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AswenavigatethedynamiclandscapeoftheAsia-Pacificbusinesssphere,wefindourselvesattheintersectionof innovationandtransformation.Amidunprecedentedglobalchallenges,thepharmaceuticalandbiotechnologysectors haveemergedasbeaconsofresilience,offeringnotonlyhopeforpublichealthbutalsodrivingeconomicgrowth.In thiseditionof“BusinessAPACLeadingPersonalitiesinPharmaandBiotech,2023,”weshineaspotlightonthe trailblazers,thevisionaries,andtheleaderswhoareshapingthefutureofPharmaandBiotechacrosstheregion.
Theglobalbusinesslandscapeisundergoingaseismicshift,withAPACcountriesleadingthechargeinpioneering breakthroughsthattranscendgeographicalboundaries.Astheworldgrappleswithhealthcrisesandthedemandfor innovativehealthcaresolutionsintensifies,theregion'sstrategicpositioningandcollaborativeeffortsbecome paramount.Againstthisbackdrop,ourfocusontheleadingpersonalitiesinPharmaandBiotechaimstoshedlighton thedrivingforcespropellingtheseindustriesforward.
Inthisedition'sCoverStory,wepresentanin-depthinterviewwithDr.FredericBard,thevisionaryCEOand ScientificCo-founderofAlbatrozTherapeutics.Dr.Bard'stransformativeleadershiphaselevatedAlbatroz Therapeuticstonewheightsandpositionedthecompanyattheforefrontofcutting-edgeresearchanddevelopment. Theexclusiveinsightsintohisstrategicvision,challengesfaced,andfutureoutlookprovideaglimpseintothe intricateworldofPharmaandBiotech,offeringreadersavaluableperspectiveontheindustry'sdirection.
BeyondthespotlightonDr.Bard,weshowcaseothereminentfiguresmakingwavesinthesector.Fromthe entrepreneurialprowessofTikManTylerChengtotheinnovativespiritofPhamHongThai,thestrategicacumenof VenkatNelabhotla,andtheleadershipfinesseofArunKumarBijjalla,eachprofileunderscoresthediversetalents shapingtheindustry'slandscape.
AswenavigatethethrivingseasofPharmaandBiotechinAPAC,thiseditionservesasacompass,guidingour readersthroughthecurrentsofinnovation,challenges,andtriumphs.Weinviteyoutoimmerseyourselfinthestories oftheseinfluentialpersonalitiesandgainacomprehensiveunderstandingofthedynamicspropellingtheregion towardafuturedefinedbygroundbreakingadvancements.
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O N T

Cover Story






CEO AND SCIENTIFIC CO-FOUNDER | ALBATROZ THERAPEUTICS
PIONEERING QUEST FOR TRANSFORMATIVE BIOMEDICAL SOLUTIONS

Dr.FredericBard,aluminary inthefieldofbiotechnology, standsattheforefrontof cutting-edgeresearchastheCEOand ScientificCo-FounderofAlbatroz Therapeutics.Hisjourneyisatapestry ofacademicexcellence,transformative discoveries,andacommitmentto revolutionizingcancerandarthritis treatment.
Dr.FredericBard:FromAcademic ExcellencetoScientificLeadership
Dr.Bard’strajectoryinscientific explorationbeganwithhisgraduate workatYaleUniversity,USA,andthe EcoleNormaleSuperieureofLyon, France,whereheearnedhisPhD.The nextchapterunfoldedduringhis postdoctoraltenureattheUniversityof CaliforniaSanDiegofrom2001to 2006.Here,Dr.Bardmadea significantbreakthroughbyidentifying theTANGOgenes,acollectionof novelgenesessentialforgeneral proteinsecretion.
Moreover,thisperiodmarkedthe inceptionofDr.Bard'sexplorationinto glycosylation-driventissue remodeling,ajourneythatwould becomethecornerstoneofhisresearch. Thesubsequentestablishmentofhis researchgroupattheInstituteof MolecularandCellularBiology (IMCB),A*STAR,Singapore,in2006, signaledthebeginningofa transformativeera.
TransitioningtoAlbatrozTherapeutics, Dr.BardassumedtheroleofCEOand ScientificCo-Founderin2020.The Singapore-basedbiotechnology companyispoisedtoredefinethe landscapeofantibodytherapeutics. Despitebeinginitspre-clinicalstage, AlbatrozTherapeuticshasalready garneredsignificantattentionand funding,underscoringthepromiseof itsinnovativeapproach.
AlbatrozTherapeutics:Innovating Pre-ClinicalSolutionsforSolid TumorsandArthritis
Attheheartofthecompany’smission isthedevelopmentoffirst-in-class antibodytherapeuticstargetinganovel mechanisminvolvedinbothcancer growthandarthriticcartilage degradation.Dr.Bard’sleadershipsets thetoneforAlbatrozTherapeutics’ ambitiouspursuitofscientific excellenceandgroundbreaking solutions.
Thecompany’sfocusextendstotwo criticalrealms:solidtumorsand arthritis.Inaddressingsolidtumors, AlbatrozTherapeuticsaimstodisrupt theprocessoftumorprogressionby targetingacrucialpathwayinthe extracellularmatrix(ECM).TheECM, anetworkofmoleculesproviding structuralsupporttotissues,playsa pivotalroleintumorgrowth,invasion, andmetastasis.
●ArthritisBreakthrough
Arthritis,aconditionwithnocurrent cure,becomesthesecondfrontierin AlbatrozTherapeutics’questfor innovativesolutions.Bymodulating thesameECMpathway,thecompany aspirestopromotehealthycartilage repairandregeneration.Theobjective isclear–toalleviatejointpainand inflammationassociatedwithvarious formsofarthritis.
Thesignificanceofpreventing extracellularmatrixdegradationcannot beoverstated.Itrepresentsakey contributortothepathogenesisof cancerandarthritis.Traditional candidatedrugsaddressingthisprocess havebeenlimitedinuseduetotheir toxicityprofiles.Hereinliesthecruxof AlbatrozTherapeutics’approach–offeringhighlyspecifictherapeutics thatimprovetreatmentoutcomes withoutinducingtoxicity
Forthecompany,thepursuitof preventingthedegradationofthe extracellularmatrixtranslatesintoa commitmenttohighlyspecific therapeutics.AlbatrozTherapeutics endeavorstoprovidesolutionsthatgo beyondconventionallimitations, usheringinaneweraoftreatment efficacy.
AlbatrozTherapeuticsislooking deeperintocancer-relatedinitiatives,to preventmalignanttumorgrowth, metastasis,andrecurrence.Cancerthat hasspreadtootherpartsofthebody posesadauntingtreatmentchallenge andaccountsforaconsiderable fractionofcancer-relatedfatalities.
Thecompany’sobjectiveistoprevent highlyaggressivecancers,suchas pancreatic,lung,andlivercancers, fromgrowingandspreadingtoother organs.Thisambitiousgoalhas materializedinthedevelopmentof first-in-classtherapeuticantibodiesthat targetCalnexin,anoveltumorsurface proteincriticaltoatumor’sabilityto degradetheextracellularmatrix.
Theextracellularmatrix,akintoa physicalbarrier,preventsthegrowthof solidtumorsinmostorgansofthe body Tumors,intheirquestforgrowth andproliferation,needtobreachthis barrier AlbatrozTherapeutics’

