Taiwan's China Medical University and Shine-On Biomedical Lead Innovation in Exosome-Based Precision Medicine

The NextGen EV Therapeutics Forum, organized by China Medical University Healthcare System, was recently held in Taiwan. This event brought together a host of experts in science, clinical trials, and the biotechnology industry from both Taiwan and the U.S. The forum focused on the latest advances in extracellular vesicle (EV) research—a key area within the realm of precision medicine. Keynote speakers included Nobel Laureate Prof. Randy Schekman and Dr. Kenneth Witwer, who shared crucial insights into the evolving landscape of therapeutic applications derived from EVs, particularly in treating various conditions such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

The highlight of the forum was the partnership announced between China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) and Shine-On Biomedical Co., Ltd. This strategic alliance aims to promote Taiwan’s position as a leader in EV-based precision medicine on a global scale. Dr. Randy W. Schekman has been appointed as the International Scientific Advisor for this initiative. His presence was particularly impactful, as he emphasized the importance of scientific rigor in developing therapeutic innovations, especially in understanding how EVs facilitate intercellular communication.

Central to this partnership is the SOB100 platform, which represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer therapy. This engineered exosome is specifically designed to target HLA-G, an antigen known for its role in immune suppression in tumors. SOB100 has demonstrated the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it a promising candidate for delivering nucleic acid drugs directly to tumors like glioblastoma and triple-negative breast cancer. Dr. Hui-Chun Ho from Shine-On Biomedical highlighted that this innovative platform has already received FDA approval to enter Phase I clinical trials. The initial trials aim to assess its effectiveness and potential in clinical settings.

The forum also featured notable discussions about the collaboration between U.S. and Taiwanese researchers, with Dr. Kenneth Witwer providing an overview of global trends in EV therapeutics. He advocated for enhancing standardization procedures in EV engineering to improve clinical applications.

China Medical University showcased a variety of its own advancements in EV research, including targeted delivery systems for treating diseases like Parkinson's and heart failure, along with innovative therapies utilizing engineered stem cells and CRISPR technology. These developments underscore CMU's dedication to creating a comprehensive pipeline from research to clinical application, blending the expertise of academia, healthcare, and the biotech sector.

Dr. Mien-Chie Hung, president of China Medical University, reflected on the event’s success: ‘Extracellular vesicles are emerging as powerful vectors for precision medicine delivery.’ Meanwhile, Dr. Der-Yang Cho from CMUH emphasized the importance of a globally connected ecosystem to facilitate the application of next-generation therapies based on EV technology.

The event concluded with productive exchanges among leading researchers from Taiwan's top institutions, reinforcing the country's pivotal role in the advancement of exosome-based precision medicine. Experts shared insights and ongoing research efforts that are expected to contribute significantly to this burgeoning field.

As the collaboration between CMU and Shine-On Biomedical matures, the potential for innovative breakthroughs in precision medicine is immense, solidifying Taiwan's status as a key player on the global stage in this exciting area of medical research and development.

Topics Health)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.