Belfast-based ARC Regulatory expands into Asia to tap booming life sciences market

ARC Regulatory, a Belfast consultancy specialising in diagnostics, medical devices, and precision medicine, is accelerating its global growth with a strategic expansion into Asia. The move comes amid renewed uncertainty over US trade policy and the potential return of tariffs, prompting pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies to seek more stable growth markets.

The company is positioning itself at the forefront of life sciences innovation, combining scientific expertise, regulatory knowledge, and artificial intelligence to enhance compliance and performance across healthcare sectors. 

Founder and CEO Seamus Kearney will outline ARC’s expansion strategy at the World Companion Diagnostics & Liquid Biopsy Summit in Singapore on 12–13 November, marking the company’s debut at the event.

The Asia-Pacific pharmaceutical and diagnostics sector is currently valued at £260 billion and is projected to grow by more than 7% annually until 2030. China alone reached an estimated £240 billion in 2024, with forecasts suggesting it could nearly double to £445 billion by 2033. 

Kearney emphasises that the expansion is both strategic and timely. “With healthcare budgets tightening and volatility increasing in Western markets, companies are diversifying operations and partnerships. Expanding into Asia strengthens ARC’s ability to support clients while accessing one of the world’s most dynamic healthcare markets,” he said.

The Asian expansion builds on a period of sustained domestic investment for ARC. In July, the company opened a new office hub in Derry with a £250,000 investment, following the launch of £3 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Belfast earlier in the year. 

Discover the full article of ARC Regulatory’s Asian expansion and its impact on global life sciences.