SEOUL — Samsung Biologics has reached an agreement to produce a potential coronavirus treatment on behalf of an American biotechnology startup, with output scaled up in 2021 pending clearance from health authorities. Under the $362 million deal with Vir Biotechnology announced Friday, Samsung Biologics will manufacture antibody treatments that have […]
Samsung Biologics to make coronavirus drug for US startup
SEOUL — Samsung Biologics has reached an agreement to produce a potential coronavirus treatment on behalf of an American biotechnology startup, with output scaled up in 2021 pending clearance from health authorities. Under the $362 million deal with Vir Biotechnology announced Friday, Samsung Biologics will manufacture antibody treatments that have received […]
Oil powers reach global pact to cut production
A global pact to stem the biggest rout in oil prices for almost two decades has been all but sealed as the Opec cartel and its key allies agreed to slash production by 10 million barrels a day. Further G20 talks also saw major producers including the US and Canada […]
Taiwan accuses China of fueling row over attacks on WHO chief
TAIPEI — Operatives in mainland China attempted to paint Taiwan as the source of online abuse against the head of the World Health Organization, Taiwanese authorities said Friday, as the coronavirus pandemic spotlights cross-strait tensions. A flurry of posts purporting to apologize on behalf of Taiwan for attacks on WHO […]
Coronavirus rushes into Singapore’s crowded migrant worker dorms
SINGAPORE — Explosive coronavirus clusters are emerging in densely packed dormitories for the migrant workers who keep Singapore’s economy going, despite the city-state’s strong outbreak containment measures. On Thursday, the country reported 287 new cases, its biggest daily jump. The majority of the new patients are Indian and Bangladeshi nationals […]
Philippines bars medical workers from going abroad amid virus fight
MANILA — The Philippines has barred doctors, nurses and a host of other medical professionals from leaving to work overseas, as the country grapples with rising coronavirus cases. The temporary ban will remain in effect until the national emergency is lifted, the immigration bureau said in a memorandum dated Thursday. […]
Tokyo unveils toothless coronavirus rules as cases hit record high
TOKYO — The Tokyo municipal government launched a stepped-up campaign against the coronavirus on Friday, requesting a full or partial shutdown of businesses in the region. But the measures still fall short of the draconian restrictions introduced in other virus-hit countries such as Italy, Spain or the US, underlining the […]
China heft helps Singapore e-commerce platforms outstrip rivals
SINGAPORE — China-backed e-commerce retailers Shopee and Lazada appear to be extending their lead in the race for Southeast Asia’s online consumers. Data compiled by cost-comparison platform iPrice and web analytics firm SimilarWeb indicate that the two Singapore-based online retailers, which are backed by China’s Tencent and Alibaba Holdings, grabbed […]
Tokyo’s coronavirus fight relies on voluntary public restraint
TOKYO — The Tokyo municipal government launched a stepped-up campaign against the coronavirus on Friday, requesting a full or partial shutdown of businesses in the region. But the measures still fall short of the draconian restrictions introduced in other virus-hit countries such as Italy, Spain or the US, underlining the […]
Recruit seeks $4.15bn credit line for coronavirus fund
TOKYO — Staffing company Recruit Holdings is seeking credit lines worth a total of 450 billion yen ($4.15 billion) from Japan’s three largest banking groups as the company’s finances are hit by higher compensation payments to contract employees let go as a result of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Nikkei learned Friday. […]