Australian biotechnology capability promoted at BioJapan 2010

22 Nov 2010

Six Australian companies from the biotechnology sector were showcased in Japan at the Australian Life Science Lunch Seminar during BioJapan 2010 in Yokohama.

Japan accounts for more than 63 per cent of the Asia-Pacific biotechnology market. The seminar was a platform to present Australian products and technologies to Japanese pharmaceutical industry representatives. It also promoted Australia as a major biotech hub in the Asia-Pacific for business alliances and investment in the life science sector.

Representing the area of drug discovery and development were the companies Bionomics, Implicit Bioscience and Vaxine. Nucleus Network and CPR Pharma Services represented clinical research and Proscribe promoted medical writing.

Austrade’s Tokyo-based Senior Trade Commissioner, Elizabeth Masamune said, “Medical and Healthcare is the largest segment of the biotechnology market in Japan, accounting for 40 per cent of the market's total value.

“The Japanese biotechnology market grew by more than six per cent in 2009 to reach a value of $33.7 billion, and is forecast to have a value of $51.5 billion in 2014,” Ms Masamune said.

“The Australian Life Science Lunch seminar presented companies with key therapeutic areas in high demand in Japan, or technologies that have wider applications across the key areas.

“Australia is also strong in the clinical trials services area, and Japan has not yet taken full advantage of this. It was the perfect opportunity for Australia to put its strengths on show.

“The seminar initiative underpins intensive activity by Austrade to promote in-licensing and collaborative research and development opportunities among Japan’s leading pharmaceutical companies,” she said.

Participants also had the opportunity to network with potential business partners, use an online company partnering system to meet other business people, and interact with some of the 15,000 BioJapan visitors at the dedicated Australia pavilion.

*Market value figures courtesy of Datamonitor.