Biotechnology - The Times Of Central Asia

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Healthcare

Kazakh Science Ministry Expands Strategic Partnership with AstraZeneca

Kazakhstan has entered a new phase of cooperation with British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, expanding the partnership beyond healthcare into science, education, and innovation. On January 26, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek visited AstraZeneca’s Discovery Centre in Cambridge, the company’s largest global research and innovation hub, where a memorandum of understanding was signed with AstraZeneca Kazakhstan. According to the ministry, the agreement paves the way for new areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening national scientific capacity, introducing advanced medical technologies, and enhancing the long-term sustainability of Kazakhstan’s healthcare system. The partnership will focus on several strategic areas: Real-World Data (RWD) and Real-World Evidence (RWE): Development of advanced data analytics tools to support scientific research, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based healthcare policy. Expansion of the Young Health Program: Prevention of non-communicable diseases among youth and the promotion of responsible health behaviors. Sustainable Development and Economic Diversification: Joint initiatives in environmental protection, green technologies, and sustainable business practices. Early Diagnosis and Healthcare Resilience: Implementation of modern screening methods, specialist training, and development of diagnostic infrastructure. Nurbek highlighted that the memorandum creates new opportunities to integrate research, education, and real-world clinical practice. “It is important not only to develop fundamental science, but also to ensure the transfer of advanced technologies and data into everyday medical practice. This partnership strengthens Kazakhstan’s scientific and biomedical potential,” he said. AstraZeneca has steadily expanded its operations in Kazakhstan in recent years. In April 2024, the Ministry of Healthcare, the Almaty city administration, national investment agency Kazakh Invest, and AstraZeneca signed an agreement on the contract manufacturing of biotechnological products. The initiative supports Kazakhstan’s strategic goal of increasing the share of domestically produced medicines to 50%. In July 2024, AstraZeneca and the state pharmaceutical distributor SK-Pharmacy signed a long-term agreement on local production and technology transfer. According to Maria Shipuleva, CEO of AstraZeneca Kazakhstan, the company’s innovative medicines will be produced at the Nobel Almaty Pharmaceutical Factory. The production portfolio includes treatments for diabetes, chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, multiple forms of leukemia, and cancer therapies for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

Biotechnology

Uzbekistan and Chinese Biotech Firm Plan Joint Agri-Projects

Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Ilzat Kasimov, met with representatives of China’s Xinjiang Huijia Biotechnology to discuss launching joint initiatives in agriculture and biotechnology, including the adoption of modern farming technologies. Following the talks, both parties agreed to deepen cooperation and pursue new projects in Uzbekistan’s agricultural and biotech sectors. Founded in 2021, Xinjiang Huijia Biotechnology is a leading Chinese producer of stevia and natural sugar substitutes. The company processes around 10,000 tons of stevia annually. Its sweetener products, plant-derived, significantly sweeter than sugar, and nearly calorie-free, are widely used across the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. According to the ministry, cultivating stevia and developing sugar substitute production in Uzbekistan would allow the country to enter the rapidly growing global market for natural sweeteners, driven by increasing demand for healthier food options. This agro-biotech collaboration marks another step in the accelerating economic partnership between Uzbekistan and China. Bilateral trade reached approximately $14 billion in 2024, up from $13 billion the previous year, with both sides aiming to raise the figure to $20 billion in the near future. Chinese business activity in Uzbekistan has expanded significantly. As of early 2025, around 3,467 Chinese companies were operating in the country, an increase of over 1,000 from the previous year. Officials report that Chinese investment in Uzbekistan has grown fivefold since 2017, with a joint project portfolio exceeding $60 billion across sectors including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and smart agriculture.

Biotechnology

China to Invest $500M in Corn Processing in Kazakhstan

Chinese biopharmaceutical company Yili Chuanning Biological Co. will invest $500 million in a large-scale corn processing project in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region. The announcement came during the China-Central Asia Industrial and Investment Cooperation Forum held in Astana, where a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Almaty region’s Akimat (local government) and Yili Chuanning, one of China’s leading biopharmaceutical firms. The agreement outlines the construction of a major processing facility in the Yenbekshikazakh district’s Shelek industrial zone. The project will incorporate advanced biotechnology for the production of amino acids, probiotics, and biodegradable materials, including packaging and medical products. The investment, valued at approximately $500 million, is expected to create up to 1,000 new jobs. The plant is projected to process hundreds of thousands of tons of corn annually. Chinese specialists are currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the site, examining infrastructure, logistics, and economic factors, and preparing a phased implementation strategy. During the forum, additional agreements were signed regarding Chinese investments in Kazakhstan’s agricultural processing sector, several of which also target corn processing. One such initiative is an $800 million project by the Fufeng Group in the Zhambyl region. This facility will process up to one million tons of corn per year to produce high-value-added goods such as lysine and amino acids. It is expected to generate around 1,500 jobs and provide stable demand for regional farmers. Offtake contracts have already been signed for the supply of 300,000 tons of corn in 2025. In the Turkestan region, Xinjiang Lihua Group Co., Ltd. is developing a $420 million integrated cotton cluster. The project encompasses the entire production chain, from cotton cultivation to the manufacture of finished textile goods. Separately, the Investment Committee of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a contract with Qingdao Wanlin Food Corporation for an $89 million facility dedicated to onion dehydration and deep vegetable processing. The plant will primarily export to China, the United States, and Europe. Kazakhstan is intensifying its efforts to advance deep agricultural processing, driven in part by challenges in exporting raw commodities.

