Oncogen Pharma, Becoming the Largest and Fastest-Growing Pharmaceutical Company in ASEAN by 2025

Established in 2015, Oncogen Pharma (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of a UAE- based group Scitech International. Oncogen Pharma is a fully integrated research-based pharmaceutical company with a global outlook on cancer treatment. As one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in the country, Oncogen Pharma has established the most advanced research and development (R&D) facilities for developing oncology active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and formulations for regulated markets. Oncogen Pharma is also the first to pioneer a fully integrated USFDA standard infrastructure in the ASEAN region, offering a fully automated and high-potent manufacturing facility.

Driven by the mission to challenge the status quo by developing high barrier medicines to enhance the quality of life worldwide, Oncogen Pharma carries a unique portfolio of leading potent molecules for the treatment of various conditions in the niche field of oncology and immunomodulatory products. Oncogen Pharma established its footprint in ASEAN with its first API R&D centre which was completed in 2016, spreading across 40,000 sqft. In 2018, the company’s first containment R&D centre for oncology drugs was built as part of its ambition to be the first vertically integrated pharmaceutical company in Malaysia. This has contributed to promoting the worldwide export of prescription medicine, which in turn places Malaysia on the global map of pharmaceuticals.

Driven by the mission to challenge the status quo by developing high barrier medicines to enhance the quality of life worldwide, Oncogen Pharma carries a unique portfolio of leading potent molecules for the treatment of various conditions in the niche field of oncology and immunomodulatory products. Oncogen Pharma established its footprint in ASEAN with its first API R&D centre which was completed in 2016, spreading across 40,000 sqft. In 2018, the company’s first containment R&D centre for oncology drugs was built as part of its ambition to be the first vertically integrated pharmaceutical company in Malaysia. This has contributed to promoting the worldwide export of prescription medicine, which in turn places Malaysia on the global map of pharmaceuticals.

Strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia offers robust business connectivity as a getaway to regional markets of over 670 million people.

Thailand and Indonesia were two countries among which were shortlisted for the setting up of the company. However, Malaysia was selected upon considering the factors that outweigh the other two countries namely ease of operation, quality of infrastructure and availability of a diverse and skilled workforce. Being an active trading nation with multiple international trade agreements, Malaysia’s local authorities have been a strong support for Oncogen Pharma to build the company’s foundation and manufacturing plants – bringing innovative and advanced technology to the nation’s pharmaceutical industry.

With a vision to be the largest and fastest growing pharmaceutical company in Southeast Asia by 2025, competing in global markets, Oncogen Pharma is committed to the long-term support of economic growth for Malaysia by creating local job opportunities. From the beginning of the establishment back in 2015, the company has since expanded. It has employed more than 200 people today, including international scientists and medical experts to guide local scientists in conducting complex R&D operations. By 2030, Oncogen Pharma is projected to grow its workforce to 1,000 employees spreading across other ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Oncogen Pharma is committed to providing early access to affordable and high-quality medicine through continuous investments in R&D. In line with this, Oncogen Pharma focuses heavily on expanding its local manufacturing operations to significantly minimise the cost of import. Soon, Malaysia is expected to host ASEAN’s first fully automated, high containment finished dosage form (FDF) plant, as well as the first oncology API manufacturing facility that is expected to complete in 2021.

“We are proud of our achievements in a short span thus far, completing ASEAN’s first vertically integrated advanced R&D centre and commissioning of our Pilot & Commercial manufacturing facilities within 5 years. We are now ready to take off and start exports to key regulated markets such as USA and Europe. This is just the start of our journey and as we commercialise, we expect to continuously grow our product portfolio through our R&D investments and expand geographically, increasing the affordability of high-quality medicines to millions of cancer patients worldwide in the global fight against cancer. We are thankful to MIDA for their unconditional support in helping us with our passion to achieve this vision,” says Rahil Mahmood, CEO – Oncogen Pharma Malaysia.

Source: MIDA e-Newsletter July 2021