IN CONJUNCTION with the World Halal Business Conference ( WHBC ) 2021 , Halal Development Corporation ( HDC ) organised a webinar session titled ‘ Halal pharmaceutical ecosystem boosted after the pandemic ’, discussed the current landscape of the pharmaceutical sector and the future of the halal pharmaceutical industry , writes Fatihah Manaf . Hanisofian Alias , Chief Industry Development Officer of HDC , in his welcome remarks , said halal was a global phenomenon that was no longer associated with religion . He stated the halal label had become a symbol of good quality and wholesomeness .
“ I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the ongoing work of all halal pharmaceuticals with the sectoral working group , for being responsible for its robust growth in Malaysia , to further the development of the halal industry and foster the integrated halal ecosystem in the
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Dr A . Halim Basari
Hanisofian Alias
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region and the world .”
Brig Gen Dato ’ Dr A . Halim Basari , Inspector General of MAF Health Services and Chairman of Sectoral Working Group for National Halal Pharmaceuticals , thanked HDC in his special remarks for taking the lead and driving the pharmaceutical industry with the aim and mission to make Malaysia the global halal champion .
He said : “ The halal pharmaceuticals roadmap is the strategic direction to improve the national security , wellness and economic benefits for Malaysia .”
The webinar discussion featured three pharmaceutical players , Mohamed Iqbal Abdul Rahman , Shamie Zainal and Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid .
The session was moderated by Muhammad Lukmani Ibrahim , Subject Matter Expert on Halal Pharmaceuticals and Convener for TC16 / WG1 of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries ( SMIIC ).
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Current outlook of the pharmaceutical industry
Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid , Chief Operating Officer & Chief Commercial Officer of Duopharma Biotech Berhad , revealed that they had invested in a US-based biopharmaceutical company , AZTherapies Inc . ( AZT ).
The investment focuses on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer ’ s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis .
“ It is in Phase 3 of clinical trials on a treatment for Alzheimer ’ s . Neurodegenerative diseases are particularly challenging because of the blood-brain barrier , making it difficult for most molecules to reach their targets ,” said Wan Amir-Jeffery .
“ However , AZT is working on a unique multimodel combination treatment which , if successful , would represent a medical breakthrough .
“ We are eagerly awaiting results of their clinical trials , which are expected
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