Checking in with Dr. Jonathan Obaje, Research Director, Urah Transdermal Pte Ltd
By Erwin Chan
Photo by Ai San Yip
01 September 2011
We ran an interview article on Dr. Obaje in February 2011.
Six months later, Genewired.com checks-in again with Dr Obaje, to learn more about his progress, challenges and vision for the future.
Urah Transdermal 8% Glucosamine Cream with Omega-3 formulation is now widely available in NTUC Unity pharmacies and major hospitals.
1. What updates or progress has been significant over the last few months?
There has been many developments at Urah. An arrangement has been made to setup R&D at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) @ Innovation Center. This is a great opportunity as it is a good space for Urah Transdermal to begin expansion and work on future products.
UrahTransdermal is also expanding in terms of demand. We have secured shelf space in local pharmacies like NTUC Unity stores. Urah Transdermal technology and products are increasingly being trusted by many medical professionals. Urah products are now being carried by many hospitals in most of the countries we now operate. For example, in Singapore, our product is now in many hospitals including Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, KK Women & Children Hospital, etc. This has also increased the demand of our products. We are seeing a need to increase our production capacity.
For overseas markets, we are seeing more opportunities opening up and the growth of Urah Transdermal in new markets. We are currently at different levels of discussion with business partners in Russia, Australia, Iran, Thailand and China. In addition, we are pursuing expansion drives for our current markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, Nigeria and South Africa.
2. What challenges do you face in the business and science of Urah Transdermal?
Our challenges are on funding and manpower needs that have arisen from the growth of Urah Transdermal. These are good problems but they will need to be addressed immediately. Also, these problems are also tied closely together.
Funding to help in the expansion of operations and to take up opportunities are needed. While there are several government grants available, it is often not easy to meet all of their criteria and to find the time to write up these grants. It would be lovely to have someone to help in developing the grant proposal and overseeing the implementation of the grant at Urah Trandermal.
In addition, Urah Transdermal is seeking more experienced Business Development managers, who understand the international market and the players, to join our Business team. This individual would be instrumental in the business operations and the expansion of Urah into new markets. It is a challenge to find a person that shares the same drive, passion and business instincts.
3. How do you see the future of Urah Transdermal shaping up?
There are exciting and interesting developments planned for Urah Transdermal. We see an opportunity to work together with other complementors in the market. Companies with compounds who need a transdermal delivery vehicle are approaching us. In addition, companies with medical devices are also approaching. The pharmaceutical industry is also diversifying and we see that as a strong indication that the market is evolving into a blend of pharmaceuticals with medical devices. This presents great opportunities for companies to offer better health products with lower risks to patients. And Urah Transdermal platform is a niche at the centre of this exciting new development.
To contact the reporter on this story: Erwin Chan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