antibodiesintervenepreciselyat thisjuncture,haltingtumor growthandpreventingmetastasis withoutthetoxicityassociated withtraditionaltreatments.
Crucially,theantibodies developedbyAlbatroz Therapeuticshavedemonstrated potencyagainsttumormodels withnodetectabletoxicityin vivo.Thismarksaparadigmshift incancertreatment–anapproach thatnotonlyaddressesthe aggressivenessoftumorsbutdoes sowithoutcompromisingthe overallhealthofthepatient.
Shiftingthefocustoarthritis,a conditionaffectingmillions worldwide,AlbatrozTherapeuticsis dedicatedtopreventingthe destructionofarthriticjoint cartilage.Theabsenceofacurefor arthritisunderscorestheurgencyand significanceofthismission.The companyenvisionssignificantly improvingthemobilityof individualsgrapplingwitharthritis bypreventingthedestructionoftheir jointcartilage–anddoingso withoutinducingtoxicity
Inpracticalterms,this translatesintothe developmentoffirst-in-class therapeuticantibodiesthat blockthedestructionof cartilageinthejoints.By interveningatthiscrucial juncture,Albatroz Therapeuticsaimstonot onlyalleviatesymptomsbut tofundamentallypreventthe progressionofarthritisand facilitatejointhealing.
ThepromiseofAlbatroz Therapeuticsliesnotjustin thescientificrigorofits approachbutinits commitmenttopatientcentricsolutions.By addressingtherootcausesof cancerandarthritis,the companyaspirestousherin aneweraoftreatment–one thatiseffective,targeted, andminimallyintrusivein termsofsideeffects.
Inconclusion,Dr.Frederic BardandAlbatroz Therapeuticsembodya visionforthefutureof biotechnologyandmedical treatment.Theirjourney, markedbytransformative discoveriesanda commitmenttoinnovation, standsasabeaconofhope forthosegrapplingwiththe formidablechallengesposed bycancerandarthritis.As theynavigatethepreclinicalstageandgarner attentionfortheir groundbreakingapproach, theimpactoftheirworkis poisedtotranscendscientific realmsandreshapethe landscapeofpatientcare.






Founder, CEO Director
MASTER MASKER TECHNOLOGY

TikManTylerChengisasuccessfulentrepreneur andinnovatordeeplycommittedtocreating inspiringcompaniesinbiochemicalmedicaland healthproducts.Withastrongpassionfortransforming industries,TylerCheng’sjourneyastheFounder,CEO, andDirectorofMasterMaskerTechnologyshowcases hisoutstandingleadershipanddetermination.
TylerChengbeganhisentrepreneurialjourneyinhisearly years,guidedbyavisiontomakeameaningfulimpact.In 2018,heenrolledattheHongKongUniversityofScience andTechnology,layingthefoundationforhis entrepreneurialaspirations.There,heearnedaBachelorof ScienceinChemistry(EnvironmentalandAnalytical ChemistryOption),withminorsinSocialScienceand BiologicalScience.Duringhisacademicjourney,Tyler foundedPerbookingBiologicalTechnologyCompany Limited,markingthestartofhisremarkableentrepreneurial career
Throughouthiscareer,TylerChenghasconsistently demonstratedexceptionalteammanagementskills,leading globalteamstoachieveambitiousbusinessgoals.Heis renownedforhisrapidlearningabilities,innovative mindset,andresults-drivenapproachtobusiness development.
Tyler’sentrepreneurialspiritshinesasheboldlyentersthe competitiveworldofstartups.Despiteinitialchallengesand skepticismfromhisteam,hepushedforwardwiththe foundingofMasterMaskerTechnology,acompanyborn fromhisunshakablebeliefinseizingopportunitieswhile young.TylerCheng’sdeterminationandcouragehaveset himapartasapioneeringfigureintheentrepreneurial landscape,makinghimtheonlybachelor'sdegreestudentto initiateacompanyoncampusduringhisfirstyear
TylerCheng’sKeyRolesandResponsibilities
TikManTylerChenghasessentialrolesandresponsibilities relatedtostrategicplanningandexternalpartnerships.His primaryroleistoplanthecompany’sfuture,settingits overallgoalsanddirection.Thisincludescreatinglongtermobjectives,likewhatthecompanyshouldachievein thenextfivetotenyears.Tylerexcelsatstrategicplanning, ensuringthecompanyhasaclearandforward-thinking roadmap.
Furthermore,TylerChengplaysavitalroleinestablishing andmaintainingrelationshipswithexternalpartnersand companies.Whencollaborationandbusinessopportunities
arise,hetakestheleadinengagingwithexternalentities. Thisinvolvesnegotiatingandformingpartnershipstodrive thecompanytowardssuccess.Hisabilitytoconnectand collaboratewithotherorganizationsunderscoreshis positionasastrategicleaderandanintegralpartofthe company’sgrowthanddevelopment.
MasterMaskerTechnology:InnovativeNanotechnology SolutionsforaBetterWorld
MasterMaskerTechnologyCompanyLimited,foundedin July2021andbasedattheHongKongUniversityof ScienceandTechnology(HKUST),isapioneeringstartup withavisiontobringpositivechangetotheworld. Committedtomakingvaluablecontributionstothe community,MasterMaskerTechnologyfocuseson innovationtoprovideadvancedbiochemicalcleaningand protectivesolutions.Thejourneybeganin2018with Tyler’sresearchoncampus,wherehedevelopedthe technologywithhisprofessor Tylerdescribeshiscompany asa“BiochemicalTechnologyResearchandConsultation Center”(BTRCC).
Thecompany’sgoalistoofferstate-of-the-artsolutionsto customersinvariousregions,includingtheUnitedStates, theGreaterBayAreainChina,andtheHongKongSpecial AdministrativeRegion.Whileinitiallyrecognizedforits NanoCoatingappliedtomasksforprotection,Master MaskerTechnologyhasexpandeditshorizons.Theyare currentlyintheresearchanddevelopmentphaseto introducenano-coatingforfoodpackaging.Thismove alignswiththeircommitmenttosustainabilityastheyaim toreplacetraditionalplasticpackagingwithbiodegradable nanomaterialstoreduceenvironmentalharm.
MasterMaskerTechnologyisnotlimitedtoasingle industry;itaimstousenanotechnologytoaddressdiverse challenges.Theirinnovativeapplicationsof nanotechnologygobeyondmasksandfoodpackagingand extendtoskincareproducts.Throughcollaborationwith pharmaceuticalcompaniesinHongKong,theyhave successfullyincorporatednanotechnologyintoskincare creamsandsunscreens,usheringinaneweraofskincare solutions.
Thecompany’sdedicationtoinnovation,sustainability,and diversificationacrossindustriespositionsMasterMasker Technologyasaforward-thinkinganddynamicplayerin thefieldofadvancedbiochemicalsolutions.Theirmission istomaketheworldabetterplacethroughcutting-edge technology

