6/17 Taiwan Life Sciences Biweekly Newsletter
2024-06-18 |
| Taiwan Life Sciences Biweekly |
| Taiwan's Lotus Pharma acquires Teva Pharma Thailand, expanding footprint in Southeast Asia 12 June, 2024 Taiwan-based Lotus Pharmaceuticals has announced the acquisition of the Thailand business and commercial entity of Teva pharma. The acquisition is targeted for completion by Q3 2024. Upon finalization, Teva Pharma Thailand will transition into a wholly owned subsidiary of Lotus and Lotus will undertake the sales and marketing of existing products of Teva Pharma Thailand. More... |
| Unblocked and Unbossed: How Novartis is Reimagining Medicine Promotional interview 12 June, 2024 As a leading international pharmaceutical company, Novartis is redefining its approach to developing and delivering innovative products. This initiative aims to tackle some of the most challenging diseases effectively. "We organize around four areas including Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic (CRM), Immunology, Neuroscience, and Oncology globally. In Taiwan, primarily cardiovascular and cancer are the key focus, which happen to also be the two biggest causes of premature death locally," says Novartis Country President Frances Milnes. More... |
| Gilead Sciences Taiwan Shows the Power of Partnerships Promotional interview 11 June, 2024 The medicine we take, along with the pharmaceutical manufacturers that produce it, can often feel impersonal – a relationship defined more by science than by warmth. Gilead Sciences is changing this dynamic with its patient-centric approach, infusing each tablet with a tangible sense of security, support, and care. As Gilead Sciences Taiwan celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024, there is no better advocate or leader to represent these values than General Manager Cathy Su. More... |
| AI medical exports potential touted 8 June, 2024 Artificial intelligence (AI) medical products could become one of Taiwan's main exports to Southeast Asia, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chen Chern-chyi said on Thursday. ASEAN is the best gateway for Taiwanese firms to expand overseas, as they have already made investments in industries in the region, Chen told a forum in Taipei. While China still produces one-third of the world's manufactured goods, it has lost its shine due to trade disputes with the US, resulting in major changes to supply chains, he said. More... |
| Taiwan's Biomedical Breakthroughs Shine at the Global Stage: Highlights from the Taiwan Smart Health Gala at BIO 2024 Press release 7 June, 2024 To bolster Taiwan's biomedical industry on the global stage and attract funding from major international manufacturers, Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council partnered with the National Development Council (NDC), Startup Island TAIWAN, Quantum International Corp. (QIC), the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Taiwan Bio Industry Organization, and TID to host 'Taiwan Smart Health Gala' at the BIO International Convention in San Diego, USA on June 4, 2024. More... |
| Merry Life Biomedical's new drug for Alzheimer's receives US IND approval 6 June, 2024 Merry Life Biomedical, founded by international liver disease authority Su Ih-jen, announced that its turmeric-derived Alzheimer's multi-target drug TML-6 has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct Phase I clinical trials. Additionally, the related preclinical data and mechanism of action paper for TML-6 have been accepted for publication at this year's July International Alzheimer's Conference (AAIC), marking an important milestone for the company, established just five years ago. Merry Life Biomedical was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology (now the National Science Council) in 2017, established as a spin-off company from Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology in 2018, and housed at the Southern Taiwan Incubation Center for research and development. Since 2019, it has received assistance from the National Health Research Institutes for toxicology, pharmacology testing, animal model verification, and clinical trial design, and has commissioned domestic and foreign institutions and collaborative partners to complete the preclinical development of TML-6, further advancing towards clinical trials and international development. More... (in Chinese) |
| CYTOPACX BioMedicine to venture into regenerative medicine and extracellular vesicles 6 June, 2024 Cytopacx BioMedicine, co-founded by Dr. Chen Yao-Chang, a Taiwanese authority in blood tumor treatment and honorary professor at National Taiwan University School of Medicine, held the opening ceremony for its new headquarters and pilot factory in the Taipei Bioinnovation Park. The company will focus on two major research and development areas: neural regeneration and tissue repair, with an emphasis on developing regenerative medical products using extracellular vesicles. Dr. Chen Yao-Chang serves as the chief consultant, driving Cytopacx's layout in regenerative medicine. More... (in Chinese) |
