"We will leverage our expertise and partnership with globally renowned biotech players such as PanGen to exploit opportunities upon expiry of patents for blockbuster drugs to create a momentum for our biosimilars expansion," said Encik Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, managing director, CCM Group.

The technology used in developing the EPO encompasses the usage of serum-free media for the culturing of mammalian cell lines as the animal-free and protein-free media formulations are less complex. Serum-based media, which utilizes animal proteins as feed to cultivate cell growth, is exposed to unwanted contamination in the production of biosimilars and consequently complicating potential Halal status.

Encik Amirul Feisal said the collaboration will indirectly assist in the development of the Malaysian biotech manufacturing industry through the transfer of a significant amount of technical knowhow from the Korean partner, create highly skilled job opportunities and enhance import substitution for this particular drug.

Encik Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar, chief exceutive officer, CCM Duopharma, said the company will aggressively leverage the experience gained from this maiden relationship with PanGen as a business model to facilitate the sharing of expertise and knowledge with major industry players to accelerate the division's drive into commercialization and distribution of biosimilars.