MaximizingEfficiency,Adapting Structure,andEmbracing TechnologicalGrowth
Asaleaderinastartupcompany,Tyler Chengfacedsignificantchallengesand developedstrategiestoovercome them.Themainhurdlesincluded limitedresources,evolving organizationalstructure,andslower technologicaldevelopment.
Resourcelimitationsarecommonfor startups.Tylerandhisteamhadto makethemostoflimitedfinancesand personnel.Itinvolvedadoptinga resource-efficientapproach,setting clearpriorities,andfocusingon essentialtasksalignedwiththe company’sgoals.Instartups, individualsoftentakeonmultiple
“If you want to start a business, don't wait for your product to mature for the market.”
rolestocompensateforthelackofstaff, makingorganizationalstructureacritical consideration.
Efficientresourcemanagementbecame crucialasTylerandhisteamworked diligentlytooptimizetheirlimited resourcesandstreamlineoperationsfor maximumefficiency Theysetclear prioritiesandremainedfocusedoncore taskscrucialtothecompany’sgrowth. Adaptabilityandflexibilityinarapidly changingenvironmentwerekeyto addressingthesechallenges.
Startupstypicallyencounterconstraintsin technologicaldevelopmentduetolimited accesstoresearchandtechnology resources,especiallywhencomparedto bigcorporations.Thisconstraintcanresult inslowertechnologicaldevelopment,
potentiallyhinderingthecompany’sabilityto competeeffectivelyinthemarket.
Toovercomethesechallenges,TylerCheng andhisteammaintainedalong-termvision forthecompany Theyunderstoodthatthe initialphasesofastartupcanbeslow,but perseveranceandcommitmenttoongoing technologicaldevelopmentareessential.By keepingtheirsightsonthefuture,Tylerand histeampositionedtheircompanyto graduallyovercomethesechallengesand ultimatelyachievegrowthandsuccessasthe companymaturedandexpanded.
TylerChengopenlyacknowledgesthat, especiallyintheearlystagesofhisstartup journey,heprioritizedworkoverachievinga work-lifebalance,sometimestotheextentof havingnobalance.Hepointsoutthatwhile work-lifebalanceisessentialformany peopleandanimportantlifestylechoice, becomingoverlyfixatedonitcanhindera company’seffectiveness.
Tyler’sperspectiveunderscorestheideathat achievingawork-lifebalance,particularlyin
“As an entrepreneur, it is one's duty to keep work balance as a priority to make business prosper.
theinitialphasesofastartup,can bechallenging.Heemphasizes theneedtoinvestasignificant amountofeffortandtimetobuild asuccessfulbusiness,evenifit meanstemporarilycompromising one’spersonallife.
Hebelievesthatlifeandwork ofteninvolvetrade-offs.If someonechoosestofocusontheir personallife,itmaycomeatthe expenseofpotentialfinancial gains,andviceversa.Tylerfirmly maintainsthatthedecision betweenfocusingonlifeor moneyultimatelydependsonan individual'sprioritiesandwhat theyvaluemost.
TylerChengoffersvaluable adviceforaspiringleadersinthe biotechnologyindustry, emphasizingtheneedtobecomea trueprofessionalinthefield.He acknowledgestherapidandeverchangingnatureofthebiotech
industry,wheretrendsand prioritiescanshiftsignificantly inashortspan.
Hisadviceunderscoresthe importanceoffoundational knowledgeandcontinuous learning.Tylersuggeststhat individualsshouldtakethetime toacquireasolidunderstanding ofthebasicsofbiotechnology Bybuildingastrongfoundation, theycanadaptmoreeffectively totheindustry’sdynamic changes.
Furthermore,Tylerencourages aspiringleaderstoidentify specificareasofinterestwithin biotechnology.Itinvolves findinganicheortopicthat resonateswiththem.Oncethey chooseaprecisesector,he recommendsimmersing themselvesinresearchand developmentrelatedtothat domain.Thisfocusedapproach allowsindividualstogain expertiseandmakemeaningful contributionstothefield.

