Tasneem Sinha, managing director of The ACME Laboratories Ltd, recently assumed leadership of the company, succeeding her father.
She joined the board as a director on 10 September 2020 and has since played an active role in its governance and operations.
Ahead of World Diabetes Day, she spoke with Abbas Uddin Noyon of The Business Standard about the pharmaceutical industry, the company’s flagship brand Emlino, and the upcoming Emlino DiaBeat Run.
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How would you assess the current state of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry and position of ACME Laboratories?
It is highly competitive, with companies continuously striving to provide the best quality medicines not only for meeting the needs of our country but also extending our reach across the globe. If we move forward together with a shared commitment to quality and innovation, we can further strengthen Bangladesh’s recognition in the global pharmaceutical sector.
Our commitment also goes beyond providing medicines as we are equally dedicated to fulfilling our social responsibility by spreading health awareness and promoting healthier lifestyles. At ACME, we reach people not only through hospitals and healthcare professionals, but also through initiatives that connect with their everyday lives.
How is ACME expanding that commitment beyond pharmaceutical products?
ACME has been serving the nation for over seven decades, guided by a perpetual quest for excellence and a commitment to promoting health, vigor and happiness. Timely access to high-quality, advanced and innovative medicines remains at the heart of what we do, but we believe our responsibility extends beyond treatment. Every year, we engage in initiatives that contribute to community well-being.
This year, through ACME’s DiaCare, we are taking another step with the “Emlino DiaBeat Run” on World Diabetes Day. It aims to promote health awareness and encourage people to make physical activity part of everyday life.
What inspired the Emlino DiaBeat Run, and what does it mean for people in Bangladesh?
Diabetes has become a significant global health challenge, and busy, sedentary lifestyles are raising the risk in Bangladesh. DiaCare offers a comprehensive portfolio of anti-diabetic brands consisting of several therapeutic segments. We uphold rigorous quality standards at every stage, from globally accredited raw materials and bioequivalent formulations to incorporating local real-world clinical data, ensuring that physicians can prescribe our medicines with confidence.
But diabetes management is not only about medicines. A balanced, active lifestyle is equally important, and that inspired the Run. We see World Diabetes Day as more than a single day of awareness. It is an opportunity to inspire the beginning of a healthier, more active way of life. Through the Run, DiaCare aims to bring the message of “Defeating Diabetes Together” closer to people.
ACME has previously engaged university students and communities. How will these efforts evolve?
Last year, through DiaCare, we engaged university students, faculty members and families in awareness initiatives, with sessions led by renowned endocrinologists on diabetes management and the International Diabetes Federation recognised those initiatives as well.
We wanted to make the younger generations aware so that they can carry the message forward to make the future of diabetes management seamless at their home and surrounding communities. We also run some social platforms like “Diabetes School” where we share quick facts and tips on diabetes and well-being for common people. Building on this, we look forward to expanding our community-focused initiatives through timely, innovative and people-centric programs.
How does the Run strengthen Emlino’s connection with the people of Bangladesh?
Emlino is one of our prestigious anti-diabetic brands, with a longstanding commitment to making the diabetes management journey easier. With the country’s leading endocrinologists, we pioneered the Emlino Exemplify Trial to generate real-world clinical evidence. “Amader Deshe, Amader Trial” reflects our commitment to a closer connection with the people we serve.
The Emlino DiaBeat Run, on this year’s World Diabetes Day takes a step further by extending our engagement beyond treatment and into people’s everyday lives. We want to reinforce that diabetes management is also about the daily choices we make. By encouraging that first step towards regular physical activity, we hope to inspire healthier habits and make “Defeating Diabetes Together” a shared journey.
What is ACME’s broader vision for the next generation?
The future of healthcare is not simply about treating illness, but about building a culture that values health every day. We see ACME evolving into a catalyst for healthier communities. Our vision is to encourage people to think about health before illness, act before risk becomes a challenge, and make healthier choices as a way of life. Through continued innovation, we aim to shape a healthier, more aware generation.
What are ACME’s major priorities for the next three to five years?
We will remain focused on advancing with the evolving global healthcare landscape. We aim to introduce innovative products aligned with global medical advancements, with an ambitious focus on upcoming transformative and innovative projects, while expanding our portfolio to make quality healthcare accessible to more people. We will also keep strengthening our manufacturing, R&D, technology and global capabilities to support ACME’s next phase of growth.