Dr. Lizhong Dai

Briefly tell us about Sansure and its activities in the laboratory industry, notably in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

We are a leading IVD company focused on advancing health outcomes with innovative diagnostic solutions. With a year-to-date revenue of $143.93 million and a remarkable year-on-year growth of 63.24%, along with a net profit increase of over 47%, our organization demonstrates strong potential to thrive in the MENA region. As respiratory season approaches, we are fully equipped with comprehensive respiratory diagnostic solutions designed to meet the needs of diverse laboratory settings. Our all-around respiratory portfolio enables us to support healthcare providers in managing seasonal respiratory infections effectively. In the coming months, we will also intensively cultivating our presence in the MENA market, enhancing access to quality diagnostics that support lab efficiency amid regional needs.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the medical laboratory industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region? What are the key trends and challenges shaping the industry?

The medical laboratory industry in MENA is rapidly evolving, driven by a growing demand for high-quality, accessible healthcare. However, lab budgets are tightening, which is leading to a greater need for cost-effective diagnostic solutions, particularly in molecular diagnostics. Asian PCR companies, especially from China, are making strong inroads into the global market, which adds competitive pressure and drives down costs. Additionally, the industry is seeing a rise in collaborations and partnerships over mergers and acquisitions as companies work together to advance diagnostic technology and expand product development.

Multiplex testing has become essential, especially in managing respiratory and infectious diseases amid lab resource constraints. However, competition in this space is intense, making market differentiation and precision marketing crucial for success. Our approach includes offering tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of MENA’s healthcare providers while enhancing cost efficiency to align with budgetary constraints, ultimately positioning us to meet the evolving demands of this dynamic market.

Where do you see medical laboratories going in the next 5-10 years?

The medical laboratory industry is likely to experience significant shifts toward an interconnected ecosystem that supports more comprehensive and proactive healthcare. Nucleic acid testing, for example, is expected to continue its growth as a cornerstone of infectious disease detection due to its accuracy, adaptability, and relevance in identifying emerging pathogens. This technology will be crucial in the face of global health threats such as "Disease X," a placeholder for any unknown pathogen that could potentially cause a pandemic. Preparedness for such diseases requires a robust laboratory infrastructure that can adapt to new health challenges quickly and efficiently

Partnerships and collaborative networks are increasingly seen as vital for advancing diagnostics technology and addressing large-scale health issues, like pandemic preparedness and antimicrobial resistance. Many IVD companies are focusing on strategic alliances to pool resources, share data, and leverage complementary technologies. This shift from isolated entities to interconnected networks aims to create an industry that can quickly respond to emerging threats and provide critical health insights on a global scale, i.e. forming the laboratory industry ecosystem altogether.

How is Sansure fostering innovation and driving research and development in the medical laboratory field. What are some of your recent breakthroughs or projects?

Innovation is at the heart of our mission (innovating diagnostics for all), and we continually invest in R&D to push the boundaries of diagnostic science. By Q3 2024, our R&D investment reached $32.88 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 47.81%, underscoring our dedication to innovation that responds to evolving diagnostic demands. Recently, we've made significant strides in developing rapid and high-sensitivity testing platforms for infectious diseases, enhancing lab productivity and diagnostic accuracy. Our R&D teams are also exploring advanced biomarkers and next-gen sequencing, e.g. PGx applications, which allow for precise, personalized treatment strategies by analyzing genetic responses to medications. PGx has the potential to improve therapeutic outcomes, particularly in oncology and infectious disease management, by enabling treatment plans.

With these advancements, we aim to build a comprehensive portfolio that meets the demands of both large and small healthcare providers, reinforcing our role as a leader in innovative diagnostic solutions.

How is Sansure addressing sustainability issues within the medical laboratory industry? What steps are you taking to reduce your environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices?

We recognize the critical importance of sustainability and are actively working to reduce our environmental footprint. This includes optimizing product packaging, minimizing waste, and implementing energy-efficient practices in our production processes. Additionally, we’re exploring options for eco-friendly disposables and reagents, with the goal of reducing single-use plastics and adopting more sustainable materials across our product lines.

Can you provide a sneak peek into any new products or services that Sansure plans to showcase at Medlab Middle East 2025?

At Medlab Middle East 2025, we’re excited to introduce a new range of rapid diagnostic solutions specifically tailored to meet the needs of labs in resource-limited settings. We’ll also showcase integrated testing system of NAT, streamlining lab operations while maintaining compelling testing accuracy.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We remain dedicated to advancing health equity and providing top-tier diagnostics for the communities we serve. As we continue to grow, our partnerships within the MENA region will be essential in delivering impactful solutions that address today’s pressing health challenges. We're eager to contribute to a future where diagnostic innovation is accessible to all.