2024 Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo: Innovations in Five Key Industries

Taiwan’s biomedical industry is growing rapidly, with biotech and healthcare companies exceeding $55 billion in market value. The 2024 Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo spotlights five industries: smart healthcare, regenerative medicine, precision diagnostics, biotech pharmaceuticals, and advanced medical devices. This event showcases Taiwan’s role as a healthcare innovation hub in Asia-Pacific. Moreover, it explores emerging trends shaping the biotech and medical sectors. The 2024 Healthcare+ Expo highlights these dynamic industries, showcasing how advancements in technology are paving the way for future medical developments across the region.

Smart Healthcare: AI and Big Data Are the Future Powers Behind Medical Innovation

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly transforming healthcare services worldwide. AI technologies are driving innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and wellness, reshaping the industry at an unprecedented pace. Taiwan is emerging as a leader in smart healthcare, showcasing groundbreaking solutions at the forefront of this transformation.

Compal’s subsidiary, HippoScreen Neurotech Corp, developed the Stress EEG Assessment system, or SEA for short. The system records 90 seconds of brainwave signals (EEG) and uses AI to deliver quantifiable stress evaluation data. Physicians use this tool to enhance the accuracy of mental health diagnoses, streamlining clinical decision-making.

Acer Medical introduced innovative AI tools for medical diagnostics. Its “AI Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis” technology interprets fundus images with 93% accuracy, aiding early detection of eye diseases. Meanwhile, Acer’s “AI Bone Density Screening” system analyzes chest X-rays to estimate bone density, providing a quick and efficient method for assessing bone health.

HippoScreen Neurotech Corp., founded in 2019, develops EEG-assisted diagnostic solutions using AI technology, becoming Taiwan’s first FDA-approved medical-grade EEG amplifier manufacturer. Image: GeneOnline

Regenerative Medicine: Harnessing Stem Cells, AI, miRNA, and Advanced Technologies for Next-Generation Therapies

Regenerative medicine is regarded as one of the most disruptive biomedical technologies today. By repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs, it is redefining traditional approaches to treating degenerative diseases and cancer.

BIONET Corp. has developed a “Next-Generation Exosome Technology” that integrates AI to precisely analyze miRNA expression levels, enabling accurate prediction of disease indications.

In stem cell therapy, DuoGenic StemCells’ “PCP Blood Cell Purification Technology” can convert stem cells into M2 macrophages, which are used to alleviate pain associated with degenerative arthritis. Meanwhile, Taiwan Advance Bio-Pharmaceutical Inc.” Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy” is being developed in collaboration with several medical institutions to improve the quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.

In the field of regenerative medicine, AI-powered platforms like ExoMiR are transforming the study of miRNAs and pathways linked to specific indications, using statistical models to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Image: GeneOnline

Precision Diagnostics: Genomic Technology Powers Personalized Medicine Advances

Precision diagnostics is revolutionizing healthcare by leveraging genomic data to support clinical decision-making and enable personalized medicine. This approach tailors treatments to individual patients, improving outcomes and reducing risks. Innovators worldwide are driving these advancements, introducing cutting-edge genomic tools that are transforming the healthcare landscape. Current global technologies in precision diagnostics include CRISPR-based gene editing tools, liquid biopsy for cancer detection, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for genomic profiling. Among the top companies in this field, Abbott focuses on diagnostic and medical devices, GE Healthcare specializes in MedTech solutions, and Roche leads in in vitro diagnostics and therapeutic products. Furthermore, Taiwan is emerging as a key player in smart healthcare, showcasing groundbreaking solutions that are shaping the future of this transformation.

At the Expo, Pharmigene’s “PGx Pharmacogenomics Testing” showcased a delivery of 99% accuracy in medication dosage recommendations and adverse reaction assessments. This tool offers healthcare providers precise guidance for drug administration, minimizing errors and enhancing patient safety. With its reliability, it marks a major step forward in personalized prescribing practices.

Welgene Biotech developed the “Comprehensive Chromosomal Gene Array (array CGH)” for detecting minute chromosomal abnormalities with high precision. This technology plays a vital role in rare disease research, advancing Taiwan’s contributions to global genetic studies. Meanwhile, cancer gene testing has seen significant progress. New technologies analyze over 300 cancer-related genes in one test, providing patients with accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.

Biotech Pharmaceuticals: Advancements in Drug Development and CDMO Services

As the biotech pharmaceutical sector experiences rapid growth, innovations in new drug development and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services are driving its progress. These advancements are enabling the industry to meet increasing global healthcare demands.

Meribank Biotech focuses on stem cell-based drug development, conducting in-depth research on treatments for brain and lung diseases. Meanwhile, Ever Supreme Bio Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in immune cell drug development, aiming to advance therapies for solid tumors. These efforts are making significant strides in combating complex diseases.

Additionally, UnicoCell Biomed offers integrated CDMO services, standardizing cell therapy manufacturing techniques to ensure product stability. This approach provides the biotech pharmaceutical industry with a reliable production platform, earning comparisons to the “TSMC model” in the biomedical sector.

CDMO services in the biotech pharmaceutical industry enhance drug development and manufacturing efficiency, supporting the production of complex biologics and cell therapies. Image: GeneOnline

Advanced Medical Devices: Smart Technologies Enhancing Healthcare Accessibility

Recently, the rapid advancement of medical devices has significantly upgraded healthcare technology. These innovations are making healthcare more accessible and effective. Looking at the local electronics giant, ASUS, innovations in the field are apparent. Here, ASUS has introduced the LU800 Wireless Handheld Ultrasound, a software-based ultrasound system with multiple imaging modes. This device helps healthcare professionals make accurate diagnoses with ease.

Moreover, AUO Corporation’s subsidiary, AUO Health, has developed a Pulse Detection System and Tongue Image Capture System. These devices digitize and visualize traditional Chinese medicine diagnostics, enabling more precise evaluations based on pulse and tongue analysis.

Additionally, LEADTEK Research Inc. has launched a Wearable Blood Oxygen Monitor, integrating blood oxygen levels, heart rate variability, and autonomic nervous system monitoring. This device provides comprehensive sleep quality analysis, offering valuable insights for personal health management.

The Future of Healthcare Technology in the Asia-Pacific Region

As healthcare technology continues to evolve, five key sectors are driving innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. These include smart healthcare, regenerative medicine, precision diagnostics, biotech pharmaceuticals, and advanced medical devices.

These advancements are reshaping healthcare services and creating a more competitive and collaborative landscape within the supply chain. Consequently, the region is positioning itself as a global hub for medical innovation and health management.

Author

Bernice Lottering