In 2023, Singapore approved 138 clinical trials, showcasing its position as a key hub in the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong focus on innovation, world-class research infrastructure, and efficient regulatory pathways, the country continues to attract global sponsors across diverse therapeutic areas, particularly in oncology and precision medicine.

Thailand is rapidly emerging as a key player in the global clinical trial landscape, with the market expected to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2027. The country’s strategic location in Southeast Asia provides access to a diverse patient population, essential for robust clinical research. As of the latest available data, Thailand has conducted a significant number of clinical trials, with the country hosting over 1,200 clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, with a steady increase in new trials being initiated each year. The country aims to enhance health equity through universal coverage and bolster Thai health technology and innovation. Thailand is also concentrating on developing high-quality products, particularly in advancing oncology treatments and biotechnology.

Malaysia is gaining momentum as a clinical trial hub, with 276 sponsored clinical studies recorded—a 24% year-on-year increase. Notably, Phase II and III trials dominate the landscape, reflecting a growing focus on late-stage drug development. This growth is fueled by efficient regulatory frameworks, a centralized ethics approval system, and strong government support, making Malaysia a cost-effective destination with a diverse patient population and expanding focus on oncology and metabolic disorders.

Between January 2018 and November 2023, clinical trials in Indonesia—both multi-country and single-country—have been distributed across all phases, with a significant focus on later-phase trials, particularly Phase IV.

The Philippines is steadily emerging as a regional player in clinical research. Supported by efficient ethics approval systems and government initiatives such as the establishment of “Pharma Ecozones,” the country aims to enhance R&D, local drug manufacturing, and innovation capacity. Key therapeutic areas include oncology, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders, with trials increasingly focused on late-stage development. While local drug discovery remains limited, the government’s pharma roadmap targets stronger self-sufficiency and local innovation by 2030.

Vietnam is rapidly positioning itself as a hub for biologics and vaccine production in Southeast Asia, fueled by strong foreign partnerships and technology transfer agreements. Sanofi and VNVC recently launched a vaccine manufacturing facility in Long An, expected to produce up to 100 million doses annually, while VNVC’s collaboration with Russia’s Medsintez will enable local production of biologics such as insulin, recombinant albumin, and semaglutide. With increasing participation in global studies and a supportive government framework, Vietnam continues to strengthen its presence in the regional biopharma and clinical trials landscape.