DUOPHARMA BIOTECH BERHAD

DUOPHARMA BIOTECH BERHAD stands as one of Malaysia’s leading pharmaceutical companies — a healthcare institution that has played a significant role in expanding access to affordable medicine through science, manufacturing, and innovation.

With origins tracing back to 1978 and formal incorporation in 2000, the Group evolved from a modest pharmaceutical trading operation into a publicly listed pharmaceutical and biotechnology company serving both domestic and regional healthcare markets. Over decades of growth, Duopharma strengthened its position within Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem through generic medicine production, consumer healthcare brands, halal pharmaceutical leadership, and expansion into biosimilar technologies.

Today, the Group operates as an integrated pharmaceutical company combining manufacturing, research and development, commercialisation, and healthcare distribution capabilities. Its products support hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and consumers nationwide while contributing to Malaysia’s broader pharmaceutical and biotechnology ambitions.

Founder:

Cheah Ting Poh

Ang Bee Lian

Current Leadership:

Group CEO: Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid

The leadership continues guiding the Group with a vision focused on strengthening pharmaceutical innovation, expanding affordable healthcare access, and positioning Malaysia as a competitive force within pharmaceutical and halal healthcare industries.

Some pharmaceutical giants are built in laboratories — Duopharma began as a small trading business.

In the late 1970s, pharmacist husband-and-wife team Cheah Ting Poh and Ang Bee Lian started the business with modest capital of approximately RM30,000. At the time, Malaysia remained heavily dependent on imported medicines, and access to affordable pharmaceutical products was still limited for many healthcare providers and patients.

Initially, the founders focused on importing and supplying medicines to hospitals, clinics, and medical practitioners. Through direct interaction with healthcare providers, they developed a deeper understanding of the growing demand for reliable and affordable pharmaceutical solutions within Malaysia’s expanding healthcare system.

But beyond trading, they recognised a larger opportunity — local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Rather than relying solely on imported medicines, the founders envisioned building domestic capabilities capable of producing quality generic pharmaceuticals at more affordable prices.

This strategic transition marked a defining turning point in the company’s history. From a trading business, Duopharma gradually evolved into a pharmaceutical manufacturer, investing in production facilities, research capabilities, quality assurance systems, and healthcare distribution infrastructure.

As Malaysia’s healthcare sector modernised and public demand for accessible healthcare increased, the company expanded its product portfolio, manufacturing capacity, and research operations. Over time, Duopharma became increasingly recognised not only for generic medicines, but also for consumer healthcare products, halal-certified pharmaceuticals, and biosimilar innovations.

A major milestone emerged through its demerger from Chemical Company of Malaysia in 2017 and subsequent rebranding into Duopharma Biotech — signalling a stronger focus on biotechnology, advanced healthcare solutions, and future-oriented pharmaceutical development.

From a small trading operation founded on belief and perseverance to a major healthcare contributor, the company’s journey reflected a deeper truth — healthcare accessibility begins with those willing to build sustainable systems capable of delivering medicine at scale.

Core Activities:

• Manufacturing of generic and halal pharmaceutical products

• Research and development of medicines and biosimilars

• Distribution and commercialisation of healthcare products

• Consumer healthcare and wellness product development

The company focuses on delivering affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions through integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, commercialisation, and distribution capabilities. Through its combination of generic medicine production, biotechnology initiatives, and consumer healthcare brands, Duopharma positions itself as a comprehensive healthcare solutions provider within Malaysia and regional markets.

Notable Offerings Include:

• Generic medicines such as Omesec and Prelica

• Consumer healthcare brands including CHAMPS®, FLAVETTES®, and UPHAMOL

• Halal-certified pharmaceutical products

• Biosimilar and biotechnology healthcare solutions

These offerings position Duopharma as a key pharmaceutical and healthcare player supporting both institutional healthcare systems and consumer wellness markets.

1978 – Establishment of Duopharma (M) Sdn. Bhd.

2000 – Incorporation of DUOPHARMA BIOTECH BERHAD

2000s – Expansion into pharmaceutical manufacturing and research & development

2017 – Demerger from Chemical Company of Malaysia Berhad

2019 – Rebranding as Duopharma Biotech

2020s – Expansion into biosimilars, biotechnology, and halal pharmaceutical innovation

DUOPHARMA BIOTECH BERHAD contributed significantly to Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem by improving access to affordable generic medicines and strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.

The company played an important role in reducing dependence on imported medicines while supporting the growth of Malaysia’s pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and healthcare accessibility. Its investments in halal-certified pharmaceuticals and biosimilar technologies also positioned Malaysia more prominently within specialised healthcare and biotechnology segments.

Through decades of manufacturing, research, and healthcare product development, Duopharma further strengthened the nation’s pharmaceutical infrastructure while supporting hospitals, healthcare professionals, and consumers nationwide.

Today, DUOPHARMA BIOTECH BERHAD stands as a pillar of accessible healthcare — a testament to how science, perseverance, and long-term vision can transform medicine into a force for national wellbeing and progress.

From its beginnings as a small pharmaceutical trading business to its emergence as a biotechnology and healthcare manufacturing group, the company’s journey mirrors Malaysia’s broader healthcare evolution itself. Its continued growth demonstrates that within healthcare, true impact is measured not only by innovation, but by the ability to make quality treatment accessible to the communities who need it most.