26 April 2015 | News | By BioSpectrum Bureau
Medtech giants form APAC association
APACMed will engage in key areas such as the regulatory environment
Singapore: Medical technology giants in Singapore including Johnson & Johnson, Medtronics, GE Healthcare and BD have joined hands to form a medical technology industry platform, Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association (APACMed), to foster growth, innovation and policy development in medtech sector across Asia.
Member companies include Abbott, Baxter, B Braun, BD (Becton Dickinson and Company), Boston Scientific, Cardinal Health, GE Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Philips, Siemens, Stryker, and Zimmer.
"Our aim is to represent the diverse group of innovative medical technology companies and industry associations in the Asia Pacific region," said Mr Vladimir Makatsaria, chairman, APACMed. "This is the first time we have combined our efforts to drive access, innovation, and collaboration in order to benefit patients in Asia Pacific. We welcome medical technology companies and associations with a similar vision to join us."
APACMed will engage in key areas such as the regulatory environment, ethical business standards and compliance, and will help the industry promote innovation and talent development in the region. In addition, it will strive for sustainable development of products and services to address the unmet healthcare needs of the region.
"With the dynamic healthcare landscape, greater collaboration is needed to solve mutual healthcare challenges in innovative ways," said Mr James Lim Leong Ching, board member and president, greater Asia, BD.
APACMed has appointed Mr Fredrik Nyberg, chief executive officer of the Association, to work with the industry and its partners to demonstrate the value of innovation in medical technology, promote regulatory harmonization, encourage sustainability, and establish a voluntary code of ethics. "I'm delighted to join APACMed as CEO," said Fredrik Nyberg.
Mr Kevin Lai, executive director, Biomedical Sciences and Consumer Businesses, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) said, "Many leading medical device companies have established their regional headquarters as well as innovation centers in Singapore. We welcome the establishment of APACMed in Singapore and we believe it will strengthen the medical device industry's efforts in driving innovation and talent development to better address the healthcare needs in region."
From December 9-11, APACMed will host the first Asia Pacific Medical Technology Forum in Singapore.