BANGKOK, Thailand – Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) is investing 327 million baht to support the expansion of Ramathibodi Hospital’s clinical trial facilities, helping Thailand attract more international pharmaceutical research and develop into a regional clinical trial hub.
The investment comes amid growing concerns over the economic impact of obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Clinical Professor Dr. Arthit Angkanont, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital at Mahidol University, said the combined burden could cost Thailand as much as 850 billion baht, equivalent to more than 5% of GDP, by 2060 if left inadequately addressed.
He said 45% of Thai adults are currently overweight or living with obesity, while at least 6.1 million people have diabetes. In 2019, obesity and metabolic diseases had already caused estimated economic losses exceeding 220 billion baht, or more than 1.2% of GDP. The impact extends beyond healthcare costs to labour productivity and the wider economy.
Ramathibodi Hospital has signed a memorandum of understanding with Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) to expand research and development and strengthen the country’s capacity to host international clinical trials.
Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will provide a total of 327 million baht in research and development support during 2023–2025. The investment is expected to generate approximately 345 million baht in economic activity and support nearly 470 skilled jobs.
Jihan Serdar Kizilcik, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand), said the company is focusing on innovation in diabetes and obesity, while expanding research into rare diseases and cardiovascular conditions associated with other illnesses.
The company aims to double the speed of medicine development, halve the time required to initiate research and work towards obtaining marketing approval within five years of the first administration of a medicine to humans. Artificial intelligence will also be applied throughout the development process.
Dr. Arthit said Thailand has the potential to become a regional clinical trial center, supported by its medical workforce, research infrastructure and large patient population. The country’s ageing population and the prevalence of NCDs also provide opportunities to recruit diverse groups of participants for clinical studies.
Ramathibodi Hospital currently serves more than 2.5 million patients annually, around half of whom have NCDs. To accommodate expanding research activities, the hospital has increased its clinical trial facility from 139 to 705 square metres.
A new clinical trial service branch is also planned at Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute in the first quarter of 2027. The hospital intends to connect medical databases across eight medical schools before expanding its research network to regional hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health.
The partnership also aims to improve patient access to innovative medicines through a Patient Access Program, giving eligible patients within the research network opportunities to access medicines still under development before they enter the regular market, potentially at more affordable prices.
The collaboration builds on existing ties between Thailand and Denmark, extending cooperation into public-private healthcare research and medical innovation. Dr. Arthit said the long-term direction of pharmaceutical development should focus not only on treating complications but also on disease prevention and helping people live healthier, longer lives. (Story, Photo: Prachchat Business)