Biotechnology

Turkmenistan Develops Innovative Grapevine-Based Products

The International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan is conducting groundbreaking research on the use of local grape varieties in biotechnology, focusing on waste-free production. The biotechnology laboratory is studying grape varieties such as "Garauzyum," "Gelinbarmak," "Terbash," "Khalili," and "Dagtokga," analyzing the properties of grapes, including their leaves, seeds, and vines, to develop innovative technologies. Altyn Rakhmanova, head of the laboratory, highlighted the versatility of grapes, noting their significance beyond traditional wine-making. She emphasized their potential to produce biologically active substances, compound feed, and environmentally friendly fuel. “Our research is aimed at identifying the potential of this crop for use in various industries,” Rakhmanova explained. The laboratory has already developed several grapevine-based products, including the antioxidant resveratrol, animal feed, and fuel briquettes. These briquettes, made from grapevine combined with other wood-based materials, are particularly noteworthy for their environmental benefits. When burned, they emit no toxic resins, making them suitable for both domestic and industrial use. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also diversifies the product range. The project’s uniqueness lies in its combination of environmental sustainability and broad applications. In addition to product development, the biotechnology laboratory is exploring opportunities for international collaboration. Scientists believe that partnerships with foreign companies and research organizations will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and foster the creation of advanced environmentally friendly technologies.

Science

Turkmenistan Scientists Develop New Camel Thorn Microencapsulation Technology

Specialists of the biotechnology department of the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have developed a technology for microencapsulation of camel thorn extract of medicinal plant. The development was officially recognized, and the State Intellectual Property Service of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan issued the relevant certificate. The development of such technologies has become relevant due to the high demand for drugs from local raw materials, which require methods that preserve physicochemical and technological properties. Extraction from camel thorns is carried out by crushing the plant and isolating the active substances with the help of a special mixture. Microencapsulation allows the active substances to be enclosed in microcapsules, which preserves their properties and regulates their release, enhancing the effectiveness of drugs. The extract created can be used for pharmaceutical and food purposes. Microencapsulated extracts have several advantages, such as high pharmacological activity, positive tolerability, and minimal side effects. According to Altyn Rakhmanova, head of the biotechnology department, the peculiarity of the new technology is that it improves the therapeutic and preventive qualities of products at a low cost. All preparations are made of natural components. They meet the requirements of modern phytotherapy and do not contain artificial additives. Camel thorn (Alhagi persarum) is a medicinal plant with many healing properties. It contains flavonoids, saponins, sugars, tannins, vitamins C, K, and B vitamins, carotene, ursolic acid, traces of alkaloids, essential oils, dyes, and resins. Camel thorn is used as a natural remedy for various ailments, effectively relieving colds, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, and coughs. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, biotechnologists at the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan are advancing local biotechnological production. They are developing fodder supplements from the pods of the native gladichia tree and have also developed a new lactose-based gel designed to rejuvenate and address age-related skin changes. Among other reported recent innovations, Turkmen scientists have created a therapeutic ointment from the maclura tree, introduced to Central Asia, which reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing. Additionally, they have formulated a cosmetic cream made from oil derived from silkworm cocoons. Earlier, they also launched a line of crackers infused with camel thorn extract.

Science

Turkmenistan to Produce Food Additives from Locally Harvested Gleditsia Pods

In a significant step towards implementing innovations across various economic sectors, Turkmenistan has secured the copyright for galactomannan production technologies developed by the Biotechnology Department of the International Science and Technology Park. Galactomannans, polysaccharides consisting of D-galactose and D-mannose, are known for their ability to form gels and increase the viscosity of solutions. Thanks to these properties, they are in high demand in the food, agricultural, and printing industries, where they are used as thickeners and structuring agents. According to Altyn Rakhmanova, head of the biotechnology department of the Academy of Science of Turkmenistan, the development of galactomannan production technologies is part of Turkmenistan’s Biotechnology Development Program for 2024-2028, a vital aspect of which is the creation of feed additives for farm animals from local raw materials. Using galactomannans derived from pods of the Gleditsia triacanthos, a plant grown in Turkmenistan and described by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people in his book, Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan, as having multiple valuable properties, helps reduce costs and maximizes the utilization of local resources . As detailed in the book, Gleditsia is a honey-bearing plant from which up to 250 kg of honey can be harvested per hectare. An efficient method of galactomannan extraction ensures maximum yield from the raw material, contributing to sustainable and autonomous production, as well as serving as a foundation for further technological advancements in the food and agricultural sectors and the utilization of local natural resources. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Turkmen bio-technologists from the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have developed an innovative lactose-based gel designed to rejuvenate and correct age-related skin changes. Other scientific breakthroughs include a therapeutic ointment made from the Maclura, a tree species widespread in the country, which relieves inflammation and aids the healing of wounds, a cream based on oil extracted from silkworm cocoons for use in cosmetology, and crackers made from extracts from camel thorn.