7/15 Taiwan Life Sciences Biweekly Newsletter
2024-07-16 |
| Taiwan Life Sciences Biweekly |
| Saha Group collaborates with [Taiwan's] Quark Biosciences to venture into biotechnology 12 July, 2024 Recently at the Saha Group Fair [Thailand], Saha Group partnered with [Taiwan's] Quark Biosciences to jointly enter the biotechnology industry, signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the 28th Saha Group Fair held at BITEC Bangna on June, 27th 2024. Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation of Thailand, presided over and served as an honorary witness at the signing ceremony Additionally, Professor Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, Chairman of the Executive Board, The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), was also honored to join as an honorary witness at this MOU signing ceremony. More... |
| BIO Asia-Taiwan to Set Record, Aims to Propel Taiwanese Companies onto the International Stage 11 July, 2024 BIO Asia-Taiwan 2024 will commence on July 24 and run for five consecutive days. Conference Chairman Johnsee Lee stated yesterday that this year's conference will focus on how Taiwan can better connect with the international biotech community. BIO Asia-Taiwan is one of the world's three major biotech events, with over 900 exhibitors and more than 2,200 booths this year, setting a new record in scale. Lee mentioned that the predecessor of BIO Asia-Taiwan was Bio Business Asia and associated events known as Taiwan Biotech Month, which started in 2003. Since 2019, it has been held in cooperation with the global BIO industry association. This year, the event will be further expanded, featuring three major tracks; Innovation, Investment, and Regional Cooperation. It is expected to attract biotech professionals from 50 countries. More... (in Chinese) |
| Synmosa Biopharma obtains Celltrion's drug transfer rights for Taiwan and Hong Kong, completing over 20 drug license transfers 11 July, 2024 Synmosa Biopharma (TW: 4114) has secured the rights to distribute and market Celltrion Group's pharmaceutical products in Taiwan and Hong Kong, covering approximately 20 drug licenses for treatments like diabetes, hypertension, and insomnia. This agreement, signed with Hasten Biopharmaceuticals Holding (HK) Limited (Hasten Biopharma) through its affiliate HP Bidco 2 Limited, grants Synmosa Biopharma exclusive authority over the distribution, marketing, and promotion of specified Celltrion products in these regions. The transfer of these licenses is expected to be completed within six months. Concurrently, Hasten Biopharma has acquired Celltrion's healthcare product portfolio in eight Asia-Pacific countries and regions, encompassing diabetes medications ACTOS, ACTOSMET, NESINA, OSENI; hypertension drugs BLOPRESS, BLOPRESS PLUS, EDARBI, UNISIA; and insomnia treatment ROZEREM, excluding certain markets for specific products. More... (in Chinese) |
| Foresee Pharmaceuticals' New Prostate Cancer Drug CAMCEVI Receives Approval for Market in Israel 11 July, 2024 Foresee Pharmaceuticals (TW: 6576) announced on the 10th that its partner Megapharm has informed them that their new formulation for the treatment of prostate cancer, CAMCEVI 42 mg six-month extended-release injection (also known as FP-001 50 mg), has received market approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health. More... (in Chinese) |
| BIO Asia-Taiwan 2024 Focuses on Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine 10 July, 2024 In June this year, the Legislative Yuan passed the "Regenerative Medicine Act" in its third reading, benefiting patients and promoting the development of the regenerative medicine industry. BIO Asia-Taiwan, which will kick off on July 24, is set to reach a new high in exhibition scale. Johnsee Lee, Chairman of the BIO Asia-Taiwan organizing committee, stated that regenerative medicine will bring a new wave of transformation to Taiwan's biotech industry and is expected to increase CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) capacity. Lee said that the conference is now in its sixth year, and following the pandemic, biotech companies are seizing new post-pandemic business opportunities. Regenerative medicine will bring a new wave of transformation to Taiwan's biotech industry, with a special highlight zone for "Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine" at the event. Major industry players will gather, and combined with Taiwan's semiconductor and ICT technological advantages, it is expected to have a strong synergistic effect. More... (in Chinese) |
| Taiwan BIO Awards Announced: Lotus Pharma, Pharmosa Biopharm, Acepodia, Formosa Pharmaceutics Among 19 Winners 10 July, 2024 The 2024 Taiwan BIO Awards have been announced, with a total of 19 companies winning. The Outstanding Company award was won by Lotus Pharma, PharmaEssentia, and Bonraybio. The Emerging Company award was given to Pharmaosa Biopharm, TSH Biopharm, Steminent Biotherapeutics, ONYX Healthcare, and BenQ Dialysis. The Startup award went to Acepodia, ImmunAdd, Sunhawk Vision Biotech, Elixiron Immunotherapeutics, BioGend Therapeutics, BRAXX Biotech, and Protect Biotech. Additionally, Formosa Pharmaceuticals won the Innovation award for APP13007 treatment of postoperative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery, which has received FDA approval; TaiGen Biopharmaceuticals for its anti-influenza drug TG-1000; HippoScreen Neurotech for its Stress EEG Assessment System; and Syngen for its Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermented Vegetable Powder. More... (in Chinese) |
