When working on a landmark study that identified the target of thalidomide teratogen, a key factor in congenital disabilities, Hideki Ando made a startling discovery. By controlling the growth of zebrafish pectoral fins—similar to human upper limbs—with targeted drugs and protein applications, he provided compelling evidence that delivering compounds directly to specific regions is the definitive way to decode drug effects on the organism. The insight inspired Ando to establish Sky Pharma and lead the next wave of medical advancement in drug discovery and regenerative medicine. At the crossroads of developmental engineering and drug discovery, Sky Pharma is changing the rules of therapeutic innovation with its pioneering Zebrafish Fate Map Injection Technology (Z-FIT)—a revolutionary screening platform that enables researchers to observe molecular influence in unprecedented detail. “Our Z-FIT technology provides a high-resolution window into biological development, allowing precise mapping of molecular influence and restructuring how we discover and refine life-saving treatments,” says Ando. He also adds, “Embryonic morphogenesis and adult regeneration often share common stem cell activation mechanisms during their processes. In other words, by screening drugs that promote tissue proliferation during embryonic development, we can identify common drug targets for regenerative medicine.” But why use a Zebrafish? While mice and rats are common choices for studying human diseases, they come with limitations—high costs, slow reproduction and ethical concerns. Zebrafish, on the other hand, offer a powerful alternative. Their transparent embryos allow real-time observation of drug effects at a cellular level and their rapid development accelerates research timelines. Phenotypic screening is also highly effective for finding new drug candidates against unknown targets. In particular, zebrafish share 82 percent of their disease targets with humans, and more than 10 types of new small-molecule drug candidates that were effective in zebrafish are currently in clinical trials. This makes zebrafish an invaluable model for researchers to quickly identify compounds and pinpoint effective treatments more precisely in actual biological conditions.
Next-Generation Sequencing
The field of single-cell transcriptomics is growing rapidly, driven by the need to understand cellular heterogeneity better. As it expands, researchers are increasingly challenged by the complexity of the technologies and data involved. One of the most critical and often overlooked challenges is tissue dissociation. Unlike bulk RNA-seq, which provides an averaged gene expression profile across thousands of cells, scRNA-seq requires a precise, customized approach at every step. Different tissues, species and models, such as organoids, make applying a one-size-fits-all isolation protocol impossible. In addition, many researchers lack a background in computational biology or coding, which limits their ability to extract insight from complex data. ROKIT Genomics addresses these challenges by stepping into the researcher’s shoes. Drawing on published methods and pilot studies, the team identifies the most effective strategies to ensure optimal tissue dissociation, even in the most intricate biological systems. Its flexible multiplexing strategies, (including antibody-, probe-, and non-labeling-based methods) allow multiple samples to be processed simultaneously with a single reagent set, significantly improving cost-efficiency and throughput. Supporting a wide range of platforms, including 10x Genomics, BD Rhapsody and MobiDrop, it adapts to the unique needs of every project. As a designated reference lab for BD Biosciences, the team is also among the first to deploy and validate emerging applications, ensuring clients benefit from the latest advancements in the field. Its support often extends to project design, troubleshooting and manuscript preparation. The pre-analysis consultation ensures that clients receive the most relevant results..
Life Science Testing And Compliance
Seoul Clinical Laboratories (SCL) has been advancing in clinical diagnostics for over four decades and more recently through AI-driven prediction test service and digital pathology systems. These technologies are transforming how healthcare professionals detect and diagnose diseases, improving accuracy and speed. By enhancing workflows and providing deeper insights, SCL empowers clinicians to make faster, more confident decisions. Through its focus on advanced technologies, SCL ensures that medical professionals are equipped with the tools to provide better patient care. SCL’s commitment to technological progress is exemplified by its AI-based prediction test service, the first of its kind among reference laboratories in South Korea. It leverages AI to estimate the risk of urinary tract infections based on urinalysis results. By providing healthcare professionals with predictive data, SCL enables quick, accurate diagnoses, ultimately reducing the time patients spend waiting for treatment. The integration of AI into diagnostic processes marks a significant leap forward, and SCL is actively developing further applications of AI, including rapid diagnostic tools powered by large language models and computer vision. These innovations are paving the way for a new era of clinical diagnostics that is faster, more accurate and more accessible. “At SCL, we believe in pushing the boundaries of technology to empower clinicians with the tools they need to diagnose confidently and precisely,” says Kyoung-Ryul Lee, MD, PhD. Another significant milestone of SCL is its collaboration with Philips to establish the first digital pathology system among reference laboratories in South Korea. This enhances diagnostic accuracy by structuring and standardizing pathologic diagnoses. By digitizing pathology workflows, it reduces the workload and streamlines the storage and retrieval of slides, improving access to past data and enabling more effective clinical decision-making. SCL’s digital pathology system lays the foundation for further transformative developments in AI-powered pathology and big data research in medical diagnostics. Commitment to Quality Beyond technological innovation, SCL stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality and regulatory compliance. The company made history in South Korea by receiving accreditation from the College of American Pathologists, a distinction that underscores its dedication to maintaining the highest standards in clinical testing. In 2021, SCL also achieved ISO 15189 accreditation, affirming its adherence to internationally recognized standards for medical laboratories. These are just the beginning of SCL’s pursuit of excellence. In 2023, the company became the first clinical testing institution in Asia to receive the A2LA ISO 20387 certification for biobanks. This prestigious certification enhances SCL’s capabilities in supporting scientific and clinical research with high-quality biospecimens, ensuring that its storage processes meet global standards for accuracy and reliability..
