Real Chemistry enters APAC with Spurwing acquisition

Global healthcare communications company Real Chemistry has acquired Singapore-based Spurwing Communications, establishing its first Asia Pacific (APAC) strategic hub as part of its international expansion strategy.

The acquisition strengthens Real Chemistry's presence in one of the world's fastest-growing healthcare markets, bringing together Spurwing's regional expertise with Real Chemistry's capabilities across analytics, medical communications, advertising and strategic communications.

According to the company, the move will enable it to provide more integrated, data-driven and locally relevant support to healthcare organisations, helping clients better engage healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers across APAC.

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Founded in Singapore, Spurwing Communications advises pharmaceutical and healthcare organisations across the Asia Pacific region, alongside clients in other industries. The agency is known for its integrated communications and medical affairs expertise, as well as its understanding of the region's diverse healthcare landscape.

Following the acquisition, Spurwing founder and CEO Emma Thompson (pictured right) will continue to lead the business as president, APAC growth, reporting to Kath Harrison (pictured left), group president, international growth at Real Chemistry.

"APAC is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and strategically important regions for healthcare innovation and access to life-improving therapies," said Kath Harrison, group president, international growth at Real Chemistry.

"By bringing Spurwing into Real Chemistry, we're expanding our presence in the region and deepening our ability to help clients drive measurable impact by delivering more connected, data-driven and culturally relevant engagement across these key markets," Harrison added.

In tandem, Thompson said joining Real Chemistry would allow the agency to expand its offerings while maintaining the senior strategic counsel that clients have come to expect.

She added that Spurwing will continue supporting its existing clients while broadening its regional footprint and introducing additional capabilities, including analytics and AI, to strengthen its integrated service offering.

Meanwhile, Shankar Narayanan (pictured centre), CEO of Real Chemistry, described the acquisition as an important step in the company's global growth strategy.

"We're continuing to invest in the capabilities and regions that matter most to our clients as they navigate growing global commercialisation challenges," he said.

"Strengthening our presence in APAC allows us to better support clients across the full lifecycle, from strategy through engagement, in one of the most dynamic healthcare markets in the world," added Narayanan. 

The company added that further hires and expansion plans across APAC are expected to be announced in the coming months as it continues to scale its regional hub model and affiliate network.

The move also builds on Spurwing's recent investments in AI. In January, the agency partnered exclusively with Sequencr AI to help healthcare, agribusiness, food and nutrition organisations across APAC adopt generative AI across communications, from AI search optimisation and content generation to workflow automation.

The focus on AI-enabled communications closely complements Real Chemistry's analytics- and AI-driven healthcare offering, which the company plans to bring to clients across the region through its new Singapore hub.

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