Haleon Accelerates Self-Care Innovation in APAC via Digital and Biotech Partnerships
Haleon is actively seeking partnerships with start-ups and research institutions across Asia-Pacific to advance digital self-assessment tools and biotech-driven solutions, driven by a regional doctor-to-patient ratio of 0.5-1:1000.
AI-assisted coverage: produced by SF News' automated newsroom from the cited sources and checked by automated attribution gates. Editorial responsibility: Lee Smith, Group CEO. How we work →
Singapore, Singapore — 03 November 2025
Haleon, a major player in over-the-counter health solutions, is intensifying its focus on external innovation through strategic partnerships, particularly within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The company, which owns brands such as Centrum and Caltrate, views self-care as the cornerstone of future consumer health. Alicia Ng, Vice President and Head of R&D for Wider Asia at Haleon, highlighted that a low doctor-to-population ratio (0.5 to 1 per 1,000 people) in many APAC countries necessitates empowering consumers with self-care capabilities.
This strategic pivot was underscored at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), where Haleon hosted a session on co-creating consumer health solutions. A key interest area involves digital screening tools that enable self-assessment prior to professional medical consultation. Pitches from five start-ups at the event showcased this direction, including Gray Matter Solutions' 'ReCOGnAIze' platform for cognitive function assessment and Salcit's 'Swaasa' AI-driven cough analysis for respiratory health. Other featured innovations focused on muscle health (Biobytes), longevity (GOQii), and oral health (ScanO).
Haleon's commitment to collaboration is already evident through existing alliances. Singapore-based microbiome start-up AMILI has been working with Haleon for two years, identifying microbiome markers for disease prediction and prevention. Furthermore, Haleon engages with established research partners in Singapore, including the Academy of Healthy Longevity at the National University of Singapore’s School of Medicine, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
The prevalence of AI-driven solutions among the showcased start-ups signals a significant trend. Steve Walsh, Discover & Apply Lead at Haleon, noted that AI empowers consumers with unprecedented access to health information, thereby facilitating the continuous evolution of self-care. This technological integration is not merely an incremental step but a fundamental shift in how consumer health products and services will be delivered and consumed.
What this means for Singapore
Singaporean manufacturers and brand owners must proactively integrate digital and AI capabilities into their product development strategies. Given Haleon's focus on digital screening and diagnostic tools, local start-ups in AI, medtech, and biotech have significant opportunities for collaboration or acquisition. Regulatory bodies like the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) may face increasing demands for frameworks governing digital health solutions and AI-driven diagnostics. Local contract manufacturers with expertise in complex formulations and advanced delivery systems, especially those accommodating biotech-derived ingredients, will find expanded market access. Retailers, such as Watsons and Guardian, should anticipate a surge in demand for digital health accompanying physical supplement sales, driving cross-category merchandising.
Many leading brands in this category are manufactured in partnership with Supplement Factory.