Academia Sinica

SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 BIO International Convention, the world's largest biotechnology event, took place in San Diego, USA, from June 3 to 6. This year's convention drew biomedical investors and research experts worldwide. Over 1,500 exhibitors showcased their innovations to more than 19,500 attendees from 70 countries. The Taiwan Pavilion garnered significant attention, holding over 400 meetings in four days and highlighting Taiwan's rising biotech industry. Leading Taiwanese Pharmaceutical Companies' Capabilities Showcased Continue Reading Taiwan's Biotech Innovations Draw International Attention at BIO 2024, source: GeneOnline. The 2024 BIO International Convention's theme was "Time for Science to Shine." The Taiwan delegation, organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (BPIPO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, National Science and Technology Council, National Development Council, Taipei City Government, and the National Biotechnology Research Park. The delegation included over 80 companies and institutions, with around 230 participants. The delegation focused on new drug development, biotechnology, CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization), medical devices, precision medicine, regenerative medicine, agricultural biotechnology, and smart health. International buyers showed strong interest in cancer treatment and CDMO, indicating significant investment potential. The Taiwan Pavilion featured a CDMO wall showcasing 10 leading Taiwanese pharmaceutical companies' capabilities. This display highlighted Taiwan's strengths in intellectual property, regulatory frameworks, and policy support, positioning Taiwan as an ideal partner for international technical and manufacturing collaborations. Taiwan Pavilion Highlights Pharma Prowess To strengthen international connections, the Taiwan Pavilion hosted an opening reception and co-organized thematic conferences on cell/gene therapy processes in the Asia-Pacific region and smart innovation digital applications. These efforts aimed to accelerate industry development and foster global integration. The Taiwan Pavilion's exhibits featured new drug development projects, including botanical drugs, small molecule drugs, and protein drugs at various stages. They also showcased delivery systems, personalized tumor avatars, organ-on-a-chip technology, universal antibody platforms, cell therapy, and cell culture technologies. Precision and smart medical solutions were highlighted, such as interactive medical 3D imaging, cancer diagnostics, AI physiological monitoring, rapid screening for high-risk neurological diseases, targeted cancer therapies, adhesive patch technology, early cancer screening, and 3D pathological imaging. Taiwan's biotech startups also shone on the international stage, with five companies reaching the final round of the BIO Start-Up Stadium competition and attracting global investors' attention. In her opening speech at the Taiwan Pavilion, Deputy Director-General of the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Pei-Li Chen emphasized the future trend of integrating cross-disciplinary technologies for industrial development. She highlighted Taiwan's strengths in information and communication technology, comprehensive manufacturing supply chain, and excellent clinical medical capabilities, positioning the country for collaboration with other nations to develop superior biomedical products and services. Major Institutions and Global Partnerships at US BIO Six major biomedical research institutions from Taiwan, including Academia Sinica, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB), Industrial Technology Research Institute's Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry Technology and Development Center (PITDC), and the Agricultural Technology Research Institute (ATRI), showcased their technological achievements in agricultural biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The Taiwan Bio-Industry Organization introduced the current state of Taiwan's biotech industry and collaboration opportunities at the Global Innovation Hub event, promoting international partnerships. During the exhibition, the Taiwan team visited the Phoenix biomedical cluster, including Mayo Clinic's Barrow Neurological Institute, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), along with Rakuten Medical and Tanvex to explore opportunities for joint drug development or production collaboration. SOURCE BPIPO

TAIPEI, June 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The prestigious 2024 Tang Prize Laureates have been announced, recognizing outstanding contributions in various fields. The Tang Prize in Sustainable Development is awarded to American chemist Omar M. Yaghi. In the field of Biopharmaceutical Science, the prize is jointly awarded to Joel F. Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Jens Juul Holst. University Professor Emeritus Hsu Cho-yun of the University of Pittsburgh and Academician of Academia Sinica is honored with the Tang Prize in Sinology. Mary Robinson, a former lawyer and senator, former president of Ireland, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and current Chair of The Elders, is awarded the Tang Prize in Rule of Law. These six distinguished laureates will be formally honored at an upcoming ceremony to be held in Taiwan this September. Continue Reading 2024 Tang Prize Laureates Announced: Six Global Visionaries to Be Honored in Taiwan This September The Tang Prize in Sustainable Development is awarded to Omar M. Yaghi, for his extraordinary contributions to sustainable development, particularly his pioneering work with Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and other ultra-porous frameworks that can be tailored for carbon capture, hydrogen and methane storage, and water harvesting from desert air. His research has revolutionized the field of chemistry and materials science, offering transformative solutions for sustainable development through the creation of customizable materials with exceptional properties. As a pioneer of MOFs and COFs, Professor Yaghi is the first scientist to apply these innovative materials to the field of sustainable development, demonstrating tangible and impressive results. Professor