11/11 Taiwan Life Sciences Biweekly Newsletter
2024-11-11 |
| Taiwan Life Sciences Biweekly |
| Taiwan's Health Ministry signs MOU with Yale New Haven Hospital to advance smart healthcare 7 November, 2024 To boost Taiwan's digital healthcare development, the Health Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) on Thursday. The collaboration will focus on three key areas: talent training, clinical decision support, and medical information integration. More... |
| Senhwa Biosciences announces first patient dosed in the Phase I/II study of Silmitasertib in children and young adults with relapsed refractory solid tumors Press release 6 November, 2024 Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. (TPEx: 6492), a new drug development company focusing on first-in-class therapeutics for oncology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases, today announced that the enrollment of the first patient at Penn State Health Children's Hospital in its Phase I/II clinical study evaluating the efficacy of Silmitasertib (CX-4945) in combination with chemotherapy for children and young adults with relapsed or refractory solid tumors. This innovative trial seeks to establish a recommended dose of Silmitasertib in combination with chemotherapy and assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy in patients with cancer, with a focus on neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and liposarcoma. More... |
| PharmaEngine and Haihe Biopharma enter into exclusive distribution agreement for LIPORAXEL® Press release 4 November, 2024 PharmaEngine, Inc. (TW:4162) and Shanghai RMX Biopharma Co. Ltd. (Shanghai RMX Biopharma), a subsidiary of Haihe Biopharma Co., Ltd., have entered into a distribution agreement for LIPORAXEL® (paclitaxel oral solution) today. PharmaEngine will be solely responsible for applying new drug application (NDA), sales, and marketing of LIPORAXEL® in the Taiwan market. LIPORAXEL® is a paclitaxel oral solution developed and manufactured by South Korea's Daehwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Daehwa). In September 2017, Shanghai RMX Biopharma in-licensed the rights for development, manufacturing, and commercialization of LIPORAXEL® for the territory of Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand from DaeHwa. More... |
| PharmaEssentia Applies for Phase I Clinical Trial of T-Cell Receptor Immunotherapy 2 November, 2024 PharmaEssentia (TW: 6446) has announced that it has submitted an application to the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) to conduct a Phase I clinical trial (IND) for its T-cell receptor immunotherapy, TCRT-ESO-A2-TW, aimed at treating patients with advanced solid tumors. More... (in Chinese) |
| TPIsoftware and Taipei Medical Alliance Sign MOU to Advance Healthcare Technology and Medical Research Press release 1 November, 2024 TPIsoftware (TW: 7781) and Taipei Medical Alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 30 in a collaborative effort to advance healthcare technology and medical academia. The collaboration aims to facilitate digital transformation and AI innovation in healthcare and clinical services through efficient resource sharing. Regular seminars, training sessions and academic events are to be expected in order to deepen medical expertise and accelerate digitalization within the healthcare sector. More... |
| Formosa Pharmaceuticals and DÁVI Farmacêutica Announce Licensing Agreement for Clobetasol Propionate Ophthalmic Suspension for the Treatment of Post-Operative Inflammation and Pain 31 October, 2024 Taiwan-based Formosa Pharmaceuticals (TW: 6838) announced today that the company has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with DÁVI Farmacêutica in Portugal, for exclusive rights to the commercialization of clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension, 0.05% (APP13007), a marketed innovative medicine for the treatment of inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. DÁVI is a trusted partner of Pharmathen Global Holding B.v., AZAD Pharma AG, NTC S.r.l. and Pfizer through marketing and promotion of Xalacom© (Latanoprost + Timolol) and Xalatan© (Latanoprost) for more than 12 years. DÁVI is one of the key players in the Portuguese Market, with over 100 years' history in the distribution and promotion of branded ophthalmology products. Clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension, 0.05% (APP13007), approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March, 2024, was launched in the United States in September, 2024. The DÁVI licensing agreement includes upfront, commercialization milestones, and sales milestones, with additional considerations throughout the term of the agreement. More... |
| Lotus Pharmaceuticals' lung cancer drug achieves success in clinical trials 31 October, 2024 Lotus Pharmaceuticals (TW: 1795) announced that Zepzelca (lurbinectedin), a new drug for small cell lung cancer the company has licensed from abroad, has shown promising results in recent overseas clinical trials. It has the potential to advance from a second-line treatment to a first-line maintenance therapy, which could increase the number of eligible patients in Taiwan from 220 to 600. The industry anticipates a corresponding rise in sales as a result of this development. More... (in Chinese) |
