- JAKIM issues Halal certification for treatment of anaemia associated with chronic renal failure
Kuala Lumpur, 3 June 2025 – Duopharma Biotech Berhad (“Duopharma Biotech” or “the Company”) achieved another milestone in Halal pharmaceuticals recently, when it received Halal Certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) for a biosimilar product used in the treatment of anaemia associated with chronic renal failure in adult haemodialysis and predialysis patients and paediatric patients on haemodialysis.
The product is currently supplied to both Government and private healthcare facilities in Malaysia. This milestone demonstrates Duopharma’s unwavering commitment and dedication to expanding its halal-certified treatment portfolio while prioritising sustainable pharmaceutical innovations.
Manufactured by Duopharma Biotech at its Klang plant, the product is the culmination of other milestones for the Company in regards to Biological products. In 2018, the Company installed Malaysia’s first biologic pre-filled syringe line to manufacture the biosimilar agent, while in 2014, the Company was the first Malaysian pharmaceutical company to embark on a Phase 3 clinical trial for an Epoetin Alfa biosimilar in collaboration with its South Korean partner, Pangen Biotech Inc.
“At Duopharma Biotech, we are committed to expanding Access to Medicine in line with our ESG commitment. As Malaysia’s leading Halal Pharmaceutical company, this new Halal certification milestone will further motivate our efforts to provide consumers and patients with access to medicines and therapies that are assured safe and effective, high in quality, hygienic and Halal from the start. By offering a comprehensive range of Halal-certified therapies, medications and products, we are able to enhance inclusivity in healthcare, offering patients choices for their healthcare needs,” said Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar, Group Managing Director of Duopharma Biotech Berhad.
Leonard Ariff highlighted the timeliness of the Halal certification, noting that the number of renal failure patients on dialysis in Malaysia has been trending upwards for the past 20 years. The country’s worryingly high incidence rate of kidney disease has led the Ministry of Health to project that more than 106,000 Malaysians could be on dialysis by 2040 if the rising rates of kidney failure do not change, with more than 10,000 new patients needing dialysis annually.
Duopharma Biotech’s initiatives in growing the Halal pharmaceuticals sector includes organising the Halal Pharmaceuticals Symposium since 2016, which gathers international experts, industry leaders and standards and regulatory agencies to advance the integration of Halal pharmaceuticals into the global healthcare system.
In 2022, Duopharma Biotech received Halal certification for an oncology product manufactured at its HAPI facility in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, formulated to treat postmenopausal women with both early and advanced breast cancer. The company also pioneered a comprehensive range of Halal-certified health supplements, including CHAMPS, Flavettes, Proviton, and Naturalle, produced in strict compliance with MS 1500:2009 standards. By adhering to the Malaysian Standard on Halal Pharmaceuticals (MS 2424:2019), Duopharma Biotech continues to set the benchmark for innovation and compliance in the pharmaceutical industry.