Thai Biotech Industry’s Promising Potential: Taiwan Works Toward Strengthening APAC Ties at Bio Asia Pacific—Collaboration is Key

The Taiwan delegation, led by President Shiing-Jer Twu from the Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB) and Michael Huang, Director of the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (BPIPO), participated in Bio Asia Pacific. This year’s theme was the Integration Platform for Technology and Innovation in Asia, held from September 11-13, 2024, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). The event showcased advancements in laboratory and life sciences, highlighting Thailand’s role in science and technology. President Twu and Director Huang and their teams engaged in discussions, forums, presentations, one-on-one meetings, and networking events. They also visited prestigious Thai biotech facilities to promote collaboration in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

Taiwan-Thailand Biotechnology Industry Technical Engagement Forum  

The Taiwan-Thailand Biotechnology Industry Technical Engagement Forum took place on September 11, 2024, from 14:00 to 16:45. This forum served as a platform to discuss biotechnology innovations and potential partnerships. Assoc. Prof. Pongsakorn Tantilipikorn, Director of the Strategic Agenda Team at Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), emphasized Thailand’s commitment to biotechnology, stating, “1.5% of GDP is allocated to medical and lifestyle innovations.” He noted that “partnerships between universities and industries are crucial for fostering research and development initiatives.” Dr. Shiing-Jer Twu echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of strengthening ties in kidney disease detection and genetic testing.

Key presentations at the forum highlighted opportunities within both nations’ biotech sectors. Dr. Michael Huang outlined Taiwan’s leadership in “precision medicine, genetic medicine, CDMO services and high-risk medical devices.” He emphasized the supportive regulatory framework and government incentives that attract Thai companies. Ms. Taweeporn Gedarram from the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS) discussed Thailand’s initiatives in “personalized medicine through Genomics Thailand and regulatory advancements in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).”

Company representatives shared innovative solutions during the forum. Brian Tsao from Bio Preventive Medicine Corp. introduced a novel renal biomarker for early kidney disease detection. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suthira Taychakhoonavudh, CEO of Baiya Phytopharm, presented their plant-based vaccine production platform, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and scalability. Andy Liu of Pharmigene discussed precision medicine technologies, including genotyping kits and a pathogen detection system. Pharon Pawa from Austrianova explained their innovative cell encapsulation technology, essential for advancing cell therapy. Han-Yi Lin of Creative Life Science showcased contamination control solutions for pharmaceutical production. Nijaporn Chongudomliuk of Mod Gut highlighted microbiome-based healthcare solutions for the ASEAN region.

The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Panit Kitsubun, explored collaboration opportunities across various fields. Panelists engaged in discussions on ongoing research and shared challenges, focusing on key areas such as kidney disease research, precision medicine, genetic data collection, and personalized healthcare solutions. This exchange underscored the mutual benefits of strengthening ties between Taiwan and Thailand, paving the way for innovative healthcare solutions in the region.

Panelists at the Taiwan-Thailand Biotechnology Industry Technical Engagement Forum discussing biotech collaborations, emphasizing effective communication and leveraging each country’s strengths to advance biotechnology in the ASEAN region.

Networking and Collaborative Discussions at Bio Asia Pacific 

The recent Bio Asia Pacific reception offered significant networking opportunities within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. The Taiwanese BPIPO and DCB engaged key attendees with thoughtful gifts, reinforcing their commitment to building professional relationships. This initiative reflects the proactive approach of BPIPO and DCB in promoting Taiwan’s biotech capabilities internationally.

Following the reception, BPIPO held strategic meetings with AMATA MEDITOWN to explore potential collaborations and investment opportunities. Insights shared by Amata’s Chief Investment Officer highlighted the company’s role in developing industrial real estate for large-scale biopharmaceutical facilities. Discussions with key biotechnology partners focused on enhancing Taiwan’s biomanufacturing capabilities and cooperation in CAR-T cell therapy and integrating Thai herbal extracts into modern therapeutic applications.

In the afternoon, BPIPO facilitated business conversations with C-level executives from major companies, promoting collaboration across various sectors. Meetings with Meditop Co., Ltd. explored the distribution of innovative medical devices aimed at improving patient care and diagnostic accuracy. Gibthai expressed interest in Pharmigene’s precision medicine technologies, including genotyping kits and advanced pathogen detection systems. Bio Active discussed partnerships for developing health supplements and functional foods. B-Grimm Pharma concentrated on collaboration in pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly in precision medicine and regulatory advancements. These discussions showcased Taiwanese innovations and strengthened business ties between the two countries.

BPIPO and AMATA MEDITOWN discussed investment opportunities and potential collaborations, focusing on biopharmaceutical development and innovative therapeutic solutions.

Key Industry Focus Areas: Diagnostics, Stem Cell Therapy, and Genomic Services

The delegation’s visit to MP Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd. highlighted the company’s contributions to biotechnology. Established in 2001, MP Group initially focused on rapid test development but expanded its expertise to include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies, crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s mission of “bringing health to the people” reflects its dedication to diagnostics, wellness, and prevention. MP Group offers HLA and DMSC tests, such as the Alpha Thal1 kit for alpha thalassemia, alongside skincare and nutraceutical products that utilize Thai herbal ingredients. In line with this, MP Group has also expanded into the skincare sector with a focus on “Glass Skin” products, using the most natural ingredients to ensure an added layer of assurance for consumers. Their consumer segment includes genomic services like hormone checks and cancer screenings, exemplified by their innovative home cervical cancer test kit. MP Group’s commitment to eco-friendly practices is evident in their collaboration with MEDICARE ASIA to produce biodegradable medical supplies. With a focus on moving genetic testing into the wellness sector, MP Group aims to align with Thailand’s medical tourism industry while exploring global partnerships to enhance rapid testing capabilities.

The delegation also visited the Excellence Center for Stem Cell and Cell Therapy at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. There, they engaged with experts in cutting-edge stem cell research and CAR-T cell therapy. This center is at the forefront of gene therapy, supplying CAR-T cells for Phase 1 clinical trials targeting diseases like lymphoma and brain tumors. Discussions centered on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance in gene therapy, revealing challenges in Thailand’s healthcare landscape. Unlike established biotech hubs like Taiwan, Thailand’s CAR-T development is primarily driven by hospitals, relying on pharmacists for the preparation of advanced products. The delegation noted the importance of fostering collaborations with international research centers to address limitations in domestic viral vector production, a key area for future development.

The final visit to N-Health showcased the company’s role as the largest private healthcare operator in Thailand. Established in 2001, N-Health operates over 80 branches across Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, providing a comprehensive range of healthcare services. Their revenue diversification strategy targets various patient demographics, including social security recipients and international patients. N-Health’s N Health Novogene Genomics division provides advanced genomic services, emphasizing the importance of genetic testing in modern medicine. The session highlighted Taiwan’s contributions to healthcare, particularly in regenerative medicine and CDMO services. Notable Taiwanese companies, such as Bio Preventive Medicine Corp and Pharmigene, were recognized for their innovative approaches to precision medicine and pharmacogenomics. Discussions at N-Health showcased Thailand’s advancements in biotechnology and paved the way for potential synergies in medical research and diagnostics, emphasizing the need for international collaboration in the evolving healthcare landscape.

The Taiwanese delegation explores MP Group’s eco-friendly technologies, including biodegradable medical supplies and innovative genetic testing solutions.

Author

Bernice Lottering