Taiwan and Australia Bridge Biotech Frontiers and Strengthen Ties at AusBiotech 2024

AusBiotech 2024, held in Melbourne from October 28th to November 1st, brought Australia’s thriving biotech sector to the global stage, spotlighting its clinical trial expertise and broader industry strengths. The event aimed to foster international partnerships, with Taiwan’s Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (BPIPO) and Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB) actively engaging to build stronger ties. Led by Michael Huang, BPIPO Director and DCB Vice President, Taiwan’s envoys pursued collaborative opportunities, highlighting a shared commitment to growth and innovation. Experts noted Australia’s vibrant biotech ecosystem, with over 1,200 companies, 55 research institutes, and 40 universities driving advancements. However, the industry still seeks greater investment to enhance its economic impact, a point emphasized at AusBiotech 2024 as both countries explored deeper connections for mutual benefit.

Taiwan Pavilion Launches at AusBiotech, Led by BPIPO & DCB, to Forge Stronger Biotech Bonds with Australia

At AusBiotech 2024, Taiwanese contingents made a strong impression by inaugurating the Taiwan Pavilion, marking a milestone in biotech collaboration with Australia. Michael Huang, Director of BPIPO and Vice President of DCB, led the delegation, expressing enthusiasm for expanding communication between the two countries and emphasizing the value of global partnerships.

Prominent figures, including representatives from AusBiotech, the Victorian Government, and Taiwan’s diplomatic and cultural offices, as well as several key opinion leaders (KOLs) in science and medical research, warmly welcomed the opening ceremony. Their presence highlighted the importance of global cooperation in biotech, and paved the way for the growing synergistic relations between Taiwan and Australia.

To this end, the “BioConnect: Australia-Taiwan Biotech Forum,” with BPIPO and DCB as contributing partners, brought together biotech leaders from both countries. The forum highlighted Taiwan’s strengths in regenerative medicine, biotechnology, and digital health, while emphasizing opportunities for growth in areas such as immunotherapy, vaccine development, and precision medicine. Australian key opinion leaders (KOLs) participated, praising the exchange of technologies between the two countries. They also showcased Australia’s advanced clinical trial capabilities, along with its extensive contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) and contract research organization (CRO) facilities, which are driving success in the biotech field.

At AusBiotech 2024, the Taiwanese delegation officially inaugurated the Taiwan Pavilion, marking a significant milestone in fostering biotech collaboration between Australia and Taiwan. Left to Right: Sonia Chen, Deputy Director of BPIPO; Michael Huang, Director of BPIPO and Vice President of DCB, Rosanne Hyland, AusBiotech Deputy CEO; Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia (TECO); Hsiu-Chen Lin, Deputy Director-General of the Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) Bureau; Duli Chang, Senior Business Development Manager, Austrade.

Exploring Australia’s Thriving Biohubs and Biotech Ecosystems

The assembly of Taiwanese representatives also connected with Melbourne’s leading biotech and research hubs, including La Trobe University, Monash University, and the Parkville Precinct. La Trobe University is renowned for its research institutes and industry partnerships, with over 19 companies co-located on campus. The university focuses on emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and mathematical biology to advance disease modeling, digital pathology, and personalized drug discovery. Its partnerships include a clinical-scale mRNA manufacturing facility and Innovation Centre. As a biotech hotspot, La Trobe’s Bio Innovation Hub supports early-stage biotech and agrotechnology (the application of biotechnology to agriculture) businesses. The university’s La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) tackles global challenges in cancer, infection, immunity, molecular design, and nanoscience, driving both scientific discovery and commercial application.

Similarly, Monash University serves as another key driver of Australia’s biotech sector. The Monash Biomedical Discovery Institute and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre, located within the Monash Technology Precinct, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, generating $11.5 billion annually for Victoria. Monash’s state-of-the-art facilities and strategic partnerships in drug discovery and development provide an excellent platform for delegates to engage with thought leaders and observe cutting-edge advancements in biomedical sciences, with Monash playing a pivotal role in advancing the biotech landscape through innovation and partnership.

Members also had the opportunity to venture into the Melbourne Parkville Precinct, recognized as Australia’s leading biomedical hub. This area is home to over 40 world-class biomedical organizations, cutting-edge research institutes, and leading medical centers. Delegates engaged with advanced facilities focused on cancer research and cell-based therapies, as well as centers dedicated to drug discovery and medical research. These interactions provided valuable insights into Australia’s dynamic biotech landscape, setting the stage for future engagements and discussions as the official conference approached.

Interaction with Australia’s Leading Clinical Research Organizations

BPIPO and DCB also had the opportunity to connect with 360biolabs and Nucleus Network, two leading Australian clinical research organizations. As part of the BioAgilytix global network, 360biolabs supports the development of new therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics, offering services for both small and large molecules across all phases of drug development. 

Nucleus Network, Australia’s largest Phase 1 clinical research organization, with facilities in both the USA and Australia, allowed the visiting members to understand the comprehensive clinical trial foundations that Australia has to offer. Since its founding in 2003, Nucleus has successfully conducted over 1,500 Phase 1 clinical trials for top biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. BPIPO and DCB look to strengthen ties with Australia’s top clinical trial services and accelerate innovations in biotechnology and drug development between Taiwan and Australia.

Surveying Australia’s Pharmaceutical and Drug Manufacturing Innovation Capabilities – Cell Therapies, ADCs, End-to-End Solutions, and More

There was significant interest in exploring Australia’s strengths in cell therapy and drug manufacturing, with a focus on innovative technologies and advanced capabilities. At Aeterna‘s facilities, their advanced svCell technology, currently implemented in treatments for osteoarthritis at a Melbourne hospital, was highlighted. Additionally, Aeterna’s iCell technology ensures the preservation of immune cells for future therapeutic applications, supporting the development of advanced immune therapies.

The group also connected with IDT Australia, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer with over fifty years of experience in fast-tracking drug production. IDT’s specialized capabilities in high containment, high-potency drug manufacturing—including mRNA and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)—demonstrate its critical role in meeting healthcare needs both domestically and internationally.

Additionally, PCI, a global CDMO, was another key stop for the visiting cohort. PCI offers integrated services covering the entire drug lifecycle, enhancing supply chain security and facilitating faster market access. With over 90 products launched annually and more than five decades of experience, PCI specializes in potent drug manufacturing, lyophilization, and sterile production, providing advanced, end-to-end solutions from development to packaging and distribution.

Paving the Way for Biotech Collaboration and Innovation

The Taiwanese delegation, led by BPIPO and DCB, successfully engaged with Australia’s dynamic biotech ecosystem at AusBiotech 2024, focusing on key sectors such as cell therapy, drug manufacturing, clinical trials, and advanced research. Their interactions with leading institutions like La Trobe University, Monash University, and the Melbourne Parkville Precinct highlighted Australia’s strengths in regenerative medicine, biotechnology, and drug development. With a particular focus on innovations in cell therapies, mRNA technologies, and drug manufacturing solutions, the contingent explored collaborative opportunities with top Australian CDMOs, CROs, and clinical research organizations. This event marked a significant step toward deepening Taiwan-Australia biotech partnerships, fostering growth and innovation across both countries’ biotech sectors.

Author

Bernice Lottering