Personalized genome analysis unlocks the ability to accurately predict and prevent diseases through tailored healthcare strategies, and wellnessrelated genome analysis provides the ability to “self-healthcare.” Medizen Humancare, the first company in Korea to launch a disease-related genome analysis service at a specialized health screening center in 2013 and currently the largest company in Korea performing disease-related genome analysis (cumulative number of Asian and Korean genome tests by 2024: 1.7 million), has designed a customized gene chip that predicts disease potential based on ethnicity and nationality. The chip uses human whole genome sequencing (WGS) data based on next-generation sequencing and genome-wide association study data and a disease-specific customizing gene chip utilizing genome big data. It mines and analyzes the genome data generated from experiments using bioinformatics and then provides results through a patented AI-based algorithm. Medizen Humancare’s expert research team developed the algorithm based on results from gene-environment interactions, family history, and disease prevalence by country. Genome testing solutions provide customer-specific insights to individuals, hospitals, health screening centers, pharmaceutical companies, stem cell treatment centers, government agencies, and insurance providers. They claim to offer the world’s fastest genetic testing turnaround, delivering results in just five days. “We leverage our industry expertise to create a path toward a smarter, healthier future,” said Dr. DONG-JIK SHIN, Founder and CEO. Advancing Health and Redefining Wellness Building on its commitment to innovation and personalized care, Medizen Humancare offers three premium testing products: M-CHECK (My Genome Check), Lifegene and Telo-Check. M-CHECK is a genetic testing product for disease occurrence prediction and drug response. Developed in 2012, it has been continually evolved to deliver faster and more accurate results. 172 disease- and drug-related test options are available to consumers, with results delivered within five days. Medizen Humancare conducted extensive testing on Asian populations and is now finalizing the analysis algorithm for western populations. In an industry where companies offer predetermined test packages with limited choices, Medizen Humancare’s 'DIY' approach allows consumers to select from 172 options. This personalized approach ensures that only the tests chosen by the consumer are analyzed.
Next-Generation Sequencing
Japan is home to the third-largest pharmaceutical market in the world. By 2029, the market value of new drugs and patented products in the country is projected to reach approximately 8.5 trillion yen, with a growth rate of 10.7 to 11.7 percent. Japan’s cancer therapeutic market alone is projected to nearly double and reach a value of USD 21.6 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7 percent during this period. With its advanced systems, supportive research environment and highly skilled workforce, Japan presents massive opportunities for global pharmaceutical and medical device companies to drive innovation through clinical research and evidence-based studies. However, expanding into this market requires more than innovation; it involves navigating the nuances of the country’s regulatory frameworks, clinical trial planning and patient registration. Its customs, cultural practices and language add another dimension to this process, making it quintessential for businesses to partner with experts with deep local knowledge and connections. EPS Corporation plays a pivotal role in bridging these gaps, simplifying the complexities of Japan’s pharmaceutical landscape for international pharmaceutical and biotech companies attempting to enter the market. It provides end-to-end support services to help clients develop drug and medical devices efficiently and cost-effectively. Its expertise spans various therapeutic areas, with one-third of its services in oncology. As the core contract research organization (CRO) of EPS Group, the company also offers expertise in regulatory consulting, drug pricing strategies and key opinion leader (KOL) networking. “We support the development and expansion of clients’ businesses while driving value creation in the diverse pharmaceutical and medical domains,” says Noriyuki Takai, board member, executive corporate officer and head of the comprehensive planning office. EPS is a critical link for clients navigating Japan’s regulatory and academic ecosystem, connecting them with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and top academic institutions. With over 120 PMDA consultations and more than 220 successful medical device submissions, EPS has mastered the art of helping foreign companies overcome cultural and linguistic barriers to drive innovation in drug and medical device development..
