Waters Corporation has formed a collaboration with BioInfra, a contract research organization (CRO) for the pharmaceutical and clinical fields, to jointly establish the ASEAN Academy for Bioanalysis. The academy is dedicated to providing scientists with the hands-on knowledge required to design and perform a variety of bioanalytical methods, which are vital throughout every stage of drug discovery and development.

“There is a growing need for CROs, pharmaceutical companies and regulators in the region to have access to the bioanalysis training needed to conduct drug equivalence tests for the approval of generic drugs,” said David Curtin, vice president of Asia Pacific, Waters. “Our vision is that the training provided at the ASEAN Academy will help grow generic drug manufacturing in the region, and in turn, help provide lower cost prescription drug options for the people of Southeast Asia.”

Located at the BioInfra headquarters in Seoul, the ASEAN Academy for Bioanalysis will offer hands-on training using the latest analytical instruments and software from Waters. Trainees will focus on the bioanalytical aspect of bioequivalence trials to ensure they are conducted according to the applicable principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

Bioanalytical methods used today require samples to be well-characterized, fully validated, and documented to yield reliable results that can be satisfactorily interpreted. These skills will help enhance the regional scientific competitiveness and the quality of pharmaceutical research and testing needed to meet the region’s growing demands for access to clinical trials and generic drugs, which are fueled by rising elderly populations facing acute and chronic illnesses.

Sang Deuk Lee, CEO of BioInfra, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Waters Corporation on the establishment of the ASEAN Academy for Bioanalysis. By providing the scientific community of Southeast Asia with a much-needed resource for bioanalytical training, we are further supporting BioInfra’s mission to create a healthy future for all people, regardless of their age or economic status.”