Taiwan has a population of approximately 23 million and is often recognized for its high-tech industries, particularly electronics. However, over the past two decades, the country has also invested in building a competitive biotechnology sector. Given its limited domestic market but strong infrastructure in manufacturing, research, and data-driven industries, Taiwan has positioned itself as a regional biotech player, focusing on precision medicine, immunotherapy, and drug development.
While Taiwan does not compete with global biotech behemoths like the United States or Europe, it benefits from government support and a growing research ecosystem. The Taiwan Biotech Takeoff Plan, launched in 2009, has aimed to foster innovation, attract foreign investment, and strengthen international partnerships. The country also houses a mix of emerging biotech startups and more established companies.
Without further ado, here are seven biotech companies based in Taiwan to keep an eye on in 2025.
Senhwa Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotech company based in Taipei, Taiwan developing first-in-class therapeutics for oncology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases. The company specializes in next-generation DNA damage response (DDR) therapeutics.
DDR therapeutics target mechanisms that repair DNA damage in cancer cells. By inhibiting these repair pathways, the Taiwan-based biotech company’s drugs aim to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and overcome resistance.
Simitasertib (CX-4945) is one of the candidates the company is advancing. It is a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of casein kinase 2 (CK2), currently in clinical trials for various cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Additionally, Silmitasertib has shown potential as a treatment for COVID-19.
The company is also working on CX-5461, targeting DNA replication stress in cancer cells, particularly those with BRCA2 or PALB2 mutations.
Recently Senhwa announced the dosing of the first patient in a phase 1/2 study of silmitasertib in children and young adults with relapsed or refractory solid tumors.