Duopharma Biotech & UKM Partner to Advance Halal Healthcare Standards in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, – In a significant step forward for Malaysia’s halal healthcare industry, Duopharma Biotech Berhad partnered with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to host the Halal Pharmaceutical Symposium 2024 (HPS 2024) in Putrajaya. Themed “Bridging Halal to Health: Fostering Inclusivity, Innovation, and Healthcare Excellence,” the event saw the participation of around 300 delegates, underscoring Malaysia’s growing influence as a global leader in halal healthcare standards.

Halal Healthcare Standards

The symposium, officiated by Khairul Azwan Harun, Chairman of the Halal Development Corporation (HDC), served as a platform for knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and innovation. Prominent attendees included:

• Prof Dato’ Dr. Hanafiah Harunarashid, Pro Vice-Chancellor, UKM (Kuala Lumpur Campus).
• Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar, Group Managing Director, Duopharma Biotech Berhad.
• Representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, healthcare practitioners, and private industry players.

The event featured:

1. Panel discussions: Experts from JAKIM, HDC, and the Ministry of Defence shared insights on developing a sustainable halal healthcare ecosystem.
2. Research presentations: Cutting-edge research aimed at advancing halal compliance in pharmaceuticals was highlighted.
3. Poster exhibitions: Innovations in halal pharmaceutical technologies were showcased to inspire future research.
4. Networking opportunities: Delegates from across the healthcare sector exchanged ideas to foster collaboration.

This initiative reinforces Malaysia’s role as a global trendsetter in halal healthcare standards, providing a foundation for further development and innovation in the halal pharmaceutical industry.

Why Halal Healthcare Standards?

Halal healthcare standards address more than religious compliance; they ensure quality, safety, and inclusivity in healthcare. For Muslims, halal-certified medications and treatments are essential. However, the growing global demand for ethical and high-quality pharmaceuticals has also attracted non-Muslim consumers to halal-certified products.

With an increasing emphasis on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and consumer safety, halal-certified pharmaceuticals stand out as a solution that meets these demands while adhering to religious principles.

The global halal industry is projected to grow to $5 trillion by 2030, with the halal pharmaceutical sector emerging as a key driver of this expansion. As consumer awareness rises, so does the need for advanced halal healthcare standards to ensure compliance and innovation in this rapidly growing market.

Leadership in Halal Pharmaceuticals

Malaysia has long been a leader in the halal industry, and its pharmaceutical sector is no exception. The Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 positions the country as a key global player, with the halal sector expected to contribute 8.1% to GDP by 2025. The pharmaceutical industry has been a standout performer, recording a staggering 156.7% growth from 2021 to 2022.

Duopharma Biotech has been instrumental in this success. It was the first pharmaceutical company in Malaysia to receive halal certification for consumer healthcare products from JAKIM in 1999. The company has since expanded its portfolio to include halal-certified oncology products, biosimilars, and cosmeceuticals, setting benchmarks for halal healthcare standards globally.

HPS 2024

HPS 2024 exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. The event highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary research and innovation in advancing halal healthcare standards.

Key Discussions

• Sustainability
  Experts emphasized the need for sustainable practices in the production and distribution of halal pharmaceuticals. With the global shift toward eco-friendly solutions, halal healthcare must integrate green technologies to remain competitive.

• Halal Compliance
  AI is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and the pharmaceutical sector is no exception. At the symposium, researchers discussed how AI could streamline halal certification processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in meeting halal healthcare standards.

• Market Potential
  With a growing Muslim population expected to reach 2.3 billion by 2030, the demand for halal-certified pharmaceuticals is at an all-time high. Delegates explored strategies to penetrate new markets, particularly in non-Muslim-majority countries where ethical and sustainable products are increasingly in demand.

Vision for Halal Healthcare

Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar, Group Managing Director of Duopharma Biotech, outlined the company’s vision for advancing halal healthcare standards.

“Our mission is to create a healthcare ecosystem that is inclusive, sustainable, and innovative. By adhering to our ‘Halal Built-in’ policy, we ensure that all our products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and religious compliance.”

Duopharma Biotech’s achievements include:

1. Oncology Products: The first halal-certified oncology products, manufactured at its Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (HAPI) facility.
2. Halal Biosimilars: Erysaa (Erythropoietin), the first biosimilar certified halal by the Korea Muslim Federation.
3. Cosmeceuticals: The IRORO Nutreatment range, developed using stem cell technology, is halal-certified and gaining popularity globally.

These milestones reflect the company’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in halal healthcare.

Related: Malaysia’s Leading Health Tourism Event, MHExpo, Returns to Jakarta

UKM’s Role

UKM has been at the forefront of academic research in halal pharmaceuticals. Its Halal Pharmaceutical Business Initiative Centre (HPBI) brings together experts from pharmacy, science, technology, and Islamic studies to drive innovation.

Key Initiatives

• Research: UKM’s IDEA Centre collaborates with faculties of economics, management, and pharmacy to address the complex challenges of halal certification and compliance.
• Collaboration: Partnerships with international stakeholders ensure that UKM remains a leader in halal research and education.
• Training Professional training programs help industry players stay updated on evolving halal healthcare standards.

Prof Dato’ Gs. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Hj Toriman, Vice-Chancellor of UKM, emphasized:

“Our collaboration with Duopharma Biotech merges scientific innovation with religious compliance, paving the way for global advancements in halal healthcare.”

Halal Healthcare Standards

The growing demand for halal pharmaceuticals presents a unique opportunity to redefine global healthcare standards. Malaysia, with its strong infrastructure, regulatory framework, and industry leaders like Duopharma Biotech, is well-positioned to lead this transformation.

1. Halal Biopharmaceuticals
   As biotechnology advances, the demand for halal-compliant biopharmaceuticals is expected to rise. Companies like Duopharma Biotech are already pioneering this field, setting benchmarks for others to follow.

2. Health Solutions
   The integration of digital technologies, such as AI and blockchain, can enhance transparency and efficiency in halal certification and distribution.

3. Market Expansion
   With the halal pharmaceutical market projected to grow exponentially, expanding into non-Muslim-majority countries will be key to sustaining growth.

The partnership between Duopharma Biotech and UKM is a shining example of how academia and industry can work together to advance halal healthcare standards. Through initiatives like HPS 2024, Malaysia continues to solidify its position as a global leader in halal pharmaceuticals.

As the world increasingly values sustainability, ethical sourcing, and inclusivity, halal-certified pharmaceuticals are poised to become a cornerstone of the global healthcare industry. With continued innovation, collaboration, and investment, the future of halal healthcare looks brighter than ever.

For more details, visit Halal Pharmaceutical Symposium 2024.