I
nthisblog,wewilltalkabouttheseveralfreehealthcare countriesexistingthroughouttheworldandproviding optimalhealthcareservicestothecitizens.Theexcellence andproductivityofacountry’shealthcaresystemcan haveacolossalimpactonitsinhabitants’qualityoflife. Thehealthofanationcertainlydependsmostlyonhow thesystemcancatertoitspeople,whichiswhya satisfactorypublichealthcaresystemissonecessary Strongerhealthisthekeytohumanhappinessandwellbeing.Moreover,itmakesanoteworthycontributionto economicdevelopment,ashealthypopulationslive longer,aremoreproductive,andsavemore.Manyfactors influencehealthstatusandacountry’scapabilityto administerqualityhealthservicesforitspeople. Ministriesofhealtharecrucialactors,butsoareother governmentdepartments,donororganizations,civil societygroups,andcommunitiesthemselves.
Theysaythatthebestthingsinlifearefree:butisthat trueforhealthcare?
UnderstandingFreeHealthcarevsUniversal Healthcare
Bothofthesetermsareusuallyusedinterchangeablybut therearedifferences.
• UniversalHealthcare:UniversalHealthcare signifiesthatthereisahealthcaresystemthatgrants coveragetoatleast90%ofcitizens
• FreeHealthcare: CountrieswithfreeHealthcare addsthatallcitizensundergohealthcareatavery minimalornocost
Theideaoffreehealthcareistrueandthereisalistof countriesprovidingthebesthealthcarefacilitiesincluding freehealthcare,universalhealthcare,orevenboth. However,thereisanextenttowhichpeoplecantake advantageofthesefacilities.Besides,theareseveralfree healthcarecountrieswithdifferentsystem,facilities, conditionsandfundingsystems.
BelowisthelistofFreeHealthcareCountries
1. Australia
2. Austria
3. Bahrain
4. Belgium
5. Brunei
6. Canada
7. Cyprus
8. Finland
9. France
10. Germany 11. Greece
12. HongKong
13. Iceland 14. Ireland 15. Israel
16. Italy 17. Japan
18. Kuwait
19. Luxembourg
20. NewZealand
21. Norway
22. Portugal
23. Singapore
24. Slovenia
25. SouthKorea
26. Spain
27. Sweden
28. Switzerland
29. UnitedArabEmirates
30. UnitedKingdom
Amongstthelonglisttherearefreehealthcare countrieswhicharerankedforprovidingthe bestfreehealthcarefacility.
Swedenstandsatoponthelistoffreehealthcare countries.TheSwedishhealthcaresystemis distinguishedbyhighstandardsofqualitycareand above-averagehealthcarespending.About600,000 Swedeshaveaprivatehealthplan,whichisusually coveredbytheiremployersandcanbeusefulto skipqueuesfortreatment.
Thenexttobeonthelistoffreehealthcare countriesisCanada.Canada’spubliclyfunded healthcaresystemisabodyofsocializedhealth insuranceplansadministeringcoveragetoall Canadiancitizensandpermanentresidents.Canada hasaremarkablyhighlifeexpectancyrate,which manyassociateswiththeexpertiseofitshealthcare system.




