Sartorius's Eirik Pettersen on Healthcare & Research Advancements in Asia Pacific

In an engaging conversation with #Biztech Asia. Eirik Pettersen, the head of Lab Product Solutions for the Asia Pacific region at Sartorius, sheds light on the driving forces behind this industry expansion and highlights the company’s initiatives and partnerships in the region.

Key highlights include :

Overview of Products and Services:

Sartorius, an international pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment supplier, offers a wide range of solutions for the research, development, manufacturing, and quality control of pharmaceutical products. While the company has a long history of serving the pharmaceutical industry, recent years have seen a surge in biopharmaceuticals, cell therapy, and other innovative solutions, presenting new opportunities and challenges.

Singapore as a Research Hub:

Singapore has emerged as a prominent hub for life sciences and biopharma research in Southeast Asia. The country’s large population, increasing wealth, and growing knowledge base have contributed to its rise as a preferred destination for research and innovation. Eirik explains that Singapore acts as a meeting point where talent, ideas, and research from various Southeast Asian nations converge. The country’s universities play a crucial role in nurturing talent and disseminating research findings to neighboring countries.

Collaboration and Tailored Research:

Sartorius recognizes the diversity of research needs across different countries in the region. Each nation’s specific demographic demands shape the research focus. For instance, Vietnam has a strong emphasis on reproductive care, while Japan and Korea prioritize research related to aging populations. These localized needs lead to innovative solutions tailored to address specific healthcare challenges.

The Competition for Talent:

As the industry continues to grow, there is intense competition for talent among local and multinational companies. Sartorius actively seeks diverse talent from various nationalities, fostering a multicultural and collaborative work environment. The company believes that blending the experience of the West with the enthusiasm and tech-savviness of young researchers in Asia can lead to significant breakthroughs.

Industry-Academia Collaboration:

Collaboration between the industry and academia plays a crucial role in driving advancements. Sartorius actively partners with universities and research institutions in the Asia Pacific region. Peterson highlights that close to half of the company’s efforts are focused on supporting academic research, which often leads to solutions that benefit healthcare on a broader scale. This collaboration allows researchers to push the boundaries of science and experiment with Sartorius’ products, leading to breakthrough discoveries.

Future Developments and Optimism:

Sartorius is dedicated to continuous improvement and development across the entire healthcare spectrum. The company is investing in software solutions and big data to capture and utilize research data effectively. Exciting advancements are on the horizon, with the potential to cure diseases like HIV/AIDS. Peterson expresses an incredible amount of optimism about the future of healthcare, emphasizing the constant improvements and the positive impact they have on people’s lives.