| Halal Health |
SEPTEMBER , 2022 | THE HEALTH
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Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) for its range of supplements .
Duopharma Biotech achieved another key milestone , in early 2017 , as the first pharmaceutical manufacturer to attain Halal Malaysia certification for prescription medicines .
The company currently offers over 100 halal-certified over-the-counter ( OTC ) medicines such as painkillers or analgesics , eye drops , cough mixtures , ointments for wounds / cuts / bruises , and creams for rash / itchiness , and many more . Its offerings are available in over 30 countries .
In 2008 , the company organised the first Halal Pharmaceuticals knowledge-sharing seminar for its suppliers and stakeholders .
The company ’ s Halal and Government Relations Department also organises awareness and training sessions annually to keep employees updated on Malaysia ’ s halal ecosystem and especially on progress in the development of halal pharmaceuticals .
A well-recognised thought leader
In addition , Duopharma Biotech is also active in its Halal Pharmapreneur programme , which aims to provide better opportunities for entrepreneurs in the halal space . The company also invested in Naluri for its digital health wellness , SCM LifeScience for regenerative medicines as well as in AZT for neurodegenerative therapies .
The Halal Committee , established in 2018 , provides stewardship to the company ’ s Halal Pharmaceutical Agenda ( HPA ). It also comprises initiatives throughout the company ’ s business value chain ranging from thought leadership , strengthening resources and capabilities , leading halal certification , R & D , and expanding market segment .
It ’ s duty includes providing an independent review of the effectiveness
and efficiency of the Group ’ s halal initiatives and recommending the relevant interventions that enable the Group to strengthen its position as the halal pharmaceutical industry ’ s thought and market leader .
It continues strengthening its halal pharmaceutical thought leadership by participating in key platforms .
In 2021 , Duopharma Biotech was involved in two separate sessions at the World Halal Business Conference ( WHBC 2021 ) Webinar hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry ( MITI ) and organised by HDC .
The company is dedicated to growing its presence in the halal pharmaceutical space in Malaysia and worldwide . It remains committed to leading the way for the halal pharmaceutical industry in Malaysia , regionally and globally .
It actively participates in various committees and task forces to develop sound halal governance and economy .
It collaborates closely with several halal regulatory organisations such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ), HDC , and the Department of Standards Malaysia . It was also part of the Technical Committee that developed the world ’ s first halal standard , MS 2424 Halal Pharmaceuticals – General requirements ( First revision ).
Achievements and wide recognition
The company ’ s active involvement and achievements in halal and sustainable pharmaceuticals are widely recognised in the industry .
Duopharma Biotech has earned several awards over the years for its halal pharmaceutical initiatives and development , including ;
• Halal Journal Award for Best Corporate Responsibility at the World Halal Forum ( 2009 );
• Malaysia Excellence Award for Best Halal Product at International Tourism and Halal Week 2009 ;
• Halal Recognition Award at the World Halal Research Summit 2011 ;
• Halal Excellence Award at the World Halal Conference 2015 ;
• Global Islamic Economy Award under Food & Health Category at Global Islamic Economy Summit 2015 ;
• Halal Healthcare Excellence Award at the World Halal Excellence Award 2021 ; and
• Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Awards Halal Pharmaceutical Company of the Year ( 2017 , 2018 and 2019 ). The company has also been recognised for its sustainability commitment and practices . It was selected overall winner at the Sustainable Business Awards Malaysia ( SBA ) 2020 / 21 under the Large Organisation Category , identifying it as Malaysia ’ s leading organisation for sustainability practices .
Duopharma Biotech took home five trophies in the categories of “ Business Ethics & Responsibility ”, “ Stakeholder Management ”, and “ UN Sustainable Development Goals ”, as well as receiving the Significant Achievement award in the “ Water Management ” and “ Waste Productivity & Materiality ” categories .
The company ’ s shares have an added attraction among investors as they have been listed on Bursa Malaysia ’ s FTSE4GOOD Index since June 2020 and awarded the Prime Minister ’ s Hibiscus Award for Notable Achievement in its environmental performance . – The Health
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Duopharma Biotech ’ s ESG focus areas are distributed across the three pillars of Environment , Social and Governance ; Climate Performance , Sustainable Supply Chain , Access to Medicine , Diversity & Inclusion and Governance .
The company aims to reduce emissions and environmental impact and improve the sustainability of the manufacturing process and materials . Duopharma has maintained and improved its ability to provide consumers and patients with access to medicines and therapies .
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At the same time , it has strengthened team diversity to promote more inclusive perspectives and a refined management system and corporate culture .
For the environment pillar within the ESG strategy , the company targets Climate Performance as a key focus area , aiming to reduce and minimise activities contributing to an adverse climate impact .
Duopharma Biotech aspires to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2030 , Net- Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 and replace 50 per cent of single use plastics
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with biodegradable plastics within its operations by 2026 with an emphasis on new technology and digitalisation to reduce emissions more efficiently .
It also recently signed a Collaboration Agreement with a US-based food tech company The Live Green Co , to explore the use of plant ingredients and technology to replace animal , synthetic and ultra-processed ingredients to meet consumer demand for more sustainable wellness foods and pharmaceuticals . Manufacturing optimisation is part of Duopharma ’ s Biotech ’ s ESG initiative . The decision to replace
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existing ingredients with plant alternatives is essential in realising its Climate Performance goal of reducing greenhouse gases throughout its supply chain .
The collaboration will involve ; the development of plant-based pharmaceutical products by substituting animal-based or synthetic ingredients ; and speciality product development through R & D collaboration to create a new range of plant-only functional foods catering for the unmet need of patients with special dietary requirements .
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