April 23, 2020
Taiwan Biotech Companies Showcase Brilliant Detection Solutions against COVID-19 Pandemic!
Since 2016, the Taiwanese government has not only been focusing on the research and development of biotechnology industry, but also providing full support on worldwide partnership establishments and technology cooperation. This long-term commitment is expected to become substantial helps to Taiwan and its global partners under circumstance the world severely hit by COVID-19 crisis.
The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) will work with 6 biotech companies and 1 research institute from Taiwan to demonstrate detection solutions for COVID-19 through an online product launch on April 27. This event is expected to attract nearly 200 potential buyers all over the world to create an effective cooperation platform for exploring solutions for COVID-19 pandemic.
The amazing products highlight technologies of real-time PCR-based assay, antigen rapid test, antibody rapid test and analysis system to bring a comprehensive solution on COVID-19 detection. The leading company KimForest focuses on genetic test and high accuracy PCR-based assay that would be able to provide the results within 50 minutes. KimForest is also known for working with Arbelos Genomics Inc. on Cancer Companion Diagnostics Panel. General Biologicals Corporation, developing both real-time RT-PCR assay and antibody rapid test, features both high level of precision and quick responding applications. Their RT-PCR test kits were already sold to France and Southeast Asia.
On aspect of rapid test, AEP Alliance, a strategic partnership of 3 leading bio companies - AnTaimmu BioMed Co., Ltd, EirGenix, Inc. and Panion & BF Biotech, has just released antigen test kit to take results from nasal mucus of earlier-infected individuals within 10 minutes without equipment required. The member EirGenix is famous for signing a license agreement with Sandoz AG to globally commercialize recently. Leadgene Biomedical specializes in monoclonal antibody and protein development, and it launched the antigen and antibody test which only takes 10 to 15 minutes to get results and wouldn’t cause cross-reactivity to MERS and general coronaviruses.
Regarding detection devices, QuarkBio develops innovative dqPCR analysis system which can detect as low as 3 copies of the virus within 10 times more sensitive than conventional qPCR tests available on the market.; Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the largest applied research institute in Taiwan creates “portable intelligent rapid molecular diagnostic system”, which is
only 600 grams with 90% testing accuracy and allows an early diagnosis of COVID-19 within an hour and improves the efficiency of entry inspection at airport quarantine stations in 40 minutes. Last but not least, the world’s first fully automated virus scanner presented by TCI Gene is operated by robotic arms to load the corresponding codes of the specimens. With the high accuracy rate, the test results of 96 specimens can be obtained in 3 hours and nearly of 900 specimens per day to achieve 24/7 comprehensive monitoring and prompt responses to the pandemic.
Taiwan has extraordinary biotechnology capabilities in research and development. Besides these 7 brilliant companies/organization, Academia Sinica, Taiwan's leading research institute, discovered antibodies that could be used to develop a 20-minute, rapid coronavirus detection kit. Taiwan's National Health Research Institutes (NHRIs) and National Defense Medical Center jointly unveiled a prototype of a rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19 coronavirus, where test results take about 15 minutes. Both institutes are also speeding up the process of developing vaccines, and expect to have inspiring results soon.
TAITRA, as the facilitator of Taiwan’s industry development, will continue to bring in more quality anti-epidemic products and potential business partners to enhance international cooperation. Taiwan is a valuable partner to global biotechnology and medical development, and looks forward to making contributions on the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping!
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/taiwancanhelp/
Webinar link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-r5l_Xa_Vs&feature=youtu.be
Mexico Date & Time: April 27th 8:00 am
Contact Person:
TAITRA Industry Development Dept. Tina Wang
02-2725-5200#1568 tinawang@taitra.org.tw
Supervisor:
TAITRA Industry Development Dept. Karen Pai
02-2725-5200#1500
jyp@taitra.org.tw
