DUE to numerous restrictions imposed by international health organisations and various countries’ governments to curb the spread of COVID-19, people’s mobility and productivity have been greatly affected.
It is an undeniable fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has paralysed many business sectors.
Nonetheless, it has been a hectic time for the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and wellness industry as the pandemic situation demands the sector to bring about their research, solutions, and innovations to the global stage faster than expected.
Diving in-depth on how companies in this industry have been pushing to evolve and stay afloat amid the situation, Isentia uncovered the relevant digital and social media analytics data across prominent Southeast Asia’s markets – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Based on their study, below are key highlights of Isentia’s studies toward the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and wellness industry landscape as the 2021 unfolds:
Vaccine remains top priority and centre of the conversation: Governments across Southeast Asia and the digital public have heightened their messaging on the COVID-19 vaccines priority as we open the doors of 2021.
The study also found a high volume of coverage on vaccines jointly developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, mainly regarding its 90% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 infections. In several markets, namely Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines, the conversations also covered the vaccination priority list.
Pfizer’s vaccine became trending in digital conversations: This is after the company announced its vaccine which is jointly developed with BioNTech to be 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in ongoing Phase 3 trials.
The announcement had triggered huge publications across six markets in Southeast Asia, making it a focal point in the brand’s position in the region. Four out of the six markets landed Pfizer in the top rank based on publication volume, namely Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Pharmaceutical companies collaborate to better treat patients: This is achieved by accelerating vaccine discovery and diminishing obstacles in research development, distribution, and licensing to mass-produce the vaccines.
For instance, Indonesian pharmaceutical distributor, Kalbe Farma, partnered with importer Amarox to adjust COVIFOR’s (Remdesivir) price while GlaxoSmithKline in the Philippines partnered with Vir Biotechnology to expand their COVID-19 antibody treatment experiment after the initial trial on a group of volunteers did not raise any safety concerns.
“As the Government increases efforts to boost healthcare in the country, the pharmaceutical industry is expected to see robust growth in the coming months,” Isentia Malaysia’s Associate Insights Director Ho Paik San commented.
“Positive COVID-19 vaccine developments in the industry are also expected to provide a beacon of hope to improve the business outlook for other industries.” – Jan 28, 2021
