The Scientist Princess Successfully Leads Development of Thailand’s First Biosimilar for Cancer Treatment
Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the research, development, and production of a “trastuzumab” biosimilar used in cancer treatment. From upstream to downstream processes, this innovation was accomplished entirely by Thai researchers without relying on foreign technology transfer. It marks Thailand’s first biosimilar developed domestically for the benefit of the Thai people. The drug officially named “HERDARA” was granted registration license from the Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health, on May 20, 2025.
It is generally known that cancer remains the number one cause of death in Thailand and tends to increase while the medicines to treat the disease are expensive as they have to be imported.
With Her vision to address health issues of the Thai people, Her Royal Highness has tirelessly committed to Thailand’s medical and public health development. Recognizing people’s difficulties in having access to very expensive biologics efficient in treating diseases, especially cancer, Her Royal Highness has taken the initiative and laid the foundation to develop biologics domestically under the Project “Center for Biologics Research and Development”. Her Royal Highness directed researchers at the Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI) to brainstorm for the invention and development of biosimilars that meet international standards and ensure therapeutic efficacy. These efforts not only enhance national self-reliance in biologic medicines but also strengthen pharmaceutical security and significantly reduce the country’s economic loss.
As the President of the CRI, Her Royal Highness has relentlessly dedicated Herself to drug development. Her commitment to conduct R&D in biologics without the need for technology transfer has resulted in the creation of a sound scientific infrastructure. This will serve as a foundation to develop various new biologics in the future which will greatly benefit the country.
❖ Thailand’s first biosimilar by Thai researchers for the Thai people ❖
Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol announces the success in the development of the “trastuzumab” biosimilar used to treat breast cancer and other types of cancer. It is Thailand’s first biosimilar.
❖ High quality and affordable medicine for the people ❖
The successful acquisition of the drug registration license from the Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health, as a targeted cancer therapy, enables the Thai people to have easier access to the drug for cancer treatment as it is domestically produced. The success fulfills the intention of Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol, President of the CRI, to apply science and technology for the production of personnel in the field of development and production of biologics, aimed to elevate the quality of life of the Thai people and enable them to have access to high-quality and affordable medicine.
Office of Research
Chulabhorn Research Institute
May 25, 2025
Related Posts
Recent Posts
