Thailand Partners with Sandoz to Boost Local Biosimilar Drug Production
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has signed an MOU with Sandoz to localize the production of biosimilar drugs, aiming to reduce import reliance and enhance national pharmaceutical security.
On October 14, 2026, the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) announced a strategic partnership with the Swiss pharmaceutical company Sandoz to establish local production of biosimilar medications. According to Khaosod Online, the agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by MOPH officials, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), and Sandoz representatives, including Swiss Ambassador Pedro Zwahlen.
The initiative is valued at approximately 3 billion baht and is designed to strengthen Thailand’s pharmaceutical self-sufficiency. Minister of Public Health Phatthana Phromphat emphasized that the project aims to ensure that high-quality, effective, and affordable medications are accessible to the public, while reducing the country's dependence on international supply chains—a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
For residents and long-term visitors, this development signifies a potential long-term improvement in the availability and affordability of specialized treatments within the Thai healthcare system. By fostering local manufacturing capabilities, the government hopes to stabilize the supply of essential medicines. While the MOU marks a significant policy commitment, specific timelines for the commencement of local production and the full list of biosimilar drugs to be manufactured remain to be confirmed as the project moves into its implementation phase.