Medical Affairs
In 1999, a group of forward-thinking professionals set out to transform the care of the chronically and critically ill. Their passion for advancing medical research and creating better patient outcomes led them to establish CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting—a company dedicated to transforming the healthcare landscape through innovative clinical trials. Over the past 25 years, it has consistently been at the forefront of global healthcare innovation, changing lives and reshaping the future of medicine worldwide. CTI’s commitment to maintaining rigorous protocols throughout all its operations is a testament to its dedication to quality. Through its clinical research center (CRC), the company runs Phase I-IV studies for its sponsors, ensuring that all research is conducted with the highest standards of care and precision. “Our pursuit for excellence has enabled us to contribute significantly to the approval of over 150 new drugs and devices spanning a broad spectrum of therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and rare genetic conditions,” says Timothy Schroeder, Chairman and CEO of CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting. Transforming Therapeutic Approaches for HighImpact Diseases With a deep commitment to quality and innovation, CTI goes beyond just operating as a contract research organization (CRO)—it is a leader in advancing medical science across a diverse array of high-impact therapeutic fields. The firm is at the forefront of rare and orphan disease research, adopting a patient-centric approach to drug development. With a multidisciplinary team of experts and state-of-the-art technologies, CTI guides its programs seamlessly through every stage, from regulatory planning to marketing approval. This commitment to advancing medical science is further evidenced by its extensive experience in various therapeutic areas, including nephrology, immunology, hematology, oncology, and neurology. In addition to these therapeutic capabilities, the company excels in the development of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVD), offering holistic solutions that combine drug and device advancements. This multifaceted expertise positions CTI as a valuable partner committed to delivering comprehensive solutions across various healthcare challenges. .
Synthetic Biology
Halal Biopharma: Closing the Therapeutic Gaps
Dr. Israfil Merican, MD, MHM, Director of Pharmaniaga Marketing Sdn Bhd, Pharmaniaga Berhad [KLSE: PHARMA]
Drug Discovery and Development
Clinical Trials Landscape in APAC and Its Unique Characteristics and Opportunities
Marcia Matos, APAC Clinical Operations Hub Director, SERVIER
Genomics
Sequencing the Genomics Future in Gastroenterology
Alex Boussioutas, Inaugural Director of Clinical Genetics and Genomics and Director of Gastroenterology, Alfred Health
Medical Affairs
Overview of Cord Blood Transplantation: A Vital Medical Advance
Leung Chi Kwan, Laboratory and Technical Director and Zhu PengCheng, Deputy Laboratory and Technical Director, Cordlife Group Limited, Singapore
Medical Affairs
AI and Nurses in Critical Care: What is the Future of Nursing?
Esther May Cheam Sue San, Senior Nurse Manager, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara
IN MY OPINION
Drug Discovery and Development
The simple things in life are still the best, even in clinical development
Ken Lee, General Manager and Region Head, Clinical Development, Asia Pacific, Syneos Health
LAST WORD
Therapeutics
Immunotherapy: Unleashing the Power of the Immune System in Cancer Treatment
Clement Lim, Director, Head of Early Cancer Detection, Scientific & Medical Affairs, Mirxes
IN FOCUS
The Role Of Medical Affairs In Post-Market Surveillance In Apac
Post-market surveillance (PMS) is vital in the medical device lifecycle, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and innovation.
Transforming Healthcare in APAC through Genomic Insights
By 2025, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will have established itself as a key center for disease prediction and genome analysis advancements.
EDITORIAL
Leading the Future of Genomics and Clinical Innovation
This momentum extends into the broader life sciences ecosystem, particularly within clinical research and medical affairs services. Decentralized clinical trials, once a niche response to pandemic-era disruptions, have now matured into mainstream practice—boosted by wearable tech, telehealth platforms and AI-enabled patient recruitment systems. In parallel, medical affairs teams are leveraging real-world evidence and automated analytics to transition from traditional support roles to strategic functions that shape treatment landscapes.
Driven by these trends, the APAC region's Life Sciences and Healthcare Industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 8.1 percent to 10.6 percent.
The magazine features a thought leadership article from Dr. Israfil Merican, MD, MHM, Vice President, Head of Biopharma and Patient Access, Pharmaniaga Berhad, who emphasizes the need for halal-certified medicines to bridge therapeutic gaps and improve healthcare for Muslim patients. It also features an article from Ken Lee, General Manager and Region Head of Clinical Development, Asia Pacific at Syneos Health, who sheds light on the importance of human factors in driving efficiency in clinical development.
We also feature the stories of life sciences and healthcare companies delivering solutions crucial to driving innovation. One of them is MEDIZEN HUMANCARE, Korea’s first and only genome analysis company that has designed a customized gene chip for disease occurrence prediction specific to ethnicity and country.
In this edition featuring Disease Prediction and Genome Analysis Company of the Year in APAC 2025, Best Clinical Research & Consulting Services in APAC 2025 and Top Medical Affairs Services Providers in APAC 2025, we hope you find the right partner to meet your organization's needs.
