Could ASEAN Become Next Priority For Korean Pharma Firms?

Challenging But There Are Opportunities

Southeast Asia has so far not been a priority market for South Korean pharma firms, largely because of challenges such as access and affordability for patients. But a Deloitte executive suggested at a recent seminar that technology-based medicines, for example using next-generation formulation technologies, could be an initial focus for Korean firms looking to enter the rapidly growing ASEAN grouping.

Yongho Yi, LSHC Insight Lead, Deloitte
Tech-based meds a Promising Initial Option for korean firms in SE Asia? • Source: KIMCo

Southeast Asia, as represented by the 10-country ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) grouping, has a combined population of nearly 700 million and a rapidly growing combined pharma market similar in size to South Korea - but for multiple reasons the area has so far been a low priority for firms from that country now looking to globalize.

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