| TaiMed Biologics secures first US CDMO client for antibody drug technology transfer 29 October, 2024 TaiMed Biologics (TW: 4147) announced that it has been approved by a US client for its contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services in the pharmaceutical industry. The company will provide relevant manufacturing services for its antibody clinical trial drug. The formal contract signing is expected to be completed soon, after which technology transfer will commence along with analysis testing and related manufacturing activities. More... (in Chinese) |
| Taiwan Unveils Cutting-Edge AI Surgical Innovations at MEDICA 2024 Press release 29 October, 2024 James C. F. Huang, Chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), will spotlight Taiwan's groundbreaking AI-enhanced surgical innovations at MEDICA 2024. The press conference, AI-Powered Surgeons, The Best Made in Taiwan, will be held at 2 P.M. on November 11 at the Taiwan Pavilion (Hall16 Booth D02), showcasing how Taiwan's advanced technology ecosystem is revolutionizing global healthcare through AI-driven solutions and precision medicine. More... |
| GlycoNex to Participate in 2024 BIO Europe Conference Press release 29 October, 2024 GlycoNex, Inc. (TW: 4168), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development of glycan-directed cancer immunotherapies, today announced its participation in the upcoming BIO Europe Conference, which will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, from November 4-6, 2024. More... |
| Taiwan-Australia Biotechnology Forum showcases potential for innovative collaboration 28 October, 2024 Eleven Taiwanese biotech companies participated in the Taiwan-Australia Biotechnology Forum in Melbourne, where the director of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Melbourne, Lu Ming-Tse, was invited to speak. He emphasized the close collaboration between Taiwan and Australia in the field of biotech innovation, particularly in regenerative medicine, biotech pharmaceuticals, and digital health. Lu pointed out that Melbourne, as the capital of Victoria, has long been a significant development base for Australia's biotech industry. More... (in Chinese) |
| Ever Fortune.AI's Chen: Smart Healthcare Pushing Taiwan Towards the Forefront 28 October, 2024 The surge of AI in smart healthcare has sparked excitement, and Chen Ming-feng, Chairman of Ever Fortune.AI, believes that Taiwan possesses three major advantages: electronic technology, advanced medical standards, and a valuable healthcare database. Coupled with government policy support, these factors position Taiwan to be at the forefront of global developments. He anticipates that within five years, AI software and hardware applications will significantly penetrate the healthcare system. More... (in Chinese) |
| LAUNXP Biomedical announces new drug for breast cancer combined with chemotherapy 28 October, 2024 On the 25th, LAUNXP Biomedical (TW: 6876) held a press conference at the Taiwan International Breast Cancer Symposium (TIBCS) to announce its new drug LXPB5268 for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). According to the trial results, using LAUNXP's LXPB5268 in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy can achieve a tumor shrinkage rate of over 70 percent, significantly higher than the 40 to 50 percent shrinkage rate seen with chemotherapy alone. LAUNXP plans to initiate Phase II clinical trials next year (2025). More... (in Chinese) |
| Bora acquires rare diseases drugmaker Pyros Pharmaceuticals 28 October, 2024 Taiwan-based Bora Pharmaceuticals announced that its Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of US-based specialty pharmaceutical company Pyros Pharmaceuticals. Bora is engaged in developing and manufacturing branded, generic and over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare and pharmaceutical products. Established in 2017, Pyros develops treatments for rare diseases and has recently launched the Vigafyde (vigabatrin) oral solution. Vigafyde is indicated for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) in children as young as one month to two years, with potential benefits surpassing the risk of vision loss. More... |
| Genetic map of cancer cells completed 27 October, 2024 Scientists have completed the first-ever genetic mapping of tumor cells from Taiwanese with breast cancer in a potential breakthrough for treatment and prevention of the disease. National Cancer Research Institute director Cha Tai-lung said that the genetic flaws linked to breast cancer are passed down within subpopulations, complicating attempts to apply research conducted on one group to another. More... |
| ADC technology platform shows potential: OBI Pharma presents results at international conference 27 October, 2024 OBI Pharma (TW: 4174) will participate in two significant upcoming conferences to showcase its ADC technology platform. The first is the World ADC Conference in San Diego, USA, from November 4 to 7, 2024. This event is noted as the largest and longest-running industry forum for ADC technologies. Following that, OBI Pharma will attend the 2024 World Companion Diagnostics & Liquid Biopsy Summit APAC in Singapore on November 13 and 14, where the company will present the latest advancements in companion diagnostics and liquid biopsy techniques. More... (in Chinese) |
