Asia is a large and diverse region with a complex healthcare landscape, and the disease landscape is also evolving along with demographic trends due to rising urbanisation, life expectancy, aging populations and environmental factors. It is estimated that by 2050, a quarter of the population will be aged 60 years and above in Asia. We are witnessing a dramatic change in the landscape for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. Several countries within ASEAN, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, are also experiencing a rapid increase in obesity rates. NCDs pose a significant economic burden on healthcare systems and the society, necessitating a cost-effective solution for the industry. 

Since the pandemic, we have observed an accelerated adoption of digital health solutions and telemedicine. This is likely to continue with pharmaceutical companies integrating digital platforms in their commercialisation strategies. Efforts to harmonise regulatory processes across different countries in the region are ongoing. For example, ZP Therapeutics hosted our first Regulatory Affairs Summit in collaboration with EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) where health authorities across the region came together to discuss opportunities to foster collaboration, dialogue, and shared commitment to advance healthcare standards. This presents an opportunity for the industry to streamline the commercialisation process in the region. 

The pharmaceutical industry in Asia is expected to register one of the highest regional growth rates globally, making it an exciting region to introduce drug innovation. This calls for greater innovative and precise commercial launches and go-to-market models that are powered by data analytics that support data-driven decision making. Furthermore, by leveraging robust omnichannel strategies and automated ways of working, we can optimise higher quality engagements with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and more agile ways of working in functions such as regulatory, medical affairs, access and marketing if companies want to stay ahead of the curve. 

What are the most significant challenges you have encountered in expanding access to healthcare products in the diverse and fragmented markets of Asia?

The words ‘diverse’ and ‘fragmented’ describe the challenges to navigating healthcare accessibility in Asia. Economic disparity with wide income gaps within and between countries leads to varying levels of affordability. Healthcare spending varies greatly across the region, affecting governments’ ability to subsidise or provide access to healthcare products. 

Navigating this complex environment is challenging for pharmaceutical companies due to diverse regulatory frameworks as well as lengthy and inconsistent approval processes. Furthermore, a shortage of HCPs in rural areas and overburdened public health systems will further hinder the rate of adoption of new treatments and technologies. 

ZP Therapeutics, as a division of Zuellig Pharma and a strategic commercialisation partner for leading pharmaceutical organisations, facilitates seamless coordination between regulatory authorities and the manufacturers. This collaboration will expedite product launch timelines while maximising the reach to HCPs across diverse medical specialities. 

How does ZP Therapeutics tailor its solutions to fit the unique economic and healthcare needs of each market in Asia?

As a valued and trusted partner in healthcare commercialisation, ZP Therapeutics has a network of over 2,500 associates across Asia covering 80,000 HCPs, 3,000 diabetologists and endocrinologists, 5600 cardiologists, 2,500 dermatologists, 4,500 orthopedists, 2,400 neurologists and 2,000 oncologists. 

We have focused on building strong in-market and regional capabilities comprising of regulatory, medical, market access, marketing, commercial excellence, and sales representatives who understand the markets they work and operate in innately. 

Through our experience successfully registering and launching innovative products across 13 markets in Asia, our team understands the nuances of engaging with HCPs within each unique cultural context, alongside the importance of acknowledging consumer’s perceptions and cultural behaviour when marketing healthcare solutions. We leverage their knowledge to engage more effectively with customers, consumers and partners whether this be throughout selling, message delivery, and product and disease knowledge in each specific market. Ultimately, this leads to the acceleration of drug and medicine access in the markets we serve. 

Can you elaborate on the role of cross-sector partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges in this region, and provide examples of successful collaborations?

Cross-sector partnerships combine the vision and resources of the public sector with the expertise and innovation of the private sector to foster a smooth and efficient healthcare system that is well equipped to enable access to healthcare for the masses. 

One example of how this can be achieved is the need for government and policymakers to come together to review regulatory frameworks and legislature to facilitate drug access and innovation in the region. Our committed team from regulatory affairs and market access, coupled with Zuellig Pharma’s established partnership with regulatory agencies across Asia has helped us navigate diverse vaccine regulations, including at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this, we were able to strategise the safest and most efficient way to bridge the accessibility of life-saving vaccines to the region. 

