During the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) was actively involved in the research and development of adenovirus, sub-unit protein and DNA vaccines. NHRI is now preparing to apply for clinical trials so that the DNA vaccine can be introduced soon if other viruses emerge in the future, according to the President Huey-Kang Sytwu.

He said that DNA vaccines are brand new, both domestically and internationally. Unlike traditional inactivated virus vaccines or recombinant protein vaccines, DNA vaccines are a new generation of nucleic acid vaccine technology, which has the advantage of rapid production, and NHRI is constantly confirming with TFDA and the Center for Drug Evaluation (CE) during the process. However, the research and development of domestic vaccines is still an indispensable part of the process, and when many patents are in the hands of major foreign manufacturers, Taiwan should have the courage and determination to challenge and gain experience in the R&D process, and use scientific strength as a commercial bargaining chip.

Established in 1996, NHRI is the only "mission-oriented" medical and health research institute in the country. According to Sytwu, basic medical and health research, policy advice or translation, and the promotion of medical biotechnology development are the "three legs" of the institute.

Over the past 10 to 20 years, Taiwan's medical and health policies have focused on cancer, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological and other diseases prevalent in middle age. However, he admits that there is currently a lack of investment in newborns and children, and this is a direction for future efforts to cover the age spectrum in a more comprehensive manner.

In addition, the spectrum of disease is not to be overlooked, from empowerment, prevention, early diagnosis, treatment to rehabilitation - each stage is important - the earlier to get started, the lower the cost and the better the outcome. But it is more important that NHRI plays an integrative and co-ordinating role than to invest in research itself, bringing together national medical centres or relevant experts to create a national platform to maximise the benefits.