to its manufacturing processes , ensuring that the products that are delivered to customers and patients are certified halal .
Duopharma Biotech is working to solidify its position as the market leader in the pharmaceutical sector without showing any indications of slowing down . The ESG commitment of Duopharma Biotech , which includes Access to Medicine as one of its Key Focus Areas , is consistent
Duopharma Biotech Berhad Chief Executive Officer ( Commercial ) Wan Amir-Jeffery ( second from right ) received the Halal Prominent Brand Excellence Award ( Local ) at the World Halal Excellence Awards 2022 on behalf of Duopharma Biotech . The award was presented by Dato ’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi , Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia ( centre ), accompanied by the Minister of Investment , Trade and Industry ( MITI ), Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz ( second from left ).
Siti Sa ’ diah Sh Bakir with the company ’ s halal effort . They are working nonstop to give patients and consumers access to essential medications and therapies .
Consumers have the certainty that goods are wholesome , sanitary , ecologically friendly , and made with consideration for animal welfare thanks to the halal certification . In addition , Duopharma Biotech respects the freedom of Muslims to use medical goods in line with their religious beliefs by providing halal products .
In a recent interview , Duopharma Biotech Chairman Tan Sri Siti Sa ’ diah Sh Bakir expressed her optimism and enthusiasm as overseer to Malaysia ’ s number one pharmaceutical company by value and volume .
She said : “ Duopharma Biotech was already listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia when I joined them .
“ However , the firm is still developing and has enormous potential . I work with the other board members to strategise and provide guidance for the business .
Siti Sa ’ diah ’ s leadership as Chairman is a significant factor in Duopharma Biotech ’ s success as a pioneer in the halal pharmaceutical sector . The veteran of the healthcare sector drove her colleagues to the forefront of halal medicines and sustainability and has worked in the field for many years .
STRENGTH IN LEADERSHIP
Asked about her views on leadership , she said : “ Working in the Chairman ’ s position for so long within Duopharma Biotech and the previous firms I worked for , I feel leadership empowers people .
“ Leadership entails a certain level of comprehension , communication , and empathy . Because it ’ s crucial that your other board members and staff members trust you and one another .”
According to Siti Sa ’ diah , each board member will evaluate their fellow board members ’ performance and ethics as part of the board assessment process for Duopharma Biotech .
Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs ) were in place for lower-level management and employees , such as the company ’ s whistle-blowing policy protecting employees ’ identities should they wish to report corruption or bribery issues . This allowed them to comply with the antibribery and anti-corruption requirements of the company .
She continued , “ I support bottom-up and top-down communication policies .
“ Two-way communication makes it simple to manage your staff and identify potential hazards . You can occasionally make small improvements if you have the necessary procedures and SOPs in place .
“ Middle management must be considered by top management so that middle management can communicate the declared policies of top management . Additionally , workers on the floor can come up with solutions to issues . We shouldn ’ t undermine that in any way .”
COMMITMENT TO HALAL COMPLIANCE
Due to their constant attention to halal compliance and determination to satisfy the various needs of consumers , Duopharma Biotech is the market leader in Malaysia for halal pharmaceuticals . Their path to becoming a pioneer in halal medicines was supported by several crucial elements that have given them respect and trust in the industry .
Their dedication to halal compliance is first and foremost ingrained in every aspect of their business . The Halal Assurance Management System that Duopharma Biotech has built is thorough and wellorganised , and it strictly complies with the Malaysian Halal Management System by JAKIM .
Through this approach , every area of their business operations — from product development to manufacturing , packaging , and distribution - is thoroughly interwoven with halal standards .
Duopharma Biotech also uses digital technology to improve the effectiveness and precision of its halal management procedures .
Siti Sa ’ diah explained that they perform internal audits at their sites using digital apps , including inspections of the manufacturing facilities and vendor reviews .
“ With this digital strategy , we can maintain proactive halal compliance and respond quickly to any emerging problems .”
In addition , a key element of Duopharma Biotech ’ s success in halal medicines is research and development ( R & D ). Three to five per cent of their revenue is devoted to research and development .
“ We continuously invest in cutting-edge technology and research . We ensure all new Duopharma Innovation Sdn Bhd products are halal by incorporating halal criteria into the early stages of product development . It provides clarification on the “ Halal Built-In ” idea outlined in our Halal Policy .”
Duopharma Biotech has gained respect and confidence from those in the pharmaceutical industry due to their ethical and honest business procedures .
The company is dedicated to offering high-quality halal pharmaceutical products that adhere to patients ’ and customers ’ religious values while meeting international standards .
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Despite Duopharma Biotech ’ s accomplishments over the years , there