Bipolar disorder is associated with a high rate of physical morbidity and mortality as well as high suicidal rate. Treatment of bipolar disorder has changed a lot over the past decades. However, there is no standard guideline for the treatment of this disease, and little is known about the pharmacogenetics of the Asian population as most clinical studies are conducted in Western countries. In view of these, this Network was set up to promote and advance the awareness and treatment of bipolar disorder in the Asia Pacific region.

The Network has been registered in Hong Kong as a registered society since November in 2007. So far there are about 60 members from various countries in the Asia Pacific region including China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. Prof. Ki-Yan Mak (Hong Kong) was the founding chairman. Currently Prof. Kyooseob Ha (Korea), Prof. Pichet Udormatn (Thailand) and Dr. Michael Wong (Hong Kong) are the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary of the Network respectively.