Malaysia owns an internationally recognised healthcare system. Their pharmaceutical companies have grown significantly in the past decades, positioning themselves as key players in the Southeast Asian Healthcare Market. This industry includes both global firms and local pharmaceutical companies in Malaysia. They are all huge contributors to the improvement of public health through the manufacturing, importation, and distribution of medicine, vaccines and health supplements. These companies help the government to ensure access to quality medicines by supporting their healthcare goals. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in Malaysia.
Importance & Function of Pharmaceutical Companies in Malaysia
- Provide essential medicines to treat various illnesses
- Support the national healthcare system and public health
- Contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth
- Ensure drug safety, quality control, and regulation compliance
- Promote local manufacturing and reduce imports
- Create job opportunities in life sciences
- Invest in pharmaceutical research and innovation
- Support the global supply chain and exports
These are some of the most important functions of pharmaceutical companies in Malaysia and how they positively impact the country’s medicine industry.
Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in Malaysia
1- Duopharma Biotech Berhad
Founded in 1978, Duopharma is a prominent pharmaceutical company in Malaysia that has developed into a reputable brand that serves both the public and private healthcare sectors. It is known for producing high-quality generic drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and health supplements.
- It supplies generic, affordable medicines that support national healthcare cost reduction.
- Approved under the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines.
- Invests in biosimilars and halal-certified pharmaceuticals.
- Actively supports the Ministry of Health initiatives.
- Focuses on innovation and sustainability in healthcare solutions.
- Plays a vital role in improving accessibility to essential medicines in Malaysia.
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2- Pharmaniaga Berhad
This is a government-connected pharmaceutical company in Malaysia that plays a crucial role in supplying medicines and healthcare products nationwide. Pharmaniaga controls and supports the public healthcare system through its wide-ranging services.
- Provides end-to-end services: manufacturing, R&D and distribution
- Key distributor of the COVID-19 vaccine
- Enhances local drug manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports
- One of the Ministry of Health’s main suppliers
This company aims to strengthen healthcare access, especially in public hospitals and rural areas.
3- Hovid Berhad
Hovid Berhad is a Malaysian pharmaceutical company that is best known for its research-driven approach and wide range of generic drugs and health supplements. This plays a significant role in both local and international marketplaces.
- Focuses on medication formulations with high bioavailability to enhance patient outcomes.
- Exports to up to 50 countries are boosting Malaysia’s medical reputation.
- Produces affordable medicine
- Complies with international quality standards and GMP certifications
- Strong emphasis on Research & Development
It has access to innovative and affordable healthcare solutions locally and internationally.
4- Apex Healthcare Bera
This holding company invests in a group of businesses focused on creating, producing, promoting, and distributing pharmaceutical and medical products.
- Produces a wide range of prescriptions and OTC medicines
- Engages with export markets throughout Southeast Asia
- Offers contracts for manufacturing services to regional partners
5- CCM pharmaceuticals
This is a well-established pharmaceutical company and is a subsidiary of Duopharma Biotech. It plays a key role in producing affordable, high-quality medicine and health products for local & regional markets.
- Specialises in drugs, personal care and health supplements.
- Adheres to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
- A pioneer in halal-certified pharmaceuticals, meeting all the religious compliance requirements.
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6- Sterling Drug
Sterling Drug is a pharmaceutical company which is well known for its production and supply of essential medicines.
- Focuses on affordability and the public healthcare sector
- Supplies to hospitals, clinics and pharmacies
- Helps to improve drug accessibility in underserved areas.
- Committed to strict quality and regulatory compliance
7- Kotra Pharma
Kotra Pharma is one of the pharmaceutical companies in Malaysia, which is known for its brand Appeton, which specialises in paediatric products and health supplements.
- Strong brand presence with vitamins and nutritional products.
- Exports to 30 countries, including Asia and the Middle East
- Focuses on child and adult health improvement solutions.
- Supports Health Awareness Campaigns
8- Nova Laboratories
Nova is a Malaysian pharmaceutical firm that specialises in research and development as well as the manufacture of unique nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical products. This is one of the top pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Malaysia, and still growing.
- Offers a wide range of functional health supplements
- Adheres to strict GMP and ISO quality standards
- Emphasises evidence formulations backed by clinical data
- Active in product development and health education initiatives
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9- Bioalpha Holding Berhad
Bioalpha is a home-grown pharmaceutical that focuses on producing and manufacturing herbal & functional food-based healthcare products.
- Specialises in traditional herbal medicine and supplements
- GMP and Halal-certified
- Participates in ongoing research into natural health products
- Supplies to pharmacies, hospitals, and government sectors.
10- Dynapharm
Dynapharm is involved in the development, production, and marketing of traditional and health products in Malaysia and abroad.
- Produces over 250 pharmaceutical and health-related products
- Exports to more than 20 countries, such as Southeast Asia and Africa
- Offers both modern and traditional medicine solutions
- GMP-certified facilities and strong quality assurance protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How does Malaysia regulate their pharmaceutical industry?
Medication safety, quality control, and registration are governed by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
2) Are there jobs in the pharmaceutical industry of Malaysia?
Yes, there are jobs in public healthcare support and government-led healthcare programmes.
3) Is halal certification important for Malaysia?
Yes, the medicine in Malaysia must be halal certified as the majority are Muslims, and it is an export to Muslim countries.
Conclusion
One of the top pharmaceutical firms in the Middle East and South Asia is based in Malaysia. These pharmaceutical companies in Malaysia made a huge contribution to the country’s healthcare system. These top 10 pharmaceutical companies in Malaysia put all their efforts into manufacturing, distributing and innovating healthcare products. This ensures improved access, affordability, and quality care for the population. This helps to enhance healthcare delivery but also contributes to economic development and national resilience of the country.