Taiwan could host more clinical trials

Taiwan is strategically positioning itself to become a leading "Asia-Pacific center for innovative treatments for rare diseases," capitalizing on its robust healthcare system and clinical research capabilities. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang emphasized the need for Taiwan to excel in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials, which are crucial for accelerating the commercialization of new therapies.

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strive to overtake competitors, with the goal of establishing Taiwan as an “Asia-Pacific center for innovative treatments for rare diseases,”

The global cell and gene therapy (CGT) market is experiencing explosive growth, projected to reach $57.3 billion by 2031. Asia-Pacific has emerged as a significant player, with its clinical trials surpassing North America for the first time this year. While China's rapid development presents both opportunities and challenges, Taiwan's smaller population makes it more difficult to compete in large-scale Phase 3 trials. However, its high-quality healthcare and advanced research infrastructure provide a distinct advantage in earlier-stage trials.

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the CGT market was projected to grow from US$10.1 billion last year to US$57.3 billion in 2031, a SIX-year compound annual growth rate of 34 percent.

To support this ambition, Taiwan has implemented the Regenerative Medicine Act and the Regulations Regenerative Medicine Product Act, effective January 1. This dual-track framework aims to expedite the clinical trial process for promising therapies while streamlining the path to pharmaceutical authorization and market entry for mature products. As of the end of June, 651 applications for regenerative medicine technologies have been submitted, with 515 approved, involving numerous medical institutions and patient enrollments nationwide.

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Taiwan has a high-quality healthcare system and excellent clinical research capabilities, giving it an advantage in Phase 1 and Phase 2 early-stage clinical trials, which could accelerate commercialization through more precise clinical trial designs.