| Regenerative Medicine Act passed 5 June, 2024 The third reading of the Regenerative Medicine Act was passed in the Legislative Yuan June 4, marking significant protection for patients' rights. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, planning for the act started in 2018 and its passage reflected collaborative effort from political parties, public and private sectors and administrative agencies. For acute or terminal patients, such innovative medical treatment may increase survival ratios. More... (in Chinese) |
| Taiwan attends BIO International Convention in California 5 June, 2024 A delegation from Taiwan is showcasing cutting-edge biomedical products and innovative technologies at the BIO International Convention June 3-6 at southern California's San Diego Convention Center, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Officials from the MOEA, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Development Council, the National Science and Technology Council, Taipei City Government and the capital-based National Biotechnology Research Park make up the delegation. It also includes around 230 experts and representatives from over 80 businesses and institutions. More... |
| Steminent Biotherapeutics' new drug aims to become first allogeneic cell therapy for rare disease treatment 4 June, 2024 The passing of the Taiwan's new Regenerative Medicine Act's third reading is set to aid Steminent Biotherapeutics (TW: 7729) in obtaining temporary drug approval for its Stemchymal stem cell therapy targeting Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) in Taiwan, potentially marking the first application of allogeneic cell therapy in rare disease treatment. Stemchymal has completed Phase II clinical trials in Taiwan and Japan, entered Phase II trials in the United States, and is preparing for Phase II trials in South Korea, positioning it as a global leader. Aligned with Article 9 of the Regenerative Medicine Act, Stemchymal's treatment for SCA addresses diseases threatening life or causing severe disability. More... (in Chinese) |
| ACRO Biomedical, with 50 domestic and international licenses, sets sights on global high-end biomedical materials market 4 June, 2024 ACRO Biomedical is actively expanding into the global high-end medical biomaterials market, having obtained 71 global patents and 50 domestic and international licenses. Recent commercial progress has been significant, particularly in April this year, when ACRO Biomedical obtained three Class III medical device certifications in Taiwan, signifying a significant expansion in the domestic market. Participating in the 2024 North American Biotechnology Exhibition, ACRO Biomedical aims to showcase its technology and products, seeking partnerships and collaboration opportunities while contributing to industry development and innovation. More... (in Chinese) |
| Taiwan Biotech Forum Kicks Off in San Diego Ahead of BIO 2024 3 June, 2024 The BIO International Convention is the largest and most comprehensive event for biotechnology, representing the full ecosystem with over 18,500 industry leaders from around the world. The 2024 Taiwan Biotech Forum, hosted by the Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB) and sponsored by the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan, in collaboration with GeneOnline, was held on June 2 before the US BIO convention. The event focused on collaborative efforts and innovation in shaping Taiwan’s biotech sector’s future, centered around the theme “Navigating the Next Generation of Precision Medicine.” DCB Chairman Shiing-Jer Wu welcomed attendees, and Dr. Yun Yen, Emeritus President and Chair Professor of Taipei Medical, served as the moderator for two exclusive keynote sessions. More... |
| MagQu teams up with Tri-Service General Hospital to confirm blood amyloid protein concentration as diagnosis of cognitive decline 3 June, 2024 MagQu recently collaborated with Tri-Service General Hospital's Neurology Department to conduct a clinical trial on Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD), confirming that MagQu's Immuno-Magnetic Reduction (IMR) technology can diagnose SCD objectively by measuring blood amyloid protein concentration. This enables early detection of cognitive decline and potential dementia. The study, published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience on May 17th, involved 52 participants, including 38 SCD patients and 14 healthy controls. IMR measured various Alzheimer's-related biomarkers in their blood. Participants also underwent neurocognitive tests such as MMSE and MoCA. Follow-up analyses showed significantly higher A?1-42 concentration in SCD patients' blood compared to controls, with 67.5 percent accuracy. More... (in Chinese) |