Drug Discovery and Development
Unlocking the Future of Precision Medicine and Beyond
TJ Bing, Partner, SVP, Head of Biology, ICE Bioscience Inc
Therapeutics
Evolving Digital Biomarkers in Clinical Trial Space
Kazuto Yamada, Senior Director, Head of Clinical Development Planning and Supervising Five R&D Functions, Otsuka Pharmaceutical
Drug Discovery and Development
Clinical Trials Landscape in APAC and Its Unique Characteristics and Opportunities
Marcia Matos, APAC Clinical Operations Hub Director, SERVIER
Drug Discovery and Development
The simple things in life are still the best, even in clinical development
Ken Lee, General Manager and Region Head, Clinical Development, Asia Pacific, Syneos Health
Drug Discovery and Development
Emerging Diagnostic Technologies in Healthcare
Winny Xie, Molecular Predictive & Diagnostic Lab Head, PT Prodia Widyahusada Tbk
IN MY OPINION
Drug Discovery and Development
Medical Affairs Takes Centre Stage
Dr. Sarah Tregenza, PhD, BSc (Hons), APAC Oncology Medical Affairs Director, Pierre Fabre
LAST WORD
Cell and Gene Therapy
A Call To Action For Rare Diseases
Jeff Sherman, Chief Medical Officer, Horizon
IN FOCUS
The Growing Ecosystem of Single-Cell Sequencing Services in Asia-Pacific
Single-cell sequencing (SCS) has fundamentally reshaped biological research, shifting from bulk tissue analysis to high-resolution interrogation of individual cellular states.
EDITORIAL
Innovating Healthcare for a Resilient Future
Technology is central to this evolution. Automation and high-throughput platforms are increasing lab efficiency and precision, while AI is reshaping trial design and enabling real-time responsiveness based on patient data. Decentralized models are making it easier to include diverse patient populations, even in remote or underrepresented areas. Regulatory review is also evolving, with digital tools reducing administrative complexity and improving review turnaround times. With these systems working in concert across the development pipeline, therapies are advancing with fewer barriers, reduced costs and stronger potential for clinical success.
This edition of Life Sciences Review APAC explores how cutting-edge innovation, regulatory evolution and collaborative ecosystems are ushering in a new era of healthcare and clinical development. It features insights from Kazuto Yamada, Senior Director, head of clinical development planning and supervising five R&D functions at Otsuka Pharmaceutical co., Ltd. He emphasizes that digital biomarkers can transform clinical trials, especially for CNS disorders, but require thorough validation to gain regulatory approval. Dr. Sarah Tregenza, PhD, BSc(Hons), APAC oncology medical affairs director at Pierre Fabre Group, highlights that strong partnerships and innovative strategies are key to overcoming supply chain challenges and ensuring reliable delivery to QSR customers.
Along with insights from industry experts, the magazine also features Sky Pharma, a pioneering biotech company transforming drug discovery and regenerative medicine through Z-FIT, its zebrafish-based screening platform that identifies and validates small-molecule therapeutics with real-world clinical potential.
We hope this edition, featuring the Top Regenerative Medicine Development Company in APAC 2025, Top Single Cell Sequencing Service in APAC 2025, Top Clinical Testing Service in APAC 2025 offers insights into how innovation and strategic execution are building resilient, future-ready systems across the life sciences and healthcare supply chains.


