Uzbekistan studies South Korea's experience in developing the biopharmaceutical industry

During his visit to the Republic of Korea, Alisher Temirov, Director of the Center for Pharmaceutical Product Safety of Uzbekistan, visited the production facilities of the pharmaceutical company Unimed in the Osong and Asan districts.

The delegation from Uzbekistan familiarized itself with the modern technologies used in drug manufacturing in South Korea, as well as with product quality assurance and safety control systems. The approach to integrating research and development activities with production processes was discussed.

At Unimed's production sites, participants were shown the processes of manufacturing biological preparations and medications, as well as the technological lines and main stages of production. Special attention was paid to practical quality control mechanisms, increasing production efficiency, and implementing advanced technologies.

The parties also reviewed the company's research and development activities. In particular, participants studied the laboratory infrastructure, procedures for developing new pharmaceutical products and improving existing medicines, as well as mechanisms for applying research results in production.

The dialogue covered prospects for further development of pharmaceutical cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea. Priority areas included expanding knowledge and technology exchange, improving specialists' qualifications, and implementing joint projects. Both sides paid close attention to ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) conducted a review of the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan's pharmaceutical industry. The delegation was led by Eduardo Benson.

The meeting took place with Abdullah Azizov, Director of the Agency for the Development of Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry. During the negotiations, the agency provided the ADB delegation with information on measures aimed at developing the country's pharmaceutical ecosystem, as well as promising projects and key areas of activity.

Particular attention was paid to improving the quality of medicines and strengthening the scientific and educational base of the industry. One of the central issues was the process of Uzbekistan's accession to the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).

The parties discussed preparations for accession, improving the inspection system in accordance with international standards, and opportunities for cooperation in this area. ADB representatives positively assessed the changes occurring in Uzbekistan's pharmaceutical sector and expressed readiness to participate in the implementation of future joint initiatives.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants emphasized the need for further expansion of cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of pharmaceuticals, as well as strengthening Uzbekistan's potential as a regional pharmaceutical center.

Work is underway at the Institute of Plant Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan to develop a new phytocomplex. It is planned that the basis of this complex will include extracts of basil, astragalus, and other plant species cultivated in the country.

The first samples obtained have already demonstrated antioxidant and antihypoxic properties. The project, titled 'Creation of Phytocomplexes Based on Extracts of Basil, Astragalus, and Related Plants,' is funded by the Agency for Innovative Development. The total cost of the project is over 1.4 billion soms, and its implementation is scheduled for the period from 2025 to 2027.

The research is supervised by Doctor of Biological Sciences Daniya Asilbekova. Scientists are studying various local varieties, including basil, kiyikut, arslonkulok, and different types of astragalus. Special attention is paid to the analysis of essential oils and other biologically active compounds using modern methods.

In the initial stage of work, the most promising plants were identified, and corresponding technological samples of extracts were created. Antioxidants are known for their ability to help cells defend against damage caused by free radicals, while antihypoxic qualities support cells under conditions of oxygen deficiency.

In the future, this development could potentially serve as a basis for producing goods for both the food and cosmetic industries, utilizing local raw materials. Currently, scientists continue their work, refining the composition of the extracts and confirming their activity. Previously, there was mention of the work of scientists at the Khorezm Branch of the Research Institute of Rice Cultivation on rice varieties resistant to drought and other adverse conditions.