| TaiMed Biologics completes treatment for all participants in Phase IIa trial of long-acting HIV therapy 28 October, 2024 TaiMed Biologics (TW: 4147) announced that its clinical Phase IIa trial for the long-acting HIV treatment combination TMB-365/TMB-380, administered every two months, has completed the treatment regimen for the last participant. Preliminary results from the trial are expected to be analyzed and published by the end of 2024 or early 2025, with plans to advance the therapy to Phase IIb clinical research in 2025. More... (in Chinese) |
| Oneness Biotech unveils two new anti-infective drugs 24 October, 2024 Oneness Biotech (TW: 4743), following the successful unblinding of its Phase II trial for the nucleic acid drug SNS812, which treats COVID-19, has announced the development of SNS851, a weight-loss medication that does not affect appetite, dubbed "Happy Slim." Recently, the company also revealed two new anti-infective drugs, SNS611 and SNS612. With a series of successful first-in-class small nucleic acid drugs developed using its proprietary technology, Oneness Biotech aims to establish itself as a globally competitive nucleic acid drug platform company, attracting attention from international pharmaceutical firms and investors. More... (in Chinese) |
| Anya Biopham's weight loss drug set to target overseas markets 24 October, 2024 Anya Biopham (TW: 7776), a subsidiary of Center Ventures, recently listed on the Taipei Exchange at NT$42 per share and plans a public listing in the second half of next year. The company aims to capitalize on the market opportunity following the expiration of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy patent in Denmark, with plans for global expansion, particularly targeting the US market. Chairman Siegfried Gschliesser announced that Anya's first self-developed oral GLP-1 drug, ANY002, was licensed to an international firm in June, securing a signing bonus and milestone payments totaling around NT$150 million. ANY002, expected to enter the Indian market as early as 2027, could yield sales royalties of up to 15 percent. More... (in Chinese) |
| Advagene Biopharma takes steps to enter the US market 24 October, 2024 Advagene Biopharma (TW: 6709) has received an invitation from the US Department of Defense to attend the "Host Directed Therapeutics Industry Day" at the US Patent and Trademark Office later this month. The company will also engage with the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), presenting its self-developed mucosal immunotherapy technology to US government representatives. More... (in Chinese) |
| TFBS Bioscience Zhubei facility opens today; company considering Innovation Board listing next year 23 October, 2024 TFBS Bioscience (TW: 6939) has opened a new facility in Zhubei, Taiwan, marking a major advancement for Taiwan's cell and gene therapy industry in its push toward global commercialization. The company noted that the facility is expected to reach NT$2–3 billion in business scale, initially focusing on process development before progressing to mass production. TFBS Bioscience also plans to support clients in advanced clinical phases, including potential CAR-T mass production. Equipped for viral vector production, pharmacology, and animal testing, the facility offers comprehensive one-stop services, positioning TFBS Bioscience for a strong competitive advantage. An Innovation Board listing is being considered for next year. More... (in Chinese) |
| National Cheng Kung University team discovers lung cancer metastasis and drug resistance link 23 October, 2024 A research team led by Honorary Professor Su Wu-Chou from the Department of Oncology at Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University has discovered, after years of effort, that the metastasis of cancer cells and the development of drug resistance in lung cancer patients are primarily related to the loss of glycosylation on the cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL6). This is a global first, and the important findings have been published in the prestigious international journal Nature Communications. More... (in Chinese) |
| Taiwan Bio Industry Organization board election: EirGenix Chairman Liu Lee-Cheng elected as chair 22 October, 2024 The Taiwan Bio Industry Organization (Taiwan BIO) recently held a general meeting to elect its 18th board of directors and supervisors. On October 21, a joint board meeting was convened to elect the executive directors and chairman and vice-chairpersons. As a result, Liu Lee-Cheng, Chairman of EirGenix (TW: 6589), was elected as the new chairman. The vice-chair positions went to Chris Tsai, Chairman of Bionet Corp. (TW: 1784), and Jo Shen, Partner at Vivo Capital. More... (in Chinese) |
| Alar Pharmaceuticals advances drug to Phase III clinical trial 22 October, 2024 Alar Pharmaceuticals (TW: 6785) announced that its licensed product with international pharmaceutical company Indivior, a long-acting buprenorphine injection INDV-6001 (ALA-1000), will undergo a multiple-dose pharmacokinetic clinical trial in the US. The trial aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of multiple injections of INDV-6001 in patients with opioid addiction, providing a basis for dosing options in future Phase III clinical studies. 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 2025 (23-27 July, 2025) ========================================= Taiwan Bio Industry Organization (TBIO) Room C229, Bldg. C, No.99, Ln. 130, Sec. 1, Academia Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei, Taiwan (11571) ========================================= |