Recently, we also collaborated with an ASEAN regulatory agency on Collaborative Registration Procedure (CRP), initiated by the WHO, to expedite registration processes in participating countries. At Zuellig Pharma, we aim to continuously engage regulatory agencies to explore country, regional, or WHO initiated pathways that can reduce drug lag and accelerate patient access to new medicine.

Moreover, we can further accelerate the establishment of research and innovation centres and manufacturing facilities through a deepened collaboration with the private sector. Patient-centric industry collaboration like this ensures that everyone has access to the treatment that they need.

HCPs also play a critical role in expanding the access to new, lifesaving medicines and therapies to patients. It is critical that companies in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector work closely with HCPs to ensure they are equipped with the right knowledge and resources to engage meaningfully with customers, so that they can understand the needs of patients, and work hand-in-hand to healthcare services and solutions responsibly. 

As part of our work to increase access to healthcare in the region, we recently hosted our third Asian Diabetes Xchange Summit, bringing together over 600 HCPs and industry thought leaders with the goal of raising awareness of the importance of diabetes and chronic weight management in Asia. Such opportunities and initiatives geared at Continuing Medical Education (CME) drive knowledge exchange and create opportunities for more cross-sector engagement, so that the industry can continue to improve patient journeys and healthcare outcomes as one. 

How are you leveraging on-ground expertise to improve patient journeys and healthcare outcomes in the various markets ZP Therapeutics operates in?

There are several aspects that are key to improving healthcare outcomes and patient journeys – including ensuring access to essential healthcare solutions and services, partnering with local institutions and HCPs to ensure timely delivery of needed healthcare products and solutions, and working with patient advocacy groups to drive awareness of key health issues.   

We leverage our longstanding expertise in Asia and our close working relationships with domestic partners to reach patients. Our initiatives are tailored to the local healthcare landscape and needs, and include efforts across the full spectrum of healthcare delivery. 

With the rapid changes in the healthcare landscape, how is ZP Therapeutics adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of patients in Asia?

We prioritise offering innovative solutions to the communities we serve, and this involves introducing differentiated services that help to engage with patients more meaningfully and on a greater scale. As part of our efforts, we are constantly innovating to reach patients and key target audiences through omnichannel efforts. These include initiatives such as retail pharmacist education sessions for over-the-counter products to better educate consumers on self-treatment for conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections. Our digital expertise, such as ZP Therapeutics video on-demand, also increases innovative and engaging touchpoints with our customers which can also help to alleviate the burden on strained healthcare systems.

To further address unmet patient needs, we have strengthened regulatory and market access capabilities. We have successfully launched new products and indications in oncology and immunology in the last two years and are currently preparing for more novel product introduction in various therapeutic areas. Additionally, leveraging Zuellig Pharma’s Patient Care division, we have implemented patient support and educational programs across the region.

ZP Therapeutics is dedicated to actively engaging and bridging the global, regional and local medical community through summits and knowledge-sharing initiatives. These touchpoints keep HCPs informed of the latest scientific developments to raise awareness for key disease in alignment with national healthcare priorities. These efforts have earned us recognition at the recent Healthcare Asia Summit, where we were awarded for our role in advancing science in Asia. 

Could you discuss any recent developments or initiatives from ZP Therapeutics aimed at enhancing access to healthcare products and improving patient care in Asia?

A large part of our work involves identifying gaps in the healthcare market in Asia and working with likeminded partners to bring in-demand products to the region to address unmet needs from patients and consumers. 

For example, gut health and probiotics is a burgeoning space in Asia, with the region constituting 46% of the global probiotics market last year. Growing stakeholder interest, such as more strategic partnerships to further research in the space, and increasing consumer awareness has prompted an increase in demand for gut health products. In response to this, we recently established a strategic partnership to support the commercialisation of a leading probiotic brand to key markets in Asia. This represents a significant step forward in our commitment to deliver innovative and accessible healthcare solutions to patients in Asia.