Former Academia Sinica President Chi-Huey Wong, renowned worldwide for his groundbreaking work in glycoscience, continues to make strides in this critical field. His broad-spectrum low-glycan vaccine was recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) as one of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2023. Now, two of his technology transfer projects in Taiwan are approaching pivotal milestones in 2025. These include OBI Pharma’s OBI-822, a treatment for triple-negative breast cancer undergoing an interim analysis of its Phase III clinical trial, and Rock BioMedical’s broad-spectrum vaccine, which may secure international licensing agreements following the completion of its Phase I clinical trial in the first quarter.
Chi-Huey Wong explained that glycosylation reactions profoundly influence the structure, properties, and functions of biomolecules, particularly glycoproteins such as antibodies and vaccines. A deeper understanding of this field has the potential to revolutionize the development of antibodies, vaccines, cells, and other biologics.
Wong’s glycoscience research was recognized globally when IUPAC named his broad-spectrum vaccine technology one of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies in 2023. He has generously contributed most of this technology to Taiwan, leading to four major technology transfer projects. Among them, OBI Pharma has leveraged streamlined synthesis methods and enzymatic processes to develop polysaccharide-based anti-cancer glycan vaccines.
The applications of Wong’s glycan-focused technologies are extensive. These include using enzymatic techniques to modify antibody glycans for high-efficiency homogeneous anti-cancer antibodies, synthesizing glycan probes and glycan chips for monitoring glycosylation processes, and developing solutions for detecting influenza viruses.
Rock BioMedical applies glycan engineering and AI to transform cells for manufacturing targeted mRNA, proteins, broad-spectrum mRNA vaccines, and therapeutic antibodies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Another project, OPKO Taiwan, involves modifying glycan molecules on influenza viruses cultured in chicken eggs, creating de-glycosylated and inactivated viruses for vaccine development.
Despite its groundbreaking potential, OBI-822 has faced significant challenges, including delays caused by a Phase III trial data controversy and the global disruption of economic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, this technology transfer project has spanned 20 years and will only enter interim analysis for its Phase III clinical trial in 2025. Nonetheless, OBI-822 is the world’s first therapeutic cancer vaccine with glycan-based technology to reach Phase III trials, underscoring its substantial significance.
Chi-Huey Wong emphasized that the development of new drugs is influenced by numerous factors, including expertise, funding, research focus, clinical trial design, and regulatory hurdles. Innovation is crucial in the biotech industry but often faces setbacks. Furthermore, commercializing key research outcomes requires sustained investment, technical and managerial talent, and professional support services. Without such resources, the design and progress of international clinical trials can be hindered, slowing down development timelines. Nevertheless, Wong remains optimistic about OBI Pharma’s future prospects.
Regarding Rock BioMedical’s broad-spectrum COVID vaccine, it demonstrates remarkable coverage, effectively targeting COVID-19 (2019), SARS (2003), MERS, and even the common cold. Following the completion of its Phase I clinical trial in 2025, the vaccine is expected to secure licensing agreements with major international pharmaceutical companies. Rock BioMedical also plans to focus on developing advanced antibodies in clinical trials, enhancing Taiwan’s visibility in new drug development.
Resource: 翁啟惠醣科學打世界盃 2強棒勝利在望
