The Ministry of Public Health, through its Office of the Permanent Secretary and Vachira Phuket Hospital, has partnered with Medeze Group Public Company Limited (SET: MEDEZE) to launch the “Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products Sandbox” (ATMPs Sandbox) project.
This initiative is aimed at developing cutting-edge advanced therapy medicinal products for personalized, deep-level treatment under the paradigm of Precision Preventive Medicine. The project will initially focus on three prevalent health conditions in Thailand: Degenerative Disc Disease, Dermatological and Anti-Aging Conditions, and Colorectal Cancer.
Aiming for International Standards and Widespread Access
Dr. Piya Sirilak, Inspector General for Health Region 11 and Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, revealed that the ATMPs Sandbox project is designed to build a prototype system for the production and application of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), meeting international standards and making them widely accessible within Thailand’s healthcare system. The goal is to provide access to state-of-the-art, effective treatments at affordable prices, reducing reliance on costly imports.
According to Dr. Piya, Medeze Group PCL was selected as the exclusive pioneering company for the project due to its exemplary capabilities that align with the nation’s development needs. He added that it is encouraging to see a Thai company with international standards contributing to this initiative.
“Medeze was chosen specifically for its high standards and alignment with government policy to transform Thailand into a “Medical Wellness Hub.” It is expected that successful products developed in this sandbox could be registered in the country and become Thai medicines for broad domestic use in the future,” said Dr. Piya.
Vachira Phuket Hospital as the Pilot Facility
The sandbox will use Vachira Phuket Hospital as the pilot healthcare facility for research, trials, and provision of advanced medical services, leveraging collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and ready private sector partners.
Dr. Veerasak Lorthongkham, Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, explained the hospital’s key role as the project’s pilot venue: “We will become a central hub in evaluating, integrating, and delivering advanced medical products developed under this sandbox. With our expert medical teams and Medeze’s high-standard labs, we will also partner with medical universities for ongoing research.”
Three Major Health Projects in Phuket Sandbox
The ATMPs Sandbox project will begin with development and trial application for three major diseases that represent significant public health challenges in Thailand:
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Utilizing cell therapy with autologous adipose-derived stem cells to regenerate tissue and reduce disc deterioration, this treatment targets chronic back pain without the need for surgery.
- Dermatological and Anti-Aging Conditions: Autologous adipose-derived stem cells will be used for in-depth skin cell regeneration, wrinkle reduction, and overall skin rejuvenation.
- Colorectal Cancer: Advanced immunotherapy, specifically using NK Cells (natural killer cells), will be developed to enhance survival rates among patients.
Dr. Piya stressed that Medeze Group is the sole private sector company chosen for the project, having passed rigorous evaluation by the program’s committee. “This reassures us that the ATMPs Sandbox will establish a sustainable future for Thailand’s advanced medical field.”
Medeze Group’s Commitment
Dr. Veerapol Khamarungsan, CEO of Medeze Group, highlighted the firm’s readiness to drive the project. Medeze is fully equipped with technology, research capabilities, and expertise in advanced biological pharmaceuticals. The company’s labs meet high international standards, supported by specialized personnel. The Sandbox is a critical step toward national drug registration, enabling all Thai healthcare providers to access and administer these innovations.
“Medeze will be responsible for supplying and developing all ATMPs, including cell therapies and other advanced medical technologies, and will support personnel and operational costs throughout the entire 10-year project period.”
Long-term Vision and Broad Impact
The project is scheduled to run over 10 years, with at least 20 research studies planned and supported by Medeze’s innovative technologies. There is a blueprint for transitioning from clinical trials to practical integration within both public and private hospital systems. Ultimately, the project aims to make advanced medical innovations accessible to Thai citizens at reasonable domestic prices—eliminating the need for import dependency.
Medeze’s CEO Insight
After the signing ceremony, Mr. Veerapol told Kaohoon International that following the success of clinical trials at the Phuket Sandbox, the company can register the drug with the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand, marking this a Thailand’s first developed drug in the modern era. Once registered, the drug can be commercialized worldwide.
The CEO pointed out Phuket has a large and well-equipped hospital with sub-specialty doctors, while also being the tourist destination in Thailand. This is in accordance with the Thai government to raise Phuket as a sandbox for everything.
Thailand is well-known for being a medical hub, ranking fourth in the world. As Thai tourism is showing signs of slowing down, Mr. Veerapol believes that medical tourism will boost the economy and generate revenue not only for the tourism sector, but all segments in the kingdom from major businesses to SMEs. Medeze’s future stem cell products that could rejuvenate lifestyle and health could attract people around the region to Thailand for ATMP treatment. This also includes Medeze’s Immunotherapy, a cancer treatment. Additionally, the other sandbox will be in Bangkok.
Following a series of paperwork procedures after the signing, Mr. Veerapol is expected to launch the Phuket Sandbox project in August or September this year. The initiative will be free of charge for Thai participants. The project is scheduled to conclude by March or April 2026.
After the final report is submitted and approved by the FDA, Medeze expects the drug to be officially registered by June, paving the way for the commercialization process to begin.
This agreement also opens the door for future projects to be considered and approved. Mr. Veerapol noted that Medeze will continue its research and propose new initiatives, as there are numerous diseases that could potentially be treated with stem cell therapy.
