MEDEZE Group Public Company Limited (SET: MEDEZE) is poised to benefit from the Ministry of Public Health’s initiative to promote the development of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and stem cell therapies. This effort aims to enhance treatment quality and boost the bioeconomy. The company is currently in preliminary talks with government agencies on establishing five designated “Sandboxes,” anticipated to be located in Bangkok and Phuket.
Dr. Weerapol Khemarangsan, CEO of MEDEZE, shared that on February 19, 2025, the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with four leading medical faculties, signed a declaration to develop ATMPs. These products utilize gene, stem cell, or tissue technologies and have the potential to treat genetic disorders and currently incurable diseases.
The global ATMPs market was valued at $22.8 billion in 2024, with treatment costs ranging from THB 3 to 30 million per session. Thailand aims for its citizens to access standardized ATMPs by 2025 and to have at least two domestic ATMPs in 2026, alongside opening five research and service centers. This initiative is expected to generate an economic value of THB 1.5 billion annually.
Dr. Weerapol noted that while MEDEZE’s products may initially be unfamiliar to many, their listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and business expansion raised public awareness of the need for high-tech medical solutions.
MEDEZE is in early discussions with relevant government agencies about launching the five “Sandboxes,” although specific locations remain tentative. According to available information, there will be one “Sandbox” location in Bangkok and one in Phuket, with details still requiring government confirmation.
Government support for private sector involvement is seen as a positive step, given the significant investment required in research and development for advanced medical products. Public-private collaboration is expected to expedite development processes efficiently.
Thailand currently needs tangible outcomes in medical treatment. Global reports indicate that advanced medical technology can significantly improve treatment quality, and Thailand should have its own research and innovations to establish standards, Dr. Weerapol emphasized.
He further expressed confidence that government-private cooperation will ultimately benefit the nation, stating that the “Sandbox” should be inclusive, setting clear standards and protocols. Currently, Thailand lacks clear directives or guidelines, reminiscent of the early days of ISO implementation, when protocol writing and criteria setting were new challenges.
The “Sandbox” is envisioned as a knowledge hub to help develop medical product indications. Dr. Weerapol aims for all parties to benefit mutually from these developments, contributing to technological advancements in health, aligning with MEDEZE’s biotechnology leadership.
MEDEZE is also exploring innovative solutions, such as reducing the health risks associated with hair dye chemicals by researching Cell Nutrition, potentially revitalizing pigment-producing cells in hair. If successful, this could decrease the need for frequent hair dyeing, aligning with MEDEZE’s goal to lead health technology development.
Legally, ATMPs are currently restricted to specialized medical institutions due to their high-risk nature, precluding their use in general hospitals. Gene editing-related diseases have a low societal incidence rate of about 0.01%.
Dr. Weerapol anticipates that, within four to five years, higher-standard technology and products will meet broader public demand. By the next two years, revenues from prevalent conditions like osteoarthritis and degenerative liver disease are expected to be substantial. MEDEZE targets a 25-30% revenue increase in 2025 and plans to expand into ASEAN markets.
MEDEZE works tirelessly to innovate for the nation, striving to be an organization that Thai people are proud of, offering good returns to investors. With recognized development paths approved by the government, the company is believed to be on the right track. MEDEZE proudly leads as the first biotech company on the stock exchange and aims to become one of Asia’s largest firms, the company is confident in its growth potential and market leadership, Dr. Weerapol concluded.