EveryMexicancitizenhasassuredcostaccessto healthcareandmedicineasstatedbytheMexican constitutionandmadeitarealitywiththe“Instituteof HealthforWell-being”.TheMexicanFederal Constitutionhandsovermainresponsibilityonthe stateinprovidingnational
HealthcareintheUKhasresultedtobereliableand beneficialforcitizensandmigrantworkers.The NationalHealthService,ScottishandNorthern Irelandstateprogramsequipmanyoptionsfor emergencymedicaltreatment.
ThehealthcaresysteminItalyisaregionally establishednationalhealthservicerecognizedas ServizioSanitarioNazionale(SSN).Itgrants coveragetoallcitizensandresidents,withpublic healthcarelargelyfreeofcharge.
Thelistoffreehealthcarecountriesalsoincludes Germanyanditsuniquehealthcarefacilities.The healthcaresysteminGermanyisveryexceptionalbut costly.Healthinsuranceiscompulsory,andmost expatriateshaveitaddedtotheiremployment contracts.
Australia’shealthcaresystemhastwomainsections: thepublichealthsystem,andtheprivatehealth system.Acollaborationofprivatehealthinsurance, Medicareandpersonalpaymentscoversthemedical costsofapatient.ThisgivesAustralianresidentsfree treatmentinpublicorprivatehospitals.
ThelistoffreehealthcarecountriesincludesFrance thathasitsstate-runandprivatehospitalsandboth maintainasimilardegreeofsupremacy.Whilehaving privatehealthinsuranceisn’tnecessary,itisadvisable tohavewhenyou’relivinginFrance.
Austriahasasignificantstandardofhealthcare.Payingintothe governmenthealthinsuranceschemeismandatoryforboth Austriansandnon-natives,withadmirablemedicalfacilitiesand servicesfinancedbythetaxpayer
Lastly,amongtheotherfreehealthcarecountries,NewZealand’s high-qualityhealthcaresystemishighlyapplauded.The healthcaresysteminNewZealandisstate-sponsoredandofvery superbquality.Itisfinancedthroughtaxesandgivesano-costor subsidizedmedicaltreatmentforresidents.
AnsweringFrequentAskedQuestionsonUniversal healthcare
1.Are‘Universalhealthcare’,‘Single-payer’and‘Medicare forall’thesame?
StartingwithUniversalhealthcare,itindicatesonlythatevery individual’shealthcarerequirementsaretakencareof,oneway oranother.Firstly,Universalhealthcarereferstohealthcare systemsinwhichallindividualshaveinsurancecoverage.
Secondly,theMedicareforAllActprovidescomprehensive healthcaretoeveryman,womanandchildinthecountrywithout out-of-pocketexpenses.Itallowsallresidents,regardlessoftheir income,togetthehealthcaretheyneedwhentheyneedit
Thirdly,Single-payerhealthcareguaranteeshealthcareasa humanright.Everyoneisgivenall-inclusivehealthcarecoverage. “Single-payer”referstosubstitutingthethousandsoffor-profit healthinsurancecompanieswithoneentity,mostlikelythe government,solelyandexclusivelyresponsibleforpayingfor medicalgoodsandservices.
2.DoesUniversalHealthcarehavetocostmore?
Peopleguessthatthesumpaidintaxesforhealthcarewillsurely begreaterthantheamountpeopleandtheiremployerspayin healthcarepremiumsnow.Itmightcostmore,butitdoesn’thave to.Accordingtothereportsanddata,everyotheradvanced countryhasuniversalhealthcare.Besides,countrieswithfree healthcarecostabouthalfofwhatthenon-universalhealthcare countriesdo.
Now,it’slegitimatethatifwesimplycoveredeveryone’s healthcareprovidingthemtheneedfulhealthcareservicesallthe
time,withoutbringingchangesinthesystemnow,then yes,itwouldcostmore.Nevertheless,therearemany opportunitiestodrivethecostsofhealthcaredown.If thesameuniversalhealthplanalsotookthose opportunities,thenno,universalhealthcaredoesnot havetocostmore.
3.DoesUniversalHealthcarecostwaytooless?
Alotofthepeopleindifferentcountriesareopposing universalhealthcareandjustconsiderthegovernment screwseverythingup.Wemayhavedoubtsaboutour governmentspendingmoneyinotherareas,however, whenitcomestoreducingtheadministrativecostsof healthcare,governmentprogramsaretentimesas efficientasprivateinsurance.Moreover,every healthcaresystemintheworldthatimplements universalcarewithoutlimitingbenefitsultimately providesbettercaretomorepeopleforlessmoney Althoughyoucannotassumethatitwillbewayless,it definitelyisbeneficialforeveryone.
4.DoesUniversalhealthcaremeangovernment-run healthcare,suggestingitasanactofsocialism?
No.Aroundtheworld,weseeanamplevarietyofways toprovidehealthcaretopeople.Forexample,Canada, Denmark,Norway,andSwedenbasicallyhave“singlepayer”systems.Theirgovernmentspayforcarethat’s deliveredprivately.Whereas,GreatBritainandSpain havenationalhealthservices.Thegovernment reimbursesthedoctorsandownsthehospitals.
Furthermore,GermanyandFrancehavemultiple payers.Boththecountrieshaveprivateinsurance companies,andpubliconesforthepooranddisabled, thataregenerallyandtightlymonitoredaswellaspaid outofvariousfunds.Butonewayoranothereveryone isprotected.
5.WouldUniversalhealthcareleadtowaiving today’s‘freemarket’healthcare?
Today’smarketisnotfreebuthighlyorganized.The presentmarketisarestrictedmarketinwhichthe ultimatecustomerisyouthatisneitheraprivatesystem noragovernmentsystem.It’saprivatesystemthatis boundbythegovernmentunderallsortsoflegaland licensingrequirementswhichhavebeenbuiltupbythe healthcareindustryitselfoverthelastcentury
6.CanUniversalHealthcareworkandsustainitselfif peoplearenotworkingandnotpayingtheirtaxes?
Certainly,itcan.That’swhatauniversalsystemisfor,tomake surepeoplecangetsupportwhethertheyareinasituation rightnowtopayintoitornot.Itspreadsthecostacross generations,acrossrichandpoorpartsofthecountry Thisis whatMedicare,Medicaid,FederallyQualifiedCommunity Clinics,CHIPfundsforchildren’shealthcare,andothersuch programsarefor,tosupportpeoplewhoarenotworking, retired,orwithtooalowincometobepayingintothesystem.
7.DoesUniversalHealthcareallowimmigrantstouseit boundlesslywithouthavingtopaymore?
Thisisprobablyfalse.Therehavebeenmultiplestudies, lookingatthequestioninvariousways.Moreover,evennew immigrantsaredesperatetomakealiving,raisebusinessfor theirfamilies.Theywanttobetaxpayersasearlyaspossible, andmostofthemaccomplishtodothat.
8.Willreducingthepayforhealthcareresultinless researchandinnovation?
No,researchandinnovationarecertainlynotwhatmakes healthcarecostly.Nodataissupportingthisimpression. Highercostsforpatientcareneednotfinanceresearchand innovation.Infact,therearemanyotherways,suchasdirect governmentgrants,privatefundingforstartupcompanies, pharmaceuticalcompanies,anddevicemanufacturers financingtheirresearch.
Andifyouthinkaboutit,you’llseethatresearchand innovationcancontributetoreducingthecostofhealthcare ratherthanincreasingit.Additionally,functionalmedicinecan curechronicdiseasesatamuchearlierandmorefeasible stage.And,asaresult,therightkindsofresearchand innovationcandropcosts.
Indrawingthingstoaclose,severalunforeseenplacesallover theworldusuallypromoteexcellent,andaffordablehealth careservices.Itevidentlymaybeahealthcarebureau providingfreemalariatestingandtreatmentatInternational bordercrossingsorPublichealthcampaignsprovidingfree influenzaortetanusvaccines.
University-basedstudenthealthclinicsmayalsoofferfree sexualhealthservicestoanyonewhorequeststhem.However, youneverknowwhenyoumightstumbleacrossan opportunitytoenhanceyourhealthatnoextracost!



