Royal Initiative Advances Medical Research For National Security
Thailand's Chulabhorn Research Institute has developed a biosimilar breast cancer drug that received FDA approval in 2025, advancing the nation's capabilities in biopharmaceutical research and public health innovation.
The Chulabhorn Research Institute, chaired by Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, remains committed to advancing Thailand's medical science and public health. Recognizing that national development requires knowledge-based innovation and skilled personnel, the Institute has pursued comprehensive research since 1987 to improve public health and strengthen the nation's foundation.
Research efforts span natural products and Thai medicinal herbs, organic chemical synthesis, and biopharmaceutical development. Monoclonal antibodies represent a major focus, offering new hope for treating serious conditions including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections—both current and emerging threats.
The Institute has established a complete biopharmaceutical development ecosystem encompassing research laboratories, production facilities, an internationally-standard animal testing center, graduate education programs, clinical research through Chulabhorn Hospital, and international research partnerships. This led to the creation of the Center for Biologics Research and Development (CBRD), which develops and manufactures biologics using modern technology, including cell-level development, scalable production processes, GMP-standard quality control, and preclinical and clinical research.
A major achievement was developing the biosimilar trastuzumab (trastuzumab), used for targeted treatment of breast cancer and other malignancies. This drug received FDA approval under the royal name "HERDARA" in 2025. The Institute also prioritizes Thailand's natural resources, conducting herbal medicine research using medicinal plants from the Thap Thim Siam 05 village project in Sakaeo Province under the supervision of the Institute's Special Activities Office.