Yaghi has introduced a new method for controlling four of the smallest gas molecules in the atmosphere that significantly impact our planet's sustainable development: carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, and water. This was made possible through his pioneering development of a new field of chemistry known as reticular chemistry. Reticular chemistry is a new approach to creating materials by linking organic and inorganic units into strong, porous crystalline structures called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Professor Yaghi demonstrated how these novel framework materials can trap, concentrate, and manipulate hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and water from the air, offering innovative solutions to pressing issues related to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including energy, environment, and water resources. Professor Joel F. Habener, Professor Svetlana Mojsov, and Professor Jens Juul Holst have been jointly awarded the Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science, for the discovery of GLP-1 (7-37) as an insulinotropic factor and the development of GLP-1 (7-37)-based anti-diabetic and anti-obesity drugs. Of the 8 billion people in the world today, as many as 500 million have diabetes, and nearly 1 billion are obese. The two diseases lead to many severe complications, resulting in a heavy medical burden for both the individual and society. Fortunately, GLP-1-based therapeutics have recently become blockbuster drugs to treat obesity and diabetes. The research of the three laureates began in the 1980s, starting from identifying GLP-1 and its active form GLP-1 (7-37), and leading to its application as an anti-diabetic strategy. Their work exemplifies the translation of groundbreaking basic research into pharmaceutical success with major impacts on human health. At present, there are at least 13 GLP-1 RA (GLP-1 receptor agonists) drugs approved by the FDA for treating diabetes and obesity, benefiting hundreds of millions of users with prospects of even greater benefits in the future. In addition, an emerging oral drug called DPP-4 inhibitors is also widely used in clinics. It blocks the degradation of GLP-1 (7-37) by DPP-4 in the body, thereby prolonging the function of GLP-1 (7-37) in promoting insulin secretion and lowering blood sugar. University Professor Emeritus Hsu Cho-yun is awarded the Tang Prize in Sinology for his exceptional contributions to the field of Sinology. Professor Hsu's illustrious academic career has been distinguished by his holistic approach to the study of ancient Chinese history, seamlessly integrating an exploration of cultural and intellectual exchanges between China and the world. With his profound erudition and unwavering public spirit, Professor Hsu embodies the quintessential Sinologist, possessing both a deep historical sensibility and a broad, worldly vision. Professor Hsu integrated methodologies drawn from social sciences into historical research early in his career. His work reflects historical insights that take one to look into the bygone ages and the present and future, embodying a blend of antiquity and modernity. He has proven that Sinology is not limited to the institutional dialogues of the past, but can transcend the ivory tower of academia to engage in dialogues with various fields of humanities and social sciences, making a fundamental impact on Sinology. He specializes in particular topics of the Zhou, Qin, and Han periods, achieving unique insights that contribute to a comprehensive interpretation of the history of early China. Notable examples include his exploration of the Huaxia consciousness among kinship groups in his monograph Western Chou Civilization, the central/local and political/social bureaucratic system in Qiugu Bian [Discovering Antiquity], and the intensive rural/commercial market economy in Han Agriculture. These discourses form what he calls "the three matrixes of Chinese culture." The Tang Prize in Rule of Law is awarded to Professor Mary Robinson, for her "powerful advocacy for the most disadvantaged in different spheres, including gender equality, poverty alleviation, human rights, and climate justice." In particular, the Selection Committee noted that her "passionate endeavors demonstrated an effective combination of legal acumen and practical solutions." The Committee also noted that "from the national to the global stage, legal and political, she has innovatively transformed and expanded the various positions in which she has served to strengthen the rule of law." All the positions served by Professor Robinson have demonstrated how her career paths over decades have ranged from legal to political realms and covered domestic and international levels. Over the years, she has been active in promoting the rule of law in different spheres. The evolution of her roles, from litigator to national leader to finally global voice, has expanded her focus from national and regional law to international law, as well as from civil and human rights to global justice. She seamlessly combines a lawyer's meticulous attention to legal detail, a legislator's pursuit of practical solutions, and a human rights advocate's fervor for justice. Her impacts transcend boundaries. About the Tang Prize Since the advent of globalization, mankind has been able to enjoy the convenience brought forth by the advancement of human civilization and science. Yet a multitude of challenges, such as climate change, the emergence of new infectious diseases, wealth gap, and moral degradation, have surfaced along the way. Against this backdrop, Dr. Samuel Yin established the Tang Prize in December 2012. It consists of four award categories, namely Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Every other year, four independent and professional selection committees, comprising many internationally renowned experts, scholars, and Nobel winners, choose as Tang Prize laureates people who have influenced and made substantive contributions to the world, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or gender. A cash prize of NT$50 million (approx. US$1.7 million) is allocated to each category, with NT$10 million (approx. US$ 0.35 million) of it being a research grant intended to encourage professionals in every field to examine mankind's most urgent needs in the 21st century, and become leading forces in the development of human society through their outstanding research outcomes and active civic engagement. SOURCE Tang Prize Foundation