| Ever Supreme Bio Technology's World's First AI-Based CAR-T Drug Screening Approved for Clinical Trials by TFDA 10 July, 2024 Ever Supreme Bio Technology (TW: 6712) announced that its AI-selected allogeneic CAR001 (CAR-T) therapy targeting the HLA-G protein for solid tumor treatment has received approval from Taiwan's TFDA for Phase I/IIa clinical trials. CAR-T therapies, initially approved by the US FDA in 2017 for blood tumors, have shown significant market growth despite high costs and lengthy preparation times. The global CAR-T market, with sales reaching US$8.444 billion last year, is projected to grow to US$10.38 billion in 2024 and US$107.92 billion by 2033. Ever Supreme Bio is positioning itself to enter this rapidly expanding market. More... (in Chinese) |
| Lin BioScience's Acute Leukemia New Drug LBS-007 Receives US FDA Orphan Drug Designation 10 July, 2024 Lin BioScience (TW: 6696) announced that its new acute leukemia drug, LBS-007, has received Orphan Drug Designation from the US FDA for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), following a similar designation for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) in 2018. This designation provides FDA administrative support and a seven-year market exclusivity period in the US. LBS-007 is a small molecule drug targeting CDC7, offering higher precision and lower toxicity. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has shown interest in collaborating on its development. LBS-007 has demonstrated superior performance against chemotherapy-resistant tumor cell lines, showing promise as a next-generation broad-spectrum anti-cancer targeted therapy. More... (in Chinese) |
| Diamond Biofund Establishes European Investment Bridge, Signs MOU with French Venture Capital Fund 8 July, 2024 Diamond Biofund (TW: 6901) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with French biotech venture fund AdBio Partners. This partnership aims to share investments in high-tech biotech projects and expand investments in the biotech and medical industries in both Europe and Taiwan. This is Diamond Biofund's second international biotech investment collaboration, having previously with Japan's Daiwa Corporate Investment (DCI Partners). More... (in Chinese) |
| Exosome market rapidly growing, Taiwanese companies positioned to enter 8 July, 2024 Exosomes have a wide range of applications in areas such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and regenerative medicine, presenting substantial commercial opportunities as the market rapidly expands. Taiwanese biotech firms are actively positioning themselves to enter this space, including Bionet (TW: 1784), Mycenax (TW: 4726), Ever Supreme Bio Technology (TW: 6712), and Lumosa Therapeutics (TW: 6353), focusing on exosome-based drug development and contract manufacturing. Clinical applications of exosomes include drug delivery platforms, diagnostic assays, new drugs, and cosmetics. Exosome-based drugs are not yet FDA-approved, but cancer diagnostic assays using exosomes as biomarkers are marketed under Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs). In cosmetics, exosome-based products derived from both animal and human sources are already on the market, while exosome medical devices and drugs are still in development. Analysts are optimistic about exosomes' potential for significant growth in clinical healthcare and medical aesthetics. More... (in Chinese) |
| Heron Neutron Medical's Cancer Targeted Radiotherapy Device Receives Medical Device License 8 July, 2024 Heron Neutron Medical has obtained Taiwan's first such medical device license for its Accelerator-based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (AB-BNCT) equipment, marking a significant milestone in local cancer treatment. Founded in 2017 with a capital of NTD1.143 billion, the company developed AB-BNCT technology licensed from Tsinghua University and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). This innovative therapy involves injecting non-toxic boron drugs into tumors and using neutron-induced reactions for precise radiotherapy. Earlier in May, Heron Neutron Medical launched Taiwan's inaugural BNCT Center at China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital. Looking ahead, they plan to collaborate with medical centers across Taiwan to conduct clinical trials targeting recurrent head and neck cancer, aiming for drug approval by 2026. More... (in Chinese) |
| PharmaEssentia's Ropeg Gains Market Approval in China 7 July, 2024 In late July BIO Asia-Taiwan will be held, spotlighting several biotech stocks with significant international developments. PharmaEssentia Corporation (TW: 6446) announced that its new drug Ropeg has obtained regulatory approval from China's NMPA, securing the second largest global market for Polycythemia Vera (PV) outside the US. Meanwhile, Tanvex BioPharma's biosimilar drug TX01 received FDA approval for neutropenia induced by cancer chemotherapy in the US, targeting a market worth $403 million annually. Additionally, Adimmune's subsidiary Enimmune reported promising results from its enterovirus 71 vaccine Phase III trial, achieving 99.12 percent efficacy. More... (in Chinese) |
| AI to be used in healthcare system 6 July, 2024 The healthcare system is to analyze patient records and family histories using artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate the risk of developing diabetes or hyperlipidemia and improve early diagnosis, National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) Director-General Shih Chung-liang said in an interview published yesterday. The government has launched the Home-based Acute Care Program within two months after the inauguration of President William Lai's, in line with his "Healthy Taiwan" policy. More... |