| China Medical University Hospital (CMUH, Taiwan) Signs MOU with Malaysian International Medical University Press release 2 June, 2024 China Medical University Hospital (CMUH, Taiwan) and the Malaysian International Medical University (IMU), the first and top private medical and health science university in Malaysia, jointly signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on international development in May. The MOU will provide a platform to train medical personnel and facilitate medical exchanges. Meanwhile, CMUH collaborated with imedtac, a provider of Smart Hospital solutions, and Wistron (Keeogo), a developer of lower limb exoskeleton robots, to participate in the "IMU-2024 Next Generation of Care: Merging Healthcare & Technology Conference" and Exhibition, jointly promoting CMUH's international medical services and Taiwan's outstanding medical products. Both events signify an important task of connecting Taiwanese medical schools and health industries with Malaysia. These achievements align with the requirements of Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare's (MOHW) New Southbound Policy. CMUH is in its third year of implementing this policy. More... |
| Taiwan bioscience delegation set to explore innovation in Phoenix 1 June, 2024 A delegation from Taiwan is visiting Phoenix this week to explore the research and development in the field of bioscience and advanced medical technology, officials announced Thursday. The Taiwanese delegation includes officials, business and start-up founders, hospital leaders and other bioscience industry leaders. They will meet with leaders from Dignity Health's Barrow Neurological Institute and Ivy Brain Tumor Center in the Phoenix Medical Quarter. More... |
| Taiwan's Pursuit of Precision Med Excellence Intensifies 31 May, 2024 The Taiwan National Development Council identified the precision health industry as one of its six strategic industry priorities for its 2030 strategy. The Taiwan Precision Health Initiative (TPHI) covers three key areas: precision medicine, regenerative health, and digital health innovation. One of the initiatives in this regard is the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI) hosted by Academic Sinica and in alliance with 16 partner hospitals across the country, which has the ambition to obtain genetic profiles of 1 million patients from medical centers across Taiwan. Many healthcare databases rely heavily on data from Caucasian patients and research participants. However, predictions generated from such data may not always be accurate when applied to patients from different ethnic backgrounds. Recognizing this limitation, the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative aims to use specific data from the Han Chinese population to enhance patient care optimization in Taiwan. More... |
| TTY Biopharm pursuing three core strategies while expanding vaccine market: GM 31 May, 2024 At its annual shareholders' meeting on May 30, TTY Biopharm's General Manager Ching-Lan Hou highlighted the company's focus on exporting complex generics, licensing new drugs, and developing domestically manufactured new drugs. TTY Biopharm, which holds a 35 percent market share in the self-funded vaccine sector, aims to boost adjuvanted flu vaccine uptake among the elderly. In 2023, the company reported revenues of NT$5.5 billion, an 8.8 percent increase year-over-year, and earnings per share of NT$4.54, approving a cash dividend of NT$3.5 per share. Hou attributed this success to internationalization and strategic initiatives, including the successful US market entry of Lipo-AB and the launch of a targeted therapy for bile duct cancer in Taiwan. The company plans to expand its self-funded flu vaccine market share and participate more in public tenders. More... (in Chinese) |
| Taiwan's DCB and Bionet cooperate in exosome-based new drug development 30 May, 2024 Several of the Taiwanese government's new policies, including its new cancer drug fund and the recently passed Regenerative Medicine Act, highlight the potential of exosomes in drug development, positioning them as the next CRDMO model after semiconductor foundries. Taiwan's Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB) is co-hosting an industry gathering, the Regenerative Medicine International Forum, on June 16 and 17 with various industry associations invited to explore exosome applications and global trends in new drug development. President Lai Ching-te's call to invest in forward-looking technologies underscores the government's commitment to supporting the biomedical industry with significant investments over four years. Exosomes, recognized for their role in drug delivery and therapy, are now included in Taiwan's regenerative medicine legislation, promising new treatment options for various diseases. The forum will feature discussions on novel exosome-based technologies, including Japan's advancements in RNA vector development and South Korea's insights into bioactive proteins secreted through exosomes, indicating the growing international interest in exosome research for healthcare and biopharmaceutical applications. More... (in Chinese) |
