At its Q4 investor conference held yesterday, TTY Biopharm CEO Sara Hou announced that after nine years of development, the company’s domestically produced antibiotic Polymyxin has received regulatory approval this year. It is set to be included under Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage starting December 1, marking a significant milestone in the post-pandemic era.

A Major Milestone for Taiwan’s Pharmaceutical Independence

Sara Hou emphasized that TTY Biopharm has prioritized creating Taiwan’s own antibiotics to ensure readiness for future health crises. The nine-year effort to develop Polymyxin exemplifies this commitment. Its inclusion in the NHI system underscores the importance of locally developed antibiotics in bolstering national healthcare preparedness.

Core Strengths in Liposomes and Microspheres

Hou highlighted TTY Biopharm’s expertise in liposome and microsphere drug delivery technologies. The company has begun receiving milestone payments for these innovations and, in alignment with Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, has been actively expanding in the Vietnamese market since last year. With the U.S. export of its Lipo-AB product, TTY Biopharm plans to strengthen its footprint in Southeast Asia, driving continued growth in overseas revenue this year.

Progress in Licensed Products

For licensed products, Hou reported that the company’s cell-based flu vaccine continues to achieve record-high sales in the self-pay market. Additionally, TTY Biopharm secured regulatory approval for an adjuvanted flu vaccine for individuals aged 65 and above in August, providing another option for public vaccination and enhancing health protection for the elderly.

Advances in Cancer Treatment

This year, TTY Biopharm introduced its first treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer, LONSURF, a new drug licensed from Japan. The therapy, now approved for use in combination with monoclonal antibodies as part of a cocktail treatment regimen, offers colorectal cancer patients more therapeutic options and strengthens the company’s oncology portfolio.

Future Outlook: Focus on Oncology, Antibiotics, and Vaccines

Looking ahead, Hou identified oncology, antibiotics, and vaccines as the company’s key business areas. TTY Biopharm plans to expand its product pipeline through in-house development, licensing agreements, and international collaborations. Over the next two to three years, the company aims to introduce treatments for multiple myeloma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and lymphoma, further reinforcing its presence in the oncology sector.

Resource: 東洋國產抗生素 Polymyxin 取證！