BY INS Contributors

KUALA LUMPUR,Malaysia--Duopharma Biotech Berhad (“Duopharma Biotech” or “the Company”) is further strengthening COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Malaysia with the distribution of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine.

Earlier, Duopharma Biotech had entered into an agreement to import the vaccine from Beijing, China, covering a collaboration for the Malaysian market. Duopharma (M) Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Duopharma Biotech has been authorised by Sinopharm as the product registration holder and to engage in the sales and distribution of the vaccine.

In July 2021, the Ministry of Health’s Drug Control Authority (DCA) had approved the conditional registration of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for use in Malaysia. 

 
The vaccine is also included in the World Health Organization’s emergency use listing (EUL) and is approved for emergency use in over 65 countries including in various European Union countries, with more than 100 million doses supplied worldwide.

In addition, Sinopharm is among six brands of COVID-19 vaccines recognised by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, allowing Muslims who have been administered with the vaccine to perform haj or umrah in Mecca. The Sinopharm vaccine is currently indicated for use in individuals aged 18 to 59 years.

“We are glad that Malaysia has managed to achieve a very high level of vaccination among adults and is making good progress among adolescents.

The challenge in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic requires collaboration and coordination at all levels. Duopharma Biotech is committed to supporting the Government’s vaccination programme and augmenting the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, by expanding vaccine distribution channels to ensure full vaccine coverage in Malaysia,” said Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar, Group Managing Director of Duopharma Biotech.

Efficient administration process The first shipments of the Sinopharm vaccine arrived in Malaysia in batches in September 2021, and is now widely available at clinics and private hospitals nationwide. 
 
With a shelf life of 24 months, it is appropriate for longer term vaccination efforts. Additionally, the Sinopharm vaccine is a convenient single dose per vial of 0.5mL, which helps to prevent wastage and is easy for planning vaccine administration.

The vaccine’s cold chain storage is also straightforward and easy, at a standard conventional storage temperature of 2°C to 8°C.

Administration of the vaccine is fully integrated into the national immunisation system, where the vaccines are tracked based on the Vaccine Management System provided by the Ministry of Health, with real-time integration of both MyVAS and the MySejahtera app. 
 
Vaccinees receiving their first and second doses will immediately have these recorded on their MySejahtera accounts, and will also receive their digital certificate accordingly.

For vaccination of large groups, such as the workforce in manufacturing facilities, Duopharma Biotech, via collaboration with healthcare organisers, provides private vaccination services as well as mobile vaccine clinics, which is supported by a team of medical professionals, paramedics, site managers and an operations and administration team.

Healthcare providers interested to procure the Sinopharm vaccine or corporations wishing to arrange for vaccination may contact Duopharma Biotech’s Customer Service for enquiries via email at [email protected].

Duopharma Biotech Berhad Group (“Duopharma Biotech” or “the Company”) began with the establishment of Duopharma (M) Sendirian Berhad in 1978. 
 
Duopharma Biotech was incorporated in the year 2000 and is today, one of Malaysia’s leading pharmaceutical companies listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Berhad.  
 
Duopharma Biotech has core competencies in the pharmaceutical industry inclusive of Manufacturing, Research & Development and Commercialisation and Marketing of over 300 generic drugs - among others, Omesec and Prelica as well as its Consumer Healthcare (CHC) products such as CHAMPS®, FLAVETTES®, PROVITON® and Uphamol, which are well recognised and accepted by consumers in Malaysia, regionally and globally.

The Company has also diversified into the biosimilars space with technology and commercialisation collaborations with credible and strong international partners.
 
The Company’s headquarters is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Duopharma Biotech owns and operates three manufacturing plants that are based in Klang, Bangi and Glenmarie, Selangor.

Duopharma Biotech also has subsidiary companies in the Philippines and Singapore. A subsidiary of Duopharma Biotech Berhad has a representative office in Jakarta, Indonesia.