"One Stem Cell Equals Medicine" — Ministry of Public Health, Vachira Phuket Hospital, and MEDEZE Group Join Forces to Advance the ATMPs Sandbox, Paving the Way for the Future of Advanced Thai Medicine
Bangkok – The Ministry of Public Health, through the Office of the Permanent Secretary and Vachira Phuket Hospital, in collaboration with Medeze Group Public Company Limited, has launched the Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products Sandbox (ATMPs Sandbox) project. The initiative aims to advance innovation in cutting-edge medical products for precision preventive medicine. The program will initially focus on three prevalent disease groups in Thailand: degenerative disc disease, dermatological and anti-aging conditions, and colorectal cancer.
Dr. Piya Sirilak, Inspector General of the Ministry of Public Health for Health Region 11, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, announced that the Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products Sandbox (ATMPs Sandbox) initiative aims to establish a prototype system for the production and application of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) that meet international standards and can be effectively integrated into Thailand’s public health system. The goal is to increase access to modern, effective treatments at reasonable costs, reducing reliance on imported medical innovations.
The project committee has selected Medeze Group Public Company Limited (MEDEZE) as the sole private-sector partner for this pilot program, based on the company's outstanding readiness and alignment with national development goals. It is a significant milestone to have a Thai company of international standards take part in this collaborative effort.
“The ATMPs Sandbox marks the beginning of a medical innovation ecosystem under the concept: ‘Thai Doctors Advancing, Thai People Accessing.’ This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s strategic direction to build the country’s capabilities in developing and manufacturing advanced medical products. Beyond treatment, the initiative focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, and precise control through the principles of precision medicine. It lays a foundation for the sustainable enhancement of Thailand’s healthcare system,” Dr. Piya stated.
He further emphasized that MEDEZE was selected due to its high standards and strong potential to support the government’s vision of positioning Thailand as a regional medical wellness hub. The ATMPs Sandbox is also expected to pave the way for the registration of these therapies as official medicinal products, enabling wide access to Thai-made treatments for the Thai population.
Under this initiative, Vachira Phuket Hospital will serve as the “pilot healthcare facility” for conducting research, trials, and medical services. The project involves close collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and highly capable private-sector partners.
Dr. Weerasak Lorthongkham, Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, discussed the hospital’s role, stating that it will serve as the central site for evaluating, applying, and delivering ATMPs developed under the Sandbox. The hospital is equipped with expert medical personnel and will work alongside MEDEZE’s state-of-the-art laboratory and leading medical universities for concurrent research and clinical trials.
The initial phase of the ATMPs Sandbox will focus on three major disease groups that present significant health challenges for the Thai population:
- Degenerative Disc Disease – Utilizing autologous adipose-derived stem cells to regenerate tissue and reduce disc degeneration, offering relief from chronic back pain without the need for surgery.
- Dermatological and Anti-Aging Conditions – Applying adipose-derived stem cells for deep skin regeneration, wrinkle reduction, and overall skin rejuvenation.
- Colorectal Cancer – Developing targeted immunotherapy using natural killer (NK) cells to enhance survival outcomes.
“MEDEZE is the only private-sector company selected to participate in the ATMPs Sandbox, having passed rigorous evaluation by the project committee. This gives us full confidence that the initiative will play a pivotal role in advancing the future of high-level medical care in Thailand,” Dr. Piya added.
Dr. Veerapol Khemarangsan, Chief Executive Officer of MEDEZE Group Public Company Limited, expressed the company’s commitment to driving this national initiative. He stated that MEDEZE is fully equipped in terms of advanced technologies, research capabilities, and production facilities for ATMPs. With a certified laboratory and specialized personnel in biopharmaceutical sciences, the company views the Sandbox as a crucial step toward officially registering its products for use in medical institutions across the country.
“MEDEZE will be responsible for the development and supply of ATMPs, including cell therapies and other advanced medical technologies. We will also support personnel and operational expenses throughout the three-year duration of the project,” Dr. Veerapol affirmed.
The initiative is scheduled to run for three years, encompassing at least six research studies supported by MEDEZE’s advanced innovations. The goal is to transition from pilot trials to widespread application in both public and private healthcare systems. Ultimately, this will enable the Thai people to access cutting-edge medical technologies at affordable prices—made in Thailand, without the need for foreign imports.
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