ArunKumarBijjalla,theFounderandManagingDirectorofConvergeBiotech, standsasabeaconofvisionaryleadershipinthepharmaceuticalindustry.Witha dynamiccareerspanningovertwodecades,hisjourneyreflectsaharmoniousblend ofexperience,passion,andarelentlesspursuitofexcellence.
Whenvisionconvergeswithexperienceandpassion,theoutcomeisnothingshortof exceptional.ArunKumarBijjallaleveragedhis20yearsofindustryexperiencein pharmaceuticalsalesandmarketingtofueltheinceptionofConvergeBiotech.Hisvision
wasclear—toachievemanufacturingexpertisein deliveringbest-in-classproductsthatarenotonly affordablebutalsoaccessibleandeffective.
ArunKumarBijjalla:FromMicrobialInfectionsto VerticalExpansion
WithaPostgraduatedegreeinMicrobiology,Mr.Bijjalla initiatedConvergeBiotechbyfocusingonCriticalCare InfusionstargetingMicrobialInfections.However,his ambitionstranscendedtheordinary.Heaspiredtobuildan organizationthatpatients,clinicians,andhealthcare partnerscouldtrust.Thisledtoastrategicexpansioninto Metabolics,Oncology,andSpecialty,showcasinghis dynamicandforward-thinkingapproach.
ArunKumarBijjallaenvisionedanorganizationwhere trustbecomesthecornerstone.Thiscommitmenttotrustis palpableinConvergeBiotech’sfocusedapproachto targetedtherapies.Asaresult,theorganizationhasgrown beyondbeingapharmaceuticalentity—ithasbecomea trustedpartnerinhealthcare.
Mr.Bijjalla’scommitmenttoprovidingauthentic therapeuticsolutionshaspropelledConvergeBiotechintoa frontlineplayerinthePharmaceuticalIndustry The organizationadoptedafocusedapproachtotargeted therapies,expandingitsproductportfoliotoinclude Metabolics,Oncology,andSpecialty.Thisstrategic expansionalignswithBijjalla’svisionofofferinga comprehensivesuiteofhealthcaresolutions.
ConvergeBiotech:ElevatingHealthcareStandardsand EstablishingTrustinGenericMedications
Foundedin2015inHyderabad,India,ConvergeBiotechis abrandedformulationcompanywithamissiontoimprove thelivesofpatients.Thecompanyfocusesonproviding high-qualityandaffordablegenericmedications,primarily targetingchroniccaresegments.
ThemissionofConvergeBiotechisclear—toenhancethe livesofpatientsbyofferingaccessibleandeffectivegeneric medicineswhilefosteringtrustwithhealthcareproviders andinstitutions.Thecompanydistinguishesitselfwithkey features:
1.DiversifiedPortfolio:ConvergeBiotechboastsa diversifiedrangeofbrandsacrossvariouschroniccare segments,includingcardiovascular,diabetes,neurology, andrespiratory
2.QualityCommitment:Adheringtostrictinternational manufacturingstandards,thecompanymaintainsarobust qualitycontrolsystem.
3.AffordableMedicines:Recognizingthechallengeof healthcareaccessinIndia,ConvergeBiotechaimstomake high-qualitymedicinesaffordableforpatients.
4.FocusonInnovation:Whileprimarilyknownfor generics,ConvergeBiotechinvestsinresearchand developmentforinnovativedosageformsandpackaging solutions.
5.InternationalPresence:Expandingitsreachbeyond India,ConvergeBiotechhasenteredinternationalmarkets, particularlyinLatinAmericaandAfrica.
ConvergeBiotechoperatesonthreecoreprinciplesthat guideitsmissionandstrategy,ultimatelytransforminglives:
●FocusonUnmetMedicalNeeds:Differentiatingby delvingdeepintomedicalknowledge,ConvergeBiotech identifiessignificantunmetneedslackingapprovedproducts.
●StrongMechanisticIP:Leveragingaprofound mechanisticunderstandingofdiseases,thecompany identifiesoptimaltargets,products,andclinicalendpoints.
●LaserFocusonSmartClinicalTrials:Bringinga thoughtfulandcreativeapproachtoclinicaldevelopment, ConvergeBiotechemphasizestherightpatientpool, meaningfulendpoints,andcost-effectivetrialdesigns.
1.ConvergeCriticalCare:Adedicatedbusinessvertical combattinglife-threateninginfectionswithuniqueantiinfectivesandsupportivecareproducts,reachingmajor institutionsandcorporatehospitalsacrossthecountry
2.ConvergeMetabolics:Pavingthewayinchroniccare segmentssuchasDiabetes,Hypertension,andWeight Management,offeringinnovativesolutionsformanaging comorbidconditions.
3.ConvergeSpecialty:Focusedoninnovativedrugdosage formsandadministrationroutes,particularlyinNephroand UroCare,providingcomprehensivetreatmentsolutionsfor patients.
Theworldofhealthcareisevolvingrapidly,and
mobilehealth(mHealth)appshaveemergedas powerfultoolsthatarerevolutionizinghowwe approachhealthcare.Withtheincreasingadoptionof smartphonesandtechnologicaladvancements,mHealth appsarereshapingthehealthcarelandscapeand empoweringindividualstotakecontroloftheirwellbeing.Fromfitnessandnutritiontoremotepatient monitoringandmentalhealthsupport,theseappsare enhancingaccessibility,improvingpatientoutcomes,and transforminghowwemanageourhealth.Inthisblog,we willexplorethetop10mHealthappsthatsignificantly impactthehealthcareindustryandourday-to-daylives.
●Type:Coaching&trackingphysicalfitness
●Availability:Android&iOS
Itwon'tbeanysurprisetoknowthatGoogleFitis numberoneonthelistofmHealthapps.GoogleFitisa fitnesstrackingandcoachingplatformwhoseprimary purposeistohelpindividualsleadhealthierlivesby monitoringtheirphysicalactivitiesandproviding valuableinsights.GoogleFitintegratesseamlesslywith variouswearabledevices.Additionally,itoffers personalizedgoal-settingandfitnessplansthatyoucan followaccordingtoyourlifestyle.
●Type:ResearchandQuality
●Availability:Android&iOS
ThePreventionTaskForceappis medicalsoftwarethatallows primarycareclinicianstofindthe bestresourcesfortheirpatient's individualrequirementseasily. Healthcarepractitionerscanquickly accessaplethoraofscreening, counseling,andmedicationoptions byjustenteringpatientinformation. Healthcareworkersandinstitutions canrequestaccesstotheapp'srobust API,whichallowsthemto incorporateitsfeaturesintotheir existingsystems.
●Type:Chronicdisease management
●Availability:Android&iOS
BlueStarDiabetesstandsasthe foremostrecommendationfrom physiciansworldwide,servingasthe ultimatesolutionforeffective diabetesmanagementthat encompasseseveryaspectofthe treatmentprocess.BlueStarDiabetes empowersyoutotakechargeof yourhealth,suchasbymaintaining andtrackingyourfitnessactivities, measuringbloodglucoselevels,and findingtherighttreatments.

