In the vibrant landscape of Southeast Asia, remarkable strides are being made in the generic drug industry. Forefront companies like Vietnam Pharmaceutical Corporation (DVN VN), Pharmaniaga Bhd (PHARMA MK), and PT Kalbe Farma Tbk (KLBF IJ) are plotting ambitious growth strategies, fueled by substantial capital inflows.
DVN, listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, recently raised VND 1,500 billion ($65.6 million USD). This funding will not only facilitate significant facility upgrades and bolster DVN’s manufacturing capabilities but also propel research and development. The goal is to deliver more innovative, cost-effective generic drugs to patients in need, addressing Vietnam’s healthcare challenges 1 .
Across the South China Sea in Malaysia, Pharmaniaga Bhd, recently raised RM44.55 million ($10.75 million USD) through a private placement. The capital raised will be used to meet Pharmaniaga’s working capital requirements, including obligations to suppliers and trade creditors. This supports Pharmaniaga’s mission to provide affordable, quality generic medicines to the Malaysian market 2 .
Over in Indonesia, PT Kalbe Farma is thriving amidst global macroeconomic uncertainties. Despite these pressures, the company maintains a strong liquidity position and reported a 16.6% increase in net sales in Q1 2022. With a targeted net sales growth of 11%-15% for 2022 and a capital expenditure budget of Rp 1.0 trillion, Kalbe Farma is set to expand its production and distribution capacity. The goal is to make their affordable generic drugs more accessible across Indonesia and maintain growth 3 .
These remarkable companies highlight the potential of Southeast Asia’s generic drug industry. Their strategic growth plans and capital raises underscore the sector’s dynamism and commitment to affordable healthcare. However, it’s crucial to carry out individual due diligence before investing, as the information represents a snapshot in time—accurate as of June 2023—and the landscape of the generic drug industry continues to evolve.