The wave of mergers and acquisitions in the biotech industry continues to intensify. Beyond traditional company takeovers, the acquisition of drug licenses and cutting-edge technologies—aimed at rapidly boosting revenues and enhancing R&D capabilities—has emerged as a new and increasingly strategic approach. Lotus Pharmaceutical alone acquired six drug licenses from international pharmaceutical companies in the first half of this year to expand its presence in Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, Handa Pharmaceuticals invested USD 30 million to acquire the blood cancer drug Phyrago (Dasatinib), while Taiwan Bio Therapeutics obtained the patent rights to the TregCel regulatory T cell (Treg) platform from U.S.-based TRACT for USD 3.5 million, strengthening its position in cell therapy.
In April, Taiwan Bio Therapeutics signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with TRACT to acquire equity and full patent rights for its investigational drug TregCel (TRK-001), which is designed to prevent organ transplant rejection. The acquisition will further support the company’s proprietary short-process FAST CGT platform, tailored for cell therapy, and focused on next-generation treatments centered around regulatory T cells. Taiwan Bio Therapeutics aims to leverage this platform for applications in autoimmune and immunoregulatory diseases while accelerating its market entry in the United States.
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of T cells with immune-modulating capabilities. Often described as the “brakes” of the immune system, they play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmune and excessive immune responses. TRK-001 works by inducing immune tolerance through regulatory T cells, reducing rejection reactions and restoring immune balance—making it an innovative therapeutic approach.
TRK-001 is currently undergoing a global Phase II multicenter clinical trial for kidney transplant rejection, with patient enrollment taking place in both Taiwan and the U.S. A total of 34 patients are expected to be enrolled. The company aims to obtain preliminary efficacy data within a year of completing enrollment. If results meet expectations, Taiwan Bio Therapeutics plans to apply for the FDA’s Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation to expedite the drug’s development and approval.
Handa Pharmaceuticals' acquisition of Phyrago—a reformulated treatment for blood cancers—makes it the only company in its class to have received market authorization. To accelerate the drug’s market entry, Handa signed an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Cycle Pharmaceuticals Ltd., under which Handa will receive upfront payments, milestone payments, and post-launch revenue shares, injecting new momentum into its operations.
Meanwhile, Lotus Pharmaceutical has continued its strategy of acquiring drug licenses. The company purchased the rights to Alpha Choay from Sanofi for USD 50 million, covering Vietnam and Cambodia, and began recognizing revenue from Vietnamese sales in Q1 this year.
In addition, Lotus plans to complete the acquisition of five drug licenses from Vietnam’s Duy Tan Pharmaceutical by Q3 2025. These products cover hematology, cardiovascular diseases, oncology, and anti-inflammatory therapies. Combined sales of these drugs in Vietnam reached approximately USD 8 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22% over the past three years. This acquisition is expected to significantly accelerate Lotus’s expansion in the ASEAN market and enhance its regional influence.
Resource: 生醫併購升級戰！買藥證、搶技術成新顯學 美時、漢達、台寶搶灘
