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2024-10-10| Asia-Pacific

BioJapan Winning with Tech Advancements, Collaborations, and Diverse Medical Strengths: Taiwan’s Delegation Brings Its Best to the Fore

by Bernice Lottering
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At BioJapan 2024, BPIPO, DCB and several Taiwanese companies showcased cutting-edge technologies, including iPSC-based therapies, CAR-T treatments, advanced CDMO solutions, and innovative regenerative medical devices, driving international collaboration in the industry.

This year (2024), the Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB) and the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (BPIPO) led 12 Taiwanese biotech companies to participate in Asia’s largest biotechnology exhibition—BioJapan 2024. The event took place from October 9 to 11 at PACIFICO Yokohama International Conference Center in Japan. In addition to showcasing Taiwan’s biotech capabilities at the “Taiwan Biotech Industry Pavilion,” DCB and BPIPO organized key industry visits and meetings. These efforts fostered in-depth exchanges with major Japanese biotech and pharmaceutical organizations, actively promoting bilateral discussions and partnerships, and advancing the global expansion of Taiwan’s biotech industry.

BioJapan, now in its 26th year, attracts participants from multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, startups, and academic institutions worldwide. The event offers industry professionals opportunities for business negotiations and networking, having facilitated over 19,000 one-on-one meetings last year. This year’s expo focused on fields such as gene therapy, regenerative medicine, digital health, and medical devices, drawing over 1,000 exhibitors and thousands of professionals globally.

Taiwan delegation visits Shonan iPark for the Global Showcase, exploring future collaborations with international biotech companies.

Visit to Shonan iPark: Global Showcase and Prospects for Collaboration

On October 8, the Taiwan delegation visited the Shonan iPark Global Showcase in Kanagawa Prefecture. iPark is Japan’s largest life science innovation hub, housing numerous Japanese and international biotech and medical companies. Since 2019, BPIPO has facilitated collaboration between Taiwan’s National Biotechnology Research Park and iPark, fostering growth in both ecosystems. DCB and BPIPO led the delegation to strengthen industrial exchanges and expand collaboration between Taiwanese and Japanese biotech sectors.

In addition to interacting with resident companies, the delegation engaged in discussions with over 100 international biotech firms from the U.S., France, Switzerland, and South Korea. Through this platform, Taiwan promotes the exchange of technology and market resources. Ultimately, Taiwan aims to accelerate its biotech companies’ entry into the Japanese market, enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Industry Exchange with the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA)

Founded in 1968, the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) represents Japan’s research-based pharmaceutical industry. Its mission is to promote patient-centered healthcare and support new drug development. Additionally, JPMA facilitates global health initiatives and international cooperation. The association collaborates with organizations like the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). With 70 member companies focused on R&D, JPMA emphasizes transparency and corporate responsibility through ethical standards. Consequently, it has a profound impact on Japan’s healthcare industry, driving pharmaceutical innovation and improving public health.

During this visit, the Taiwan delegation engaged in discussions with JPMA representatives. They explored global trends in new drug development and technological advancements. Moreover, the JPMA team shared insights on challenges and opportunities in drug development. They focused on how Taiwanese companies can effectively leverage the Japanese market for product development and clinical trials. This exchange aims to strengthen Taiwan-Japan connections in the pharmaceutical industry. Ultimately, it lays a solid foundation for Taiwanese companies to expand their presence in Japan.

Taiwan Biotech Industry Pavilion: A Showcase of Diverse Biotech Highlights

BPIPO set up the “Taiwan Biotech Industry Pavilion” at BioJapan, serving as a key platform for promoting Taiwan’s biotech and pharmaceutical industries. The 12 participating Taiwanese companies span various fields, including contract development and manufacturing (CDMO), regenerative medicine, medical devices, cancer treatment drug development, and biologics. The pavilion showcased Taiwan’s diverse biotech strengths and international competitiveness. Below are the details and core technologies of each company:

ACRO Biomedical develops regenerative medical devices using its patented supercritical CO₂ decellularization technology for human tissue. Amaran Biotech offers comprehensive CDMO solutions for vaccines and next-generation drugs, including API production, automatic aseptic filling, and stability research.

Bora Biologics Co., Ltd. excels in complex molecular process development and analysis, focusing on clinical new drug development and providing comprehensive development platforms and cGMP manufacturing. Far East Biotech uses microalgae technology to develop biomedical products, particularly for liver disease treatment.

KGBio applies patented solid-state fermentation technology to enhance the value of agricultural and food by-products, focusing on veterinary healthcare and plant-derived APIs. KriSan Biotech offers one-stop CrDMO services for complex small molecules, ADCs, PDCs, XDCs, peptides, and oligonucleotides, partnering with global drug developers.

Taiwanese Companies Highlight Innovative Solutions in Drug Development, Stem Cell Therapies, Regenerative Medicine and More

Level Biotechnology Inc. provides preclinical testing services, covering toxicology and pharmacology studies to support new drug development. LumiSTAR develops iPSC-based stem cell therapies and drug screening platforms for neurodegenerative diseases. PELL BMT focuses on CAR-T cancer therapies, with its subsidiary TCMC offering CDMO services for CAR-T and lentiviral vector manufacturing.

STEMINENT develops adipose-derived stem cell therapies, targeting rare neurodegenerative diseases. TaiGen Biotech develops novel anti-influenza drugs and antibiotics, alongside launching health supplements. Unicocell Biomed leads in allogeneic stem cell new drug development, treating arthritis and kidney disease, and provides CDMO services for stem cells and exosomes through its FDA-approved cell bank.

Other companies joining the delegation included Orient EuroPharma, offering CDMO services for injectable and oral products, and TFBS Bioscience, specializing in virus vector production. Further participants included PROTECT Biotech, focused on veterinary cancer treatments, and ExoBio Care, engaged in stem cell research and application. The Taiwan Bio-Industry Organization, which organizes the Asian Biotechnology Conference, and Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), a prominent research institute, also took part.

Startups, Fundraising, and Hospital Collaboration: Key Entry Points into the Japanese Market

On October 10, BPIPO hosted a seminar titled “Startups, Fundraising, and Hospital Collaboration” during the expo. This session featured two Japanese experts with extensive experience in startup fundraising and Japan’s healthcare channel. Their presentations attracted significant attention from expo participants.

Kumi Sakurai, CEO of Premo Partner, shared practical case studies and strategies for foreign companies. She emphasized the high demand for innovative medical technologies in Japan. Additionally, Yohei Maeshima, CEO of Olba Healthcare, discussed Japan’s healthcare channel management. He focused on the collaboration between hospitals and clinics. Furthermore, he explained how effective channel management can increase Taiwanese medical products’ penetration in Japan.

The seminar highlighted how strategic fundraising supports startup growth. It also explored the linkage mechanism between hospitals and startups. This emphasizes the importance of healthcare systems in commercializing new technologies.

Moreover, the expo hosted numerous one-on-one business meetings. These meetings allowed companies to engage directly with global pharmaceutical firms, medical device manufacturers, and venture capitalists. Such interactions provide Taiwanese companies with opportunities to expand internationally. They also strengthen technical collaboration and market connections among global biotech firms.

(Note: Companies listed in random order.)

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