| Formosa Biomedical Technology Takes a Big Step Towards Internationalization 5 July, 2024 Formosa Biomedical Technology is accelerating its international expansion, with its five major brands recently entering the markets of Malaysia, Vietnam, and the United States. The company's nearly 20 beauty care and daily necessities products aim to help achieve a revenue target of NTD10 billion. In 2023, excluding its 17 subsidiaries, Formosa Biomedical Technology generated approximately NTD3.15 billion, with branded products accounting for half of this revenue. The company's brands, which include Dr's Formula, BioLead, and FORTE, have obtained sales permits in the new markets, with products available through Amazon in the US and both specialized counters and online platforms in Malaysia and Vietnam. More... (in Chinese) |
| Compal Smart Healthcare Announces Self-Developed "Ablation Treasure" Receives Medical Device Market Approval in Malaysia 3 July, 2024 Compal Electronics (TW: 2324) has announced that its self-developed "Ablation Treasure," a radiofrequency ablation system for treating liver, bile duct tumors, and thyroid nodules, has obtained medical device market approval in Malaysia. This follows previous approvals in the US and Taiwan. The system, which integrates innovative ultrasound imaging and direction-adjustable electrode needles, reduces surgery time and improves precision. Initially introduced to Malaysia as part of an overseas market promotion plan, Compal aims to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia, with applications also submitted in Thailand. The company's collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is intended to enhance R&D capabilities and compete effectively in the highly competitive US market, dominated by Medtronic. More... (in Chinese) |
| TTY Biopharm's New Cocktail Therapy for Colorectal Cancer Receives Approval in Taiwan, Targeting a NTD400 Million Market 3 July, 2024 TTY Biopharm has received approval in Taiwan for its new colorectal cancer cocktail therapy, which combines the oral chemotherapy drug Trifluridine/Tipiracil (FTD/TPI) with the monoclonal antibody Bevacizumab. This approval targets a market valued at over NTD400 million annually. TTY Biopharm has been active in the colorectal cancer treatment field for over 20 years, and this new approval enhances its comprehensive product line. The therapy, already approved in the US and EU, has shown positive clinical results and represents a significant advancement in providing diverse treatment options for colorectal cancer patients. More... (in Chinese) |
| TCM Biotech Partners with Instant NanoBiosensors to Target Genetic Testing Market 2 July, 2024 TCM Biotech International (TW: 4169) has announced a partnership with Instant NanoBiosensors to address the demand for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) laboratory services in Taiwan. This collaboration aims to establish Laboratory Developed Testing Services (LDTS) within hospitals, enabling them to conduct internationally compliant genetic testing directly onsite. This initiative not only aims to make genetic testing more accessible and cost-effective for patients but also enhances hospital service capabilities and operational stability. By leveraging their combined expertise, TCM Biotech and Instant NanoBiosensors intend to advance precision medicine by offering precise personalized diagnosis and treatment options. This strategic move follows TCM Biotech's recent LDTS certification and introduction of innovative post-liver cancer recurrence tracking tests, aiming to expand their footprint in the precision medicine market and capitalize on high-value testing opportunities. More... (in Chinese) |
| Enimmune: Enterovirus Type 71 Vaccine Meets Unblinding Criteria, Production for Supply Next Year 2 July, 2024 Enimmune, a subsidiary of Adimmune Corporation, announced that its Enterovirus Type 71 vaccine (EnVAX-A71) has successfully completed Phase 3 clinical trials with a remarkable 99.12 percent protective efficacy rate, making it the most effective vaccine of its kind globally. The company plans to ramp up production starting in 2025 using advanced bioreactor technology at its Taichung facility and has applied for regulatory approval in Vietnam while eyeing expansion into the China market. The trial, conducted across multiple centers in Taiwan and Vietnam, involved over 3,993 participants and demonstrated significant efficacy with just one confirmed case in the vaccinated group compared to 70 in the placebo group, affirming the vaccine's safety and efficacy during the Enterovirus Type 71 outbreak in Vietnam in 2023. More... (in Chinese) |
| AmCad BioMed's AmCad UO Ultrasound Smart Sleep Monitoring System Adopted by NTU Medical Health Management Center 2 July, 2024 AmCad BioMed (TW: 4188) announced that its overnight-free AmCad UO ultrasound smart sleep monitoring system has been adopted by NTU Hospital Health Management Center and other leading medical institutions. The product, which offers accurate testing in just 10 minutes, addresses the limitations of traditional sleep apnea testing methods that require an overnight stay and have long waiting times. Clinical trials at NTU Hospital showed a 95 percent accuracy rate. AmCad BioMed is also collaborating with major companies for employee health checks, aiming to enhance public and corporate participation in health examinations, thereby reducing the incidence of sleep apnea-related chronic diseases. More... (in Chinese) |
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| Taiwan Bio Industry Organization (Taiwan BIO) Contact: Daisy Tsai Tel: +886 2 27836028 ext 14 FAX : +886 2 27836027 Mobile: +886 933-139647 | Line ID : daisy222 Email: daisy@taiwanbio.org.tw BIO Asia-Taiwan 2024 (24-28 July, 2024) ========================================= Taiwan Bio Industry Organization (TBIO) Room C229, Bldg. C, No.99, Ln. 130, Sec. 1, Academia Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei, Taiwan (11571) ========================================= |