At the shareholders' meeting on May 28, Anxo Pharmaceutical Chairman Chien-Chih Wang expressed optimism about the company's operations in the second half of the year and into next year, citing the strong growth potential of three major products in the Taiwan market—Tang An De (a diabetes medication), a smoking cessation aid, and a gynecological drug in China. He also highlighted the company’s progress in overseas licensing and collaborative development efforts as a positive turning point for overall business performance.
Last year, Anxo's overall performance fell short of expectations due to several factors, including drug price cuts under Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system, order adjustments from both new and existing clients at its subsidiary AUPA Biopharm, and delays in activating overseas licensing and regulatory approvals. The company reported a net loss attributable to the parent company of NT$57.21 million, translating to a loss per share of NT$1.03.
However, with ongoing investments in R&D and continuous expansion in domestic and international markets, Anxo and its subsidiary TAXO Pharmaceutical have already shown signs of recovery this year. Wang noted that the company will accelerate efforts in securing regulatory approvals and licensing, as well as strengthen marketing for existing products. As newly launched products begin to deliver results, operations are expected to rebound in the second half of the year.
General Manager Lin-Chuan Yen stated that so far this year, Anxo has obtained four drug licenses across two product categories. Among them is Tang An De, a film-coated tablet for type 2 diabetes. This dual-mechanism combination therapy is one of the first wave of generic drugs launched in Taiwan. Anxo holds approvals for both 50/850mg and 50/500mg dosages and is actively preparing for its market debut, scheduled for June. With the annual market for similar oral anti-diabetic combinations reaching nearly 70 million tablets in Taiwan, the company is targeting a 10–15% market share, positioning Tang An De as one of the main drivers of revenue growth.
In overseas markets, Anxo has also seen promising developments in Japan and China. The company has signed a co-development agreement with a Japanese partner for a respiratory disease medication, officially entering the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical market.
In addition, a gynecological drug for which Anxo holds exclusive sales rights in China recently received marketing approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The drug, developed and manufactured by a Taiwanese pharmaceutical company, will be exclusively promoted and sold by Anxo in China.
According to IQVIA data, the annual market size for this gynecological product is approximately USD 80 million, with only three competitors besides the original manufacturer. Anxo plans to work with its partner to develop market strategies and actively pursue market share.
Regarding regulatory filings, Anxo announced that it has already completed five drug registration applications and remains on track to submit a total of 12 applications this year. Among these is a high-barrier generic smoking cessation aid. Anxo acquired the development, manufacturing, and sales rights for the Taiwanese market from Handar Biotech. Given the current shortage of smoking cessation aids in Taiwan and the lack of approved generic options, Anxo has initiated drug registration and production planning, aiming to be the first generic drug on the market and capture opportunities in the NT$240 million smoking cessation drug market.
Looking ahead to the second half of the year, Anxo remains confident in the growth potential of Tang An De, the smoking cessation aid, and the gynecological product in China. With ongoing progress in both domestic and international regulatory approvals, accelerated overseas licensing and partnerships, and strategic alignment of its subsidiaries with group development goals, the company expects a turnaround in operations and maintains a positive outlook for the remainder of this year and into the next.
Resource: 看好三大藥品成長潛力 瑩碩下半年營運看升
