TAIPEI:  Biotechnology has been identified by the Taiwan government as the ‘next industry’. 

Significant government resources have been invested into the industry for achieving the ultimate goal, including promoting Taiwan as a centre of excellence for clinical trials/research in the Asia Pacific region. 

In particular, the National Center of Excellence for Clinical Trials and Research at the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) has been set up and is operating successfully. 

NTUH is ranked the second hightest university hospital in the world in conducting clinical trials/research, after the University of Queensland.

The centre has successfully attracted collaborations from big international pharmaceuticals such as GSK Biologicals and Novatis. 

It is believed by international pharmaceutical companies that Taiwan is well positioned as the clinical trials/research centre in the region and possibly beyond. 

Taiwan has well established clinical trial infrastructure and has close links to the China market.

In addition, recent pharmaceutical regulation changes in Japan also present a huge opportunity to Taiwan’s clinical trial/research industry as it is a key provider of Asian clinical data for Japan registration.

NTUH reported recently that the Japan Pharmaceutical Association has accepted NTUH as one of their accepted sites. 

The New Zealand Trade Development Centre in Taipei notes the particular opportunity for New Zealand biotechnology companies interested in Asia Pacific markets and need to conduct clinical trials in the region before entering the markets. 

Contact:  For more information, contact Mago Hsiao, senior trade development executive, NZTE Taipei.  Email: mago.hsiao@nzte.govt.nz

http://www.nzte.govt.nz/section/14482.aspx#taipei