4.AURA
●Type:Remotemonitoring
●Availability:Android&iOS
AURAenablespatientstoperform bloodpressuremeasurementsontheir ownwhileeasilytransferringcrucial datatotheirhealthcarepractitioners. Tomeetthedifferentdemandsof peoplewithhealthissuessuchaspoor eyesight,hearingimpairment,limited vision,motorrestrictions,and difficultiesconcentrating,the developerscreatedabeautifuland user-friendlyinterface.Userscan easilyconveycriticalinformationto theirtrustedhealthcareprovidersby scanningtheQRcode.
5.
●Type:Healthyliving
●Availability:Android&iOS
ShopWellrevolutionizesthewayyou eat,enablingyoutoalignyourhealthy foodchoiceswithyouruniquelifestyle andaspirations.Theappmeticulously analyzestheinformation,generatinga
tailoredselectionofrecipesand recommendationsthatperfectlysuit yourneeds.Whetheryouareglutenfree,pregnant,dealingwithanemia, highcholesterol,ormanagingdiabetes, theapphasallthedietplansforyou. Allyouneedtodoisenteryourdetails, andyou'llgetacustomizedplanasper yourcondition.
●Type:Mentalhealth
●Availability:Android&iOS
Calmisrecognizedasoneofthetop10 mHealthappsandholdsaprominent positionasanundisputedleaderand laureateofmultipleawardsinsleep andmeditationapplications.Itisthe bestoptionforbothnewcomersand seasonedpractitionerslookingto reducestressandanxiety.Calm providesanall-encompassingplatform withplentyoffeaturesandavibrant community.Calmisdividedintotwo sections:sleepandmindfulness. Meanwhile,themindfulnessareais brimmingwithresources,including stressandanxietyreductionstrategies,
attentionenhancementpractices,and muchmore.
7.Talkspace
●Type:Mentalhealth
●Availability:Android&iOS
TheydesignedTalkspaceintending toconnectindividualsinneedof mentalhealthprofessionalswiththe righttherapists.ThroughTalkspace, patientscangetconnectedwiththeir chosentherapist.Itprovidesawide rangeoftherapeuticservices, includingindividualandcouple therapy,teentherapy,helpfor veteransandtheLGBTQ+ community,aswellaspsychiatric diagnosis.Furthermore,Talkspace caterstobusinessesbyofferinga specializedplanthataimstoreduce anxietyandstresswhileenhancing productivity
8.WebMD
●Type:Symptomchecking
●Availability:Android&iOS
WebMDoffersacomprehensive rangeoffeaturesthatextendfar beyondasymptomchecker,although thisremainsitscentralservice.By enteringessentialpersonal information,yougainaccessto valuableresources.However,the benefitsofWebMDextendwell beyonditscorefunction.WebMD distinguishesitselfbyofferinga comprehensivesuiteof functionalitiesthatcatertothe diverseneedsofitsusers,ensuringa trulyenrichingandempowering healthcareexperience.
9.PEPID
●Type:Clinicalanddiagnostic
●Availability:Android&iOS
PEPIDrevolutionizesthe diagnosticprocessforparamedics andemergencyroomphysicians, enablingfasterandmoreaccurate patientassessments.PEPID empowershealthcare professionalstoswiftlyaccess vitalinformation.Byinputting symptoms,usersunlock diversifiedinformationsuchas comprehensiveinsightson potentialconditions,treatment options,apillidentificationtool, drugallergyassessments,an interactionchecker,and instructivevideosshowcasing medicalproceduresand examinations.
●Type:Clinicaldecisionsupport ●Availability:Android&iOS
UpToDatestandsastheultimateapp forhealthcarepractitioners, providingthemwithcomprehensive knowledgebasedonsymptoms, conditions,treatmentplans,drug interactions,priormedicalhistory, andallergies.Inaddition,users receivetimelyalertsconcerning essentialnewsandhavethefreedom toselectspecifictopicsofinterest forexclusivenotifications.Withthis UpToDate,concludesourlistofthe top10mHealthapps.
Webelievethisarticleonthe top10mHealthappshas providedyouwithvaluable insightsintotheinnovative worldofmobilehealthand howtheseappsare revolutionizinghealthcare. Byexploringthefeaturesand benefitsoftheseapps,you cantakecontrolofyour healthandwell-beingwith justafewtapsonyour smartphone.Stayinformed andempoweredbyregularly visitingourblog,wherewe continuetobringyouthe latestinformationonawide rangeoftopics.

AsthehelmofBionetAsia,PhamHongThaiassumes amultifacetedrole,overseeingthecompany’s strategicdirection,operations,andcollaborationswith researchinstitutionsandpartners.Hisleadershiphas beeninstrumentalinsteeringBionetAsiatonew heights,evidentinthedevelopmentofBoostrix®,the world’sfirstlicensedrecombinantpertussisvaccine. Furthermore,hespearheadedthecompany’s expansionintovaccinesforemerginginfectious diseases,notablycontributingtothefightagainst COVID-19.
BeyondBionetAsia,PhamHongThai’scontributions havegarneredrecognitioninthebiotechindustryin Thailandandthebroaderregion.Hisinsightsintothe company’sfutureplansandhisbeliefinThailand’s potentialasaresearchandclinicaltrialshubwere sharedinaninterviewwithPharmaBoardroom, underlininghisroleasathoughtleaderintheindustry
BionetAsia:ShapingtheFutureofVaccine Development
Establishedin2003,BionetAsiastandsasa prominentFranco-Thaibiotechnologycompany headquarteredinBangkok,Thailand.Withavaccine manufacturingplantinAyutthaya,thecompanyisat theforefrontofdiscovering,developing,and supplyinglife-savingvaccines.
BionetAsia’svisionisambitious—tobealeading vaccinecompanythatsharesbiotechinnovationand collaboratesgloballytoenableaccesstolife-saving vaccines.Aligningwiththisvisionisthecompany’s
mission:toimproveglobalhealthandprotectlivesthroughthe developmentofinnovativeandaccessiblevaccines.
●FocusAreas
1.PertussisVaccines:AtthecoreofBionetAsia’sexpertiselies pertussisvaccinedevelopment.Thecompanyisglobally recognizedforitsrecombinantpertussistoxin(PTgen) technology,offeringasaferandmoreeffectivealternativeto traditionalwhole-cellvaccines.
2.EmergingInfectiousDiseases: Acknowledgingthethreat posedbyemergingandpandemicdiseases,BionetAsiaactively engagesinresearchanddevelopmentfordiseaseslikeCOVID19,dengue,andchikungunya.Thiscommitmentreflectsthe company’sdedicationtoaddressingglobalhealthchallenges.
3.TechnologyPartnerships:BionetAsiaembracescutting-edge technologyplatformslikeDNAandmRNAthrough collaborationswithleadingresearchinstitutionsanduniversities worldwide.Thisstrategicfocusontechnologypartnerships positionsthecompanyattheforefrontofbiotechinnovation.
PhamHongThai’sleadershipatBionetAsianotonly underscoresthecompany’spresentsuccessbutalsoshapesits futuretrajectory Withaclearvision,amissionthatemphasizes accessibilityandinnovation,andastrategicfocusonemerging infectiousdiseases,BionetAsiaispoisedtobeakeyplayerin theglobalhealthcarelandscape.UnderThai’sguidance,the companycontinuestopioneerbiotechinnovation,contributingto theimprovementofglobalhealthandtheprotectionoflives.As BionetAsiaadvancesinitsendeavors,theimpactofPhamHong Thai’sleadershipreverberates,settingnewbenchmarksfor biotechexcellenceinthepursuitofaccessibleandinnovative vaccines.