SAN DIEGO, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 edition of BIO International Convention 2024 (BIO), the world's largest and most comprehensive global biotech event, will be held from June 3 to 6 at San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California. Taiwan has been an active participant in the event since 2002, presenting the technological excellence and business opportunities of Taiwan's biotech industry internationally over the years. Following the success of previous editions, the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (BPIPO) will continue to participate in BIO 2024 by organizing a Taiwan delegation. Continue Reading The Taiwan Pavilion attracted a continuous stream of visitors. Along with BPIPO, which is responsible for the coordination and organization of the delegation, the group includes government representatives and legal entities such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Science and Technology Council, the National Development Council, the Academia Sinica, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the Development Center for Biotechnology and Taiwan Bio Industry Organization, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council and Taipei City Government, together with over 60 delegates and multiple accompanying companies and organizations. On the one hand, the delegation aims to present the innovative landscape of Taiwan's biotech and healthcare industry and bring cutting-edge technologies and products to the international arena, and on the other hand, it also strives to pursue technological or commercial partnerships that will help Taiwan's biotech companies to expand their business operations both regionally and globally. Related article: Taiwan's Biotech Brilliance Shines at BIO 2023: Unveiling Cutting-Edge Discoveries and Strategic Partnerships Diverse Advantages that Promote Biotech and Healthcare Development As the center of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Taiwan serves as an essential hub connecting Europe, the United States, Japan, and other emerging markets in the region. Various surveys have shown that Taiwan ranks among the world's leaders in economic freedom, digital competitiveness, and global competitiveness, making it one of the most attractive locations for multinational corporations and investors to establish branches or even regional headquarters. In terms of medical services, Taiwan has one of the world's leading healthcare and health insurance systems, providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable care to the public. According to the Health Care Index announced in February 2024 by Numbeo, a global database website, Taiwan has been ranked first in the world for five consecutive years. With the vision of "Health for All Ages 2030," the Taiwanese government is committed to promoting the development of regenerative medicine and precision medicine, encouraging corporate investment in biotechnology, as well as pursuing cross-sector collaborations and international exchanges. Remarkably, with its world leadership in the ICT industry and abundant R&D capacity, Taiwan provides an excellent platform for advancing medical technologies, such as digital medicine, AI-assisted drug discovery, and medical AI. Meanwhile, Taiwan has established several comprehensive bioclusters in the northern, central, and southern regions, covering various areas including drug discovery, small molecules and biologics manufacturing, medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, agricultural biotechnology, and health supplements. Moreover, Taiwan is gradually developing a reliable clinical trial environment and robust trial capacity thanks to its well-established medical centers and hospitals. These strengths, together with Taiwan's strong regulatory compatibility and intellectual property protection, enable Taiwan to create a more integrated ecosystem for the life sciences industry, thereby making it the "best partner in Asia", a prime destination for global biotech market players. Taiwan Pavilion as a Stage for Taiwan's Biotech Industry to Shine in BIO 2024 Under the theme of "Time for Science to Shine," BIO 2024 is anticipated as an exciting gathering of over 20,000 industry elites, researchers, healthcare professionals, and investors across the globe. The Taiwan delegation is looking forward to showcasing Taiwan's diverse advantages to all participants and helping Taiwan's biotech and healthcare industries shine in the international arena through this grand event. Carrying forward the proven success of previous years, the Taiwan delegation will continue to set up the Taiwan Pavilion at BIO 2024 this year. Delegates encompass a wide range of cutting-edge fields such as biotechnology (including agricultural biotechnology), new drug discovery (including small molecule drugs and biologics), precision health, medical devices, smart health, and CDMO, along with multiple governmental, academic, research, and medical organizations and industry associations, jointly demonstrating Taiwan's achievements in the cooperation between the industry, government, academia, research, and healthcare sectors. During the 4-day event, the delegates will showcase their innovative technologies and solutions in the Taiwan Pavilion. They can also leverage this unique platform to engage in one-on-one business partnering sessions, seeking to establish links with leading international companies and investors, building an international R&D collaboration network, and boosting Taiwan's presence in the global biotech community. As an opportunity to promote networking and interactions between the delegates and global biomedical professionals, BPIPO also welcomes all prospective collaborators and investors to visit the Taiwan Pavilion located at Booths 1817 and 1917 and join the Opening Ceremony and Happy Hour on June 3, 2024, 16:30-17:30. Related article: 2023 Precision Medicine Industry Policy White Paper Paves the Way for Biotechnology in Taiwan SOURCE The Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (BPIPO)