HERON NEUTRON MEDICAL (HERON) announced on the 22nd that it has signed a Letter of Intent for AB-BNCT collaboration with Japan’s University of Tsukuba. The partnership aims to jointly advance the clinical application of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and innovate treatment strategies.

The collaboration integrates HERON’s technological strengths in AB-BNCT full-spectrum solutions with the University of Tsukuba’s extensive clinical research expertise and experience in BNCT, forming a mutually complementary partnership.

Both parties will begin with clinical indication expansion and treatment strategy innovation, conducting joint clinical research to accelerate innovative breakthroughs in the clinical application of BNCT.

HERON highlighted that it has actively promoted the development of AB-BNCT clinical applications and built a comprehensive BNCT integrated technology platform, covering neutron irradiation systems, treatment planning software, and boron-containing drug solutions.

Leveraging its independently developed core technologies and clinical achievements, HERON demonstrates a key advantage in driving the industrialization of BNCT therapy. Its self-developed neutron irradiation system received TFDA medical device approval in 2024 and has so far been used in over 120 clinical and compassionate treatments, fully demonstrating the system’s outstanding performance and clinical value.

The University of Tsukuba is a global pioneer in BNCT. Since the 1980s, it has treated more than 100 patients with malignant brain tumors, building a strong research foundation and rich clinical experience, particularly in applying BNCT to malignant brain tumors. In 2023, the university launched the world’s first clinical study using BNCT to treat newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

HERON stated that this collaboration marks an important milestone in Taiwan–Japan BNCT development. Moving forward, Taiwan will serve as the core of BNCT innovation, with efforts to internationalize the technology and expand its clinical adoption. The goal is to extend BNCT’s global reach, benefiting more international medical institutions and patients, and providing new opportunities and hope for the treatment of hard-to-treat cancers.

Resource: 禾榮科 啟動台日BNCT合作