BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is pursuing agreements with major global pharmaceutical companies to attract investment in medical research, pharmaceutical production, and technology transfer, supporting Thailand’s development as a regional medical and manufacturing hub. Negotiations are underway with 10 companies as the government seeks to expand Thailand’s role beyond purchasing imported medicines to participating in their research and production.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisvivatana reported that discussions led by the Public Health Ministry cover clinical trials, manufacturing technology, domestic production of medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients, and workforce development. The Board of Investment is considering appropriate incentives, while the government is using its Offset Policy to seek investment and other domestic economic benefits linked to public procurement.
MSD is the first company to make concrete progress, with plans under discussion to expand clinical research in Thailand and to cooperate with the Government Pharmaceutical Organization on technology transfer and the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients for a new HIV medicine. A clinical research program for a new medicine could attract about 2 billion baht in investment and create around 1,000 jobs, while also opening more opportunities for qualified public hospitals to participate in pharmaceutical research. The government expects to sign a cooperation agreement with Sandoz within weeks, with additional pharmaceutical deals expected to follow. (NNT)
