Source: Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB), Taiwan

CMIC HOLDINGS Co., Ltd. (“CMIC”), a corporation of Japan, and DEVELOPMENT CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY (“DCB”), a non-for-profit organization of Taiwan, jointly announced the MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU”) featuring cooperation partnership in areas of bio-process development, manufacturing, non-clinical testings, and investment of Taiwan biotech venture capital fund. Under the agreement, CMIC and DCB will grant each other the most preferable status and will seek technology applications and business development for emerging biotech markets and new ventures in both Japan and Taiwan.

The cooperation in bioprocess development and manufacturing will focus on the business applications of DCB’s proprietary CHO-C cell line platform for biopharmaceutical drug development and manufacturing by CMIC Bio Co., Ltd., a subsidiary biologic Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) of CMIC. In recent years, the surging demand for manufacturing capacity of biopharmaceutical drugs has resulted in a rapid growth of CDMO business. DCB has rich experience in bioprocess development from laboratory scale to GMP and has successfully formed a biopharmaceutical CDMO spin-off