Roche, the pharmaceutical giant, announced on March 26th that it will establish a strategic partnership with TTY Biopharm Co. Ltd. starting from April 1st. This collaboration aims to leverage Roche's extensive experience in research and drug development to provide services such as clinical trials and academic research, while also leveraging TTY Biopharm's distribution advantages. Through mutual investment in healthcare, the partnership seeks to expand access to drugs for treating colorectal cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer, thereby catering to more patients in Taiwan and opening up a new milestone in Taiwan's cancer treatment industry.
According to Roche Taiwan, cancer has been the leading cause of death in Taiwan for 41 consecutive years. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's "Cancer Registry Report for the Year 2021," lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer are among the top four cancers in Taiwan. The "antiangiogenic agent" introduced in 2004 has become the preferred weapon against these major cancers.
To improve access to innovative cancer treatments, Roche is collaborating with TTY Biopharm to expand access to drugs for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer. This alliance, formalized with a signing ceremony between Roche Taiwan General Manager Girish Mulye and TTY Biopharm General Manager Hou Ching-lan on March 18, 2024, will see Roche authorize key cancer drugs for marketing and important medical activities in the Taiwan market. Roche will also continue to provide services such as clinical trials and academic research to ensure that patients continue to have access to these vital treatments. Furthermore, Roche will refocus and intensify efforts to accelerate the development and dissemination of its most innovative and impactful drugs.
Girish Mulye emphasized that as a pioneer in the healthcare field, Roche's mission is to develop and provide groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements that change the lives of patients worldwide. Partnerships like the one with TTY Biopharm are crucial in accelerating the development of Taiwan's pharmaceutical industry, as well as improving access to advanced innovative therapies. This partnership expands our efforts to improve outcomes for more Taiwanese patients, highlighting our commitment to advancing the most needed healthcare.
Hou Ching-lan stated that Roche is a leader in cancer treatment and has made significant contributions to patient care. This collaboration will combine Roche's innovative technology in cancer treatment with TTY Biopharm's strong local presence and solid distribution channels. By working together, the aim is not only to increase the utilization rate and level of care for patients but also to deepen our commitment to improving the healthcare industry and establishing new standards for the well-being of Taiwanese patients.
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in cancer research, largely due to advances in molecular biology. This field has revealed crucial cancer genes and proteins, leading to innovative concepts in targeted therapy and opening up new avenues for treatment. Roche's development of an "antiangiogenic agent," which received approval in Taiwan in 2005, has been recognized as a major advance in cancer treatment. With its unique mechanism of action, it inhibits the growth of endothelial cells (VEGF), impedes angiogenesis, and inhibits tumor growth. Since its global launch 20 years ago, it has been approved for use in various cancer types in 139 countries, benefiting over 4.5 million patients.
In Taiwan, it has been approved for the treatment of six cancers: colorectal cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer, all of which are covered by the National Health Insurance. It is noteworthy that in 2011, Taiwan's National Health Insurance first included reimbursement for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, followed by continued inclusion of multiple indications and gradual expansion to include other indications such as specific lung and ovarian cancers. This represents a significant progress, offering new hope for continued life-saving treatment for more patients.
In addition, Roche continues to invest in innovative medical research and development. In 2023, Roche's investment in research and development reached CHF 13.2 billion, ranking first in the world in healthcare research and development investment. In Taiwan alone, Roche invests hundreds of millions of New Taiwan Dollars annually in clinical trials for important disease areas, demonstrating its commitment to advancing medical solutions. Over the years, Roche has also been introducing innovative drugs for Taiwanese patients.
Through these efforts, Roche is also strengthening local industry momentum and talent pool, ensuring the sustainability and growth of Taiwan's healthcare system. Roche's efforts aim to enhance patient experience and outcomes and drive Taiwan's healthcare into a future that is not only advanced, accessible, but also fair.
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