Inthedynamicrealmofbiotechnology,PhamHongThai,CEOandCo-
founderofBionetAsiaCo.Ltd.,emergesasavisionaryleaderwitha richbackgroundthatincludesastrategicmarketingpositionatChiron VaccinesinItaly(nowGSKItaly).However,itishisroleatBionetAsiathat showcaseshisstrategicacumenandprofoundimpactonthebiotechlandscape.
Venkat’sjourneybeganwithafoundationin MechanicalEngineeringfromtheMotilalNehru NationalInstituteofTechnology,followedbyan MBAfromIndia.Hisacademicprowesslaidthe groundworkforadynamiccareerthatsawhim assumeleadershiprolesatprestigiouscompanies, eachcontributingtohismultifacetedexpertise.
Venkat’sImpactfulRolesandStrategic StewardshipAcrossIndustries
Throughouthisillustriouscareer,Venkatheld leadershippositionsatnotablecompaniessuchas VyomeTherapeuticsInc.,VyomeBiosciences, EmamiLtd.,AurobindoPharma,Shantha Biotechnics,andCavinKare.AstheCo-Founder andCEOofVyomeBiosciencessince2011and VyomeTherapeuticsInc.since2017,heplayeda pivotalroleinpropellingtheinnovativebiotech companytowardtheforefrontofdrugdevelopment.
HistenureatEmamiasCEOandexecutive Directormarkedatransformativeperiodwherehe increasedthemarketcapfrom$200milliontoan impressive$1.5Billion.Thisstrategicvision demonstratedhisabilitytonavigatetheconsumer goodslandscapewithfinesse.Subsequentrolesat AurobindoPharma,ShanthaBiotechnics,and CavinKareshowcasedVenkat'sdiverseleadership style,resultinginsignificantrevenuegrowthand successfulbusinessdirection.
Drug
Vyome’sUnique PipelineunderVenkat'sLeadership
Venkat’sroleatVyomeTherapeuticsexemplifies hiscommitmenttoinnovation-drivenbiotech. Underhisleadership,thecompanyisdevotedto developingnoveldrugsforimmuno-inflammatory indications.Since2011,Vyomehasmade significantstrides,raisingsubstantialfundstofuel itsgrowthandpositioningitselfasafrontrunnerin theindustry.
Transitioningseamlesslyfromconsumergoodsto theintricaciesofglobalbusiness,Venkathas broughthisstrategicforesighttotheforefront.His uniqueapproachtoscaling,fundraising,and internationalexpansionhasshapedVyome Therapeuticsintoadynamicplayerinthelife sciencessector.
VyomeTherapeuticsoperateswiththreecoreprinciplesthat guideitsmissionandstrategy:
1.FocusonUnmetMedicalNeeds:Vyomedifferentiatesitself bydelvingdeepintomedicalknowledgetoidentifysignificant unmetneedslackingapprovedproducts.Onlythoseneedswith clearclinicalpathwaysfordevelopmentareselected.
2.StrongMechanisticIP:Leveragingaprofoundmechanistic understandingofdiseases,Vyomeidentifiesoptimaltargets, products,andclinicalendpoints.Thisrobustunderstanding allowsthecompanytoestablishnewIPs,withover75patents grantedorpending.
3.LaserFocusonSmartClinicalTrials:Vyomebringsa thoughtfulandcreativeapproachtoclinicaldevelopment, emphasizingtherightpatientpool,meaningfulendpoints,and cost-effectivetrialdesigns.
VyomeTherapeuticsislaser-focusedonunmetmedicalneeds, addressingthemwithnoveltherapeuticproductsthatregulatethe immuno-inflammationresponse.Thecompany'skeyfocusareas include:
●MalignantFungatingWound:Tacklingacriticalmedical needwithinnovativesolutions.
●Steroid-IncompatibleUveitis:Developingtherapeuticsfora challengingcondition.
●Drug-ResistantAcne:Pioneeringsolutionsforacne unresponsivetotraditionaltreatments.
FutureofHealthcare:Vyome'sImpactandVenkat's Vision
UnderVenkatNelabhotla'sleadership,VyomeTherapeutics standsasabeaconofinnovationinthebiomedicallandscape. Thecompany'scommitmenttoaddressingunmetmedicalneeds, coupledwithstrategicprinciplesandkeyfocusareas,positionsit attheforefrontoftransformativehealthcaresolutions.
VenkatNelabhotla'svisionaryleadershiphasnotonlyshapedhis remarkablecareerbuthasalsosteeredVyomeTherapeutics towardgroundbreakingadvancementsindrugdevelopment.As thecompanycontinuestoinnovateandaddresscriticalmedical needs,theimpactofVenkat'sstrategicvisionissettoredefinethe futureofhealthcare.

VenkatNelabhotla(CEOandCo-founder,ofVyomeTherapeutics Inc.),anentrepreneurandseasonedSeniorExecutivewithoverthree decadesofsuccess,hasleftanindeliblemarkonthepharmaceutical, biotech,andconsumerproductindustries.Hisstrategicacumenandleadership havebeenpivotalinguidingcompaniestowardgrowth,expansion,andglobal marketpenetration.






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