Research
SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025: Pioneering the future of healthcare in the region
Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., the organiser of SEACare 2025, is proud to announce the inaugural SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025, co-organised by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and Five Pillar Venture Capital Sdn. Bhd. This event marks […]
Needle-free capsule could enhance oral drug delivery
MIT and Novo Nordisk researchers have developed an ingestible capsule that can deliver drugs directly into the walls of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, offering a needle-free alternative to injections. Inspired by squids’ jet propulsion, the capsule uses compressed gas or […]
Minding the gaps in mental health care
By Robert C. Smith, MD, MACP, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Psychiatry, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine; Author Why U.S. mental health care remains broken (and how people can demand change) The public does not understand […]
HK and US scientists identify new gene linked to rare neurodevelopmental disorder
Researchers from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) and international genetic scientists have identified a new gene, DDX39B, linked to a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Using multi-omics analysis, they discovered that mutations in this gene […]
HKUMed’s oral arsenic trioxide gains global recognition for treating leukaemia
Researchers from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) have developed a breakthrough in leukaemia treatment. Their oral formulation of arsenic trioxide (Oral-ATO; Arsenol) for acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) , an incurable disease, is the […]
Technology & Devices
China’s diabetes device market projected to double by 2032 – report
A new report from Renub Research forecasts that the diabetes device market in China will grow from US$6.22 billion in 2023 to US$12.74 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% between 2024 and 2032. Urbanisation, […]
Lenovo unveils an AI-powered 3D avatar to support dementia care
Chinese-American multinational technology company, Lenovo, in collaboration with UK-based community interest company (CIC), Innovations in Dementia, has launched Alzheimer’s Intelligence, an innovative proof-of-concept project featuring a photorealistic 3D avatar designed to assist individuals diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The AI-based […]
Innovative Wheelchair Design Developed for Ease, Energy Efficiency and User Comfort
Navigating manual wheelchairs on uneven pavements can be an exhausting and joint-straining task. However, two researchers from ETH Zurich , Reto Togni and Stefan Villiger, have come up with an innovative solution that could make steering manual wheelchairs much easier […]
Panasonic tackles Southeast Asia’s haze with innovative air quality solutions
Japanese-headquartered electronics company Panasonic, through Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd , a sales, service and marketing company for the Panasonic brand , is taking a proactive approach to combat Southeast Asia’s recurring haze problem with innovative indoor air quality solutions. In […]
Asians flock to medical trade fair in Singapore; upbeat optimism on healthcare
With Southeast Asia’s ageing population and expanding middle class being key drivers of growth in the region’s healthcare industry, the medical fairs held in Singapore recently for the medical, healthcare, and medical technology (MedTech) sectors, the 15th edition of Medical […]
Pharmaceutical
Microparticle technology brings new Hope for vitamin A deficiency
MIT researchers have developed a new method to fortify foods with vitamin A, a breakthrough that could help combat deficiency-related blindness and health issues affecting millions worldwide. The innovation involves encapsulating vitamin A in a polymer, protecting it from degradation […]
Queensland pill testing detects dangerous synthetic drugs
CheQpoint, an Australian pill testing service, has identified multiple cases of dangerous synthetic opioids and novel benzodiazepines disguised as pharmaceutical medicines. Experts warn these findings may indicate a broader issue, as financial pressures drive more people to seek unregulated drugs […]
Alpro Foundation initiates safe medication disposal campaign in Malaysia
Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals and expired medicines, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, contaminates water sources, according to the Alpro Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Alpro Pharmacy—Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy […]
Japanese pharma firm denounces “defamatory” vaxx claims; Launches Taiwan subsidiary
Tokyo-headquartered pharmaceutical company, Meiji Seika Pharma has filed a lawsuit against Kazuhiro Haraguchi, a Lower House member of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party, for reportedly spreading unsubstantiated claims about its mRNA-based Covid-19 replicon vaccine. The company is seeking 10 million yen […]
WHO pushes for sustainability measures in pharma sector
The World Health Organization (WHO), through its Department of Regulation and Prequalification, has launched an initiative titled “Greener Pharmaceuticals’ Regulatory Highway” to address the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical sector. This initiative emphasizes the need for innovative regulatory practices to […]
Wellness and Complementary Therapies
Knee pain: When to worry and what comes next
By Dr Abdul Razak Hussin, Consultant Orthopaedic and Sports Surgeon, Ara Damansara Medical Centre (ADMC) Who is at risk? Knee injuries can affect anyone, not just athletes. Whether you run, play sports on weekends, or hike, a sudden twist or […]
Take charge of your health to fight diabesity
By Dr Alex Teo, Director, Research Development and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife Diabetes is on the rise 1 in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the region is expected to become the largest contributor to the global economic burden of diabetes by […]
Balancing Emotions: TCM Approaches to Emotional Health & Wellbeing
By Dr Ong Siew Siew, Senior Lecturer , Centre for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, IMU University Health has rhythm and rhyme Ever wondered about the subtle dance of your mood and energy? While most days unfold with steadiness, when the […]
Is Coaching in Palliative Care Necessary?
By Dr Jesrina Ann Xavier, member of the Active Ageing Impact Lab at Taylor’s University/ Dr Liew Kean Yew, Palliative Care specialist at Hospital Ampang Globally, the need for palliative care is on an upward trend due to the ageing […]
Reforms Urged to Support Aging Population in Asia-Pacific – Report
Challenges that come with age Developing Asia and the Pacific are facing significant challenges in securing the well-being of its rapidly aging population. A recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), “Aging Well in Asia,” highlights the pressing need […]
Community health
China expands traditional medicine supply with larger cultivation areas
China’s production of traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) materials has been steadily increasing, with planting areas now spanning approximately 50 million mu (3.33 million hectares), according to Liu Lihua from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This expansion, which has […]
Classes suspended in Manila amid extreme heat
Several schools in the Philippines’ National Capital Region suspended classes on Monday, 3 March, due to soaring temperatures, with the heat index expected to reach up to 42°C. In Manila, afternoon classes in all public and private schools were canceled […]
Audit sought for Philippines public health funds; health dept seeks more budget
The Philippines’ Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Health (DOH) have requested the Commission on Audit to conduct a special audit of previously released funds for Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA). The review aims […]
Taiwan’s Health Ministry outlines emergency response to hospital congestion
Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has introduced three short-term response strategies to ease hospital congestion: optimizing bed allocation, enhancing regional hospital coordination, and improving hierarchical medical information. Additionally, the ministry is reviewing adjustments to health insurance benefits and reinforcing […]
ITRMC acquires Philippines’ first helium-free MRI in Gov’t healthcare
The Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) in the Philippines has become the first government hospital in the country to acquire a helium-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, enhancing diagnostic precision while promoting sustainability. The state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI, […]
Health alert
Cambodia cracks down on unregistered sexual enhancement products
The Cambodian Ministry of Health has taken action against two Phnom Penh-based businesses for advertising and selling unregistered sexual enhancement products online. The ministry warned that these substances pose serious heart health risks and could be life-threatening. In a February […]
Japan’s flu cases surge; travel warnings and treatment options take focus
“Flu” takes the spotlight Before Korean pop, or K-pop, there was the Flower 4, or F4—a group of four wealthy, handsome, yet haughty boys from the internationally acclaimed 2001 TV series,Meteor Garden, a live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga, Boys […]
Rising contamination in India’s groundwater, uranium and nitrate as key pollutants
India, the world’s largest consumer of groundwater, uses 87% for irrigation and 11% for domestic purposes. However, groundwater quality is deteriorating, with nearly 20% of samples exceeding safe pollutant limits, according to the 2023 Annual Ground Water Quality Report by […]
AHF calls on ASEAN to lead efforts to end AIDS in Asia-Pacific
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest nonprofit provider of HIV/AIDS medical care, has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take a leading role in eradicating AIDS as a public health threat in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) […]
Hepatitis Awareness in Malaysia: A Quick Guide to Prevention and Management
Resource Person: Dr Chua Siew Houy, general physician and rheumatologist at IMU University. Many people do not realise that the hepatitis virus can cause chronic liver disease and even lead to liver cancer. When it comes to one’s health and […]
Other health News
The Burden of Time Poverty on Women’s Health in Asia
Accessing healthcare should be a basic right, yet for millions of women in Asia, it remains an uphill battle due to economic, social, and cultural barriers. From time poverty to economic insecurity, geographical isolation to cultural stigma, these obstacles make […]
Philippine DOH reports dengue cases slowing but urges continued vigilance
The Department of Health (DOH) has observed a slight decline in dengue cases nationwide over the past four weeks, following intensified public awareness and mosquito control efforts. Cases fell from 15,904 (January 5–18) to 15,134 (January 19–February 15), a 5% […]
Healthcare Affordability Is No Longer Just a “Low-Income” Issue
Contributors: Dr Tan Chih Kiang, Consultant Clinical Oncologist from Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara / Dr Araya Adulbhan, Medical Oncologist, National Cancer Institute of Thailand/ Shahad Safaa, Global Head of Access Solutions, Axios International The demand for better-quality healthcare is rising. […]
Dementia Among Asians: What’s Behind the Growing Cases?
Dementia is a significant concern in Asia, with the highest number of cases reported in the region. Asia is currently reporting the highest number of dementia cases, with 22.9 million individuals affected, which is more than double the number reported […]
NUS researchers develop DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy
A team from the National University of Singapore (NUS), led by Assistant Professor Andy Tay, has introduced a DNA-tagging method to improve the precision of gold nanoparticle-based cancer treatments. Their approach, detailed in Advanced Functional Materials, published on November 24, […]
Less Imports, More Local: Indonesia’s Pharma Game Plan
Indonesia is ramping up efforts to reduce its reliance on imported pharmaceutical raw materials and strengthen its local drug industry. The government is rolling out policies to encourage domestic production, but challenges remain as the country continues to depend heavily […]
Advancing ASEAN Public Health Through Effective Regional Disease Management, Partnerships
Southeast Asia continues to face pressing health challenges, with diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria remaining prevalent in several nations. In response, regional governments and organizations are intensifying efforts to strengthen disease control and prevention measures. Notably, partnerships with countries […]
Malaysia to host Asean Safety and Health Workers Summit this year
Malaysia will host the Asean Safety and Health Workers Summit 2025, scheduled to take place from Aug 4 to Aug 5 this year, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said. He said the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) […]
Researchers uncover brain mechanisms behind chronic pain management
Chronic pain, often overwhelming and debilitating, can sometimes be alleviated by stress, fear, or hunger. Scientists at the Center for Neuroscience (CNS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have identified how neurons across brain regions collaborate to manage chronic pain in […]
Thai experts warn against eating raw meat after tapeworm case
Thailand’s medical experts have issued a warning following a recent case of beef tapeworm infection linked to consuming “Soi Ju,” a Thai dish made from raw minced beef. Dr Natkaphat Rattanapithun, consultant at the Parasitic Disease Research Centre and chairman […]
