Healthcare partnership to address retinal health challenges

27 March 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Docquity, Southeast Asia's largest network of healthcare professionals (HCPs), and global healthcare company Novartis announce a multi-year partnership in Malaysia to address the rise of retinal health challenges, such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The growing prevalence of diabetes in the country, currently estimated at 20% or one in five of the adult population, is associated with the increased incidence of DME2.

Harnessing Docquity's insights-driven, omnichannel commercial capabilities under its Awareness to Advocacy (A2A) Program, Novartis enhances retinal health education for thousands of ophthalmologists and medical retina doctors across the country, while increasing access to two products within its retina portfolio.

As part of Docquity's A2A Program, Novartis connects with a wide base of its target HCPs across various relevant learning channels. This includes the latest clinical articles, infographics, and interactive webinars offered on the Docquity platform, as well as real-time updates on medical advancements via social media and chat forums.

Guided by insights into HCP preferences, Docquity's designated medical representatives offer tailored online and in-person assistance. Docquity will also facilitate HCP participation in key industry meetings, such as events by the Malaysian Ophthalmology Society Congress (MOSC).

Working with an extensive network of local distributor partners, Docquity will further support Novartis in increasing access to its retinal health products across Malaysia.

Elwakil Mohamed, Country President of Novartis Malaysia and Brunei, said, "At Novartis, we are committed to improving and extending the lives of over 33 million Malaysians. We're doing this by partnering with the right external team such as Docquity.”

“Their comprehensive solutions enable us to meaningfully connect with healthcare professionals, inform them about the latest innovations in eye health, and deliver our products to patients who need them the most. Docquity's blend of digital insights and in-person engagement helps bridge treatment gaps with our physicians, allowing us to achieve greater outcomes together for our patients."

The partnership's strategic approach of engaging HCPs through a mix of online and offline pharma interactions aligns with the latest insights from Docquity Pulse Check 20243. The study found that 86.7% of Southeast Asian doctors value relationships with pharma reps, with over 70% preferring regular updates—whether weekly or monthly—through a combination of digital media, in-person meetings, and messaging apps. As much as 81.5% of doctors participate in both digital and in-person learning events, with convenience as a major factor favoring digital. Medical apps emerged as the most preferred learning channel, highlighting the need for solutions that integrate seamlessly into a doctor's workflow.

Christophe Meugnier, Chief Commercial Officer at Docquity, added, "It is essential yet challenging for healthcare professionals to keep pace with medical advancements amidst their highly demanding workloads. Docquity's A2A Program has therefore been built to enable pharmaceutical companies to meet HCPs where they are—whether in-person or digitally—and equip them with the latest scientific knowledge and skills to deliver better patient outcomes at scale."