| PharmaEssentia's Ropeg receives Singaporean drug approval 30 May, 2024 PharmaEssentia (TW: 6446) has announced the approval of its new drug Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (Ropeg or P1101) by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for treating Polycythemia Vera (PV). With approximately 500 PV patients in Singapore, current treatments include phlebotomy, hydroxyurea (HU), and interferon. CEO Lin Ko-Chung highlighted the establishment of a Singapore subsidiary in 2021 to drive local clinical trials, drug registration, and marketing efforts, strategically expanding into the Southeast Asian market. Lin expressed gratitude for the team's efforts and Singaporean physician support, emphasizing the significant milestone of obtaining Singaporean PV drug approval, which strengthens Ropeg's global presence. The company aims to continue efforts to benefit more PV patients in Southeast Asia with Ropeg. More... (in Chinese) |
| BIO 2024 Sets the Stage for Taiwan's Biotech Industry to Shine Press release 30 May, 2024 The 2024 edition of BIO International Convention 2024 (BIO), the world's largest and most comprehensive global biotech event, will be held from June 3 to 6 at San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California. Taiwan has been an active participant in the event since 2002, presenting the technological excellence and business opportunities of Taiwan's biotech industry internationally over the years. Following the success of previous editions, the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (BPIPO) will continue to participate in BIO 2024 by organizing a Taiwan delegation. More... |
| Show Chwan Hospital partners with BeiGene to enhance the accessibility of new cancer drugs 29 May, 2024 In rural and small-town areas of Taiwan, many cancer patients face challenges accessing and affording new treatments. To address these issues and enhance treatment quality, Show Chwan Hospital has partnered with Taiwan's BeiGene, an oncology company, by signing a clinical trial cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU). This collaboration aims to improve the accessibility and affordability of innovative cancer drugs, particularly for patients in central and southern Taiwan, focusing on prevalent cancers like lung and head and neck cancers. The initiative seeks to benefit patients, hospitals, and the broader medical industry by providing more international resources and efficient clinical trials. More... (in Chinese) |
| Backed By Billionaires, This Biotech Venture Capital Fund Is Driving Innovation In Taiwan 29 May, 2024 Global momentum in biotechnology is paying off for the founding partners of Diamond Biofund, a venture capital firm headquartered in Taipei. Founded in 2013, the fund delivered a 17 times return to investors in a decade, boosting the wealth of four billionaires whose companies each put in an initial investment of NT$1 billion ($31 million): Daniel and Richard Tsai, the brothers who run Fubon Financial Holding; Thomas Wu, chairman of financial firm Taishin Holdings; and Samuel Yin who heads Ruentex, a group with interests in finance, real estate and healthcare. More... |
| TaiMed announces recent developments, short, medium, and long-term strategies 29 May, 2024 TaiMed's (TW: 4147) shareholders' meeting on May 28 highlighted several positive developments, including the profitable performance of its HIV drug Trogarzo (world's first approved monoclonal antibody for HIV treatment with a long-acting effect) and strategic regional partnerships expected to drive future growth. The company has outlined comprehensive short, medium, and long-term strategies focused on expanding its sales channels, advancing HIV treatments, and developing innovative Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC). TaiMed's Zhubei facility has passed an FDA inspection, contributing revenue through contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services. Financially, TaiMed reported significant revenue growth and a reduced net loss in the first quarter, supported by a substantial capital raise to fund ongoing clinical trials and enhance its financial stability for future endeavors. More... (in Chinese) |
| Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital storming ahead in AI-related medical research 29 May, 2024 Since establishing its core AI Medical Laboratory in 2018, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital has developed 20 AI technologies aimed at enhancing medical efficiency and quality. The hospital received FDA medical device licenses for three AI software solutions in 2023, including scaphoid fracture detection, atrial fibrillation detection, and ventricular systolic function screening. The scaphoid fracture detection software, which helps identify fractures that are often missed by X-rays, has received FDA approval and a US patent, reducing misdiagnoses and repeat visits. The ventricular systolic function screening software, based on ECG data, predicts long-term mortality risk and supports early diagnosis and treatment. These developments reflect ongoing efforts to integrate AI into clinical practice, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. More... (in Chinese) |
| National Cheng Kung University's nanoscale fluorescent bomb leaves cancer cells nowhere to hide 29 May, 2024 A research team from National Cheng Kung University's Department of Chemistry has developed an innovative cancer detection technology using composite nanoparticles, referred to as super fluorescent energy bombs. These nanoparticles enhance cellular fluorescence imaging, significantly increasing disease detection sensitivity and making cancer cells harder to evade detection. This groundbreaking technology, which converts low-energy light into high-energy light to avoid tissue damage, has been published in the prestigious international journal Advanced Materials. The method, involving bacterial membrane-coated up-conversion nanoparticles, marks a significant advancement in nanotechnology and has broad applications in disease detection and treatment monitoring. More... (in Chinese) |
| Compal strengthens biomedical efforts; subsidiary HippoScreen Neurotech expands AI brainwave applications 27 May, 2024 Compal Electronics (TW: 2324) announced that its subsidiary, HippoScreen Neurotech, is focusing on enhancing mental health support in line with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's proposed policies for a healthy Taiwan. The company's AI brainwave stress assessment medical device, already implemented in numerous local hospitals' psychiatric and psychosomatic clinics, is slated for further expansion in application. Compal emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns, leveraging AI technology to provide quantitative data for improved physician-patient communication and treatment compliance. HippoScreen Neurotech has also developed a Brain Degeneration Risk Assessment System, registered as a Class II medical device by the US FDA and undergoing domestic inspection, indicating a commitment to advancing brain and mental health through innovative healthcare solutions. More... (in Chinese) |
| GlycoNex and PrecisemAb Biotech sign technology transfer agreement to develop novel antibody drugs 27 May, 2024 GlycoNex (TW: 4168) recently announced its completion of a technology licensing agreement with Taiwan's PrecisemAb Biotech. GlycoNex intends to utilize PrecisemAb Biotech's antibody lock technology platform to develop a new generation of antibody drugs that enhance antibody specificity, reduce drug side effects, and improve treatment efficacy. More... (in Chinese) |
| Traditional industry giants taking steps into biomedical sector, setting off massive investment wave 27 May, 2024 Five traditional industry giants -- Formosa Plastics (TW: 1301), Uni-President (TW: 1216), Yuen Foong Yu (TW: 1907), Ta Ya Electric Wire & Cable (TW: 1609), and YC Inox (TW: 2034) -- are significantly expanding their investments in the biomedical sector, indicating a potential billion-dollar surge in the latter half of the year. Formosa Plastics has partnered with PuriBlood to enhance their production of blood bags, polymer medical materials, and cell therapy products, with substantial factory upgrades in Kaohsiung. Nan Ya Plastics is expanding leukocyte reduction blood bag production, aiming for global market capture. Uni-President is developing an Alzheimer’s drug, TML-6, with Phase I trials beginning soon in Los Angeles. YFY invested TaiGen Biotech has announced successful Phase III trials for its flu antiviral drug, TG-1000, targeting Chinese market entry next year. YC Inox's investment in Gongwin Biopharm progresses with its lung cancer drug in China, and Ta Ya is investing in Immunwork's weight loss drug. More... (in Chinese) |
| Clinical data on Acepodia's ACC new drug for autoimmune disease treatments looks promising 27 May, 2024 Acepodia's innovative Antibody-Cell Conjugate (ACC) drug, ACE1831, has shown promising Phase I trial results for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, indicating potential in autoimmune disease treatment. CEO Shih-Chia Hsiao plans to expedite applications for expanded indications and maintain annual new drug trials. Acepodia's ACC technology, derived from Carolyn Bertozzi’s click chemistry, enhances cellular drug functionality. In the lowest dose cohort of ACE1831’s trial, four of five participants showed positive results: three with stable disease and one complete response, even in cases relapsed after CAR-T therapy. The drug demonstrated durability with no disease progression for up to three months and showed no safety concerns like cytokine release syndrome or graft-versus-host disease. Pharmacokinetically, ACE1831 was detectable for 21-28 days, confirming its preliminary safety and potential in autoimmune treatments. Acepodia is advancing clinical trials for autoimmune diseases and has IND-approved drugs in breast cancer, hematologic tumors, and lung cancer. More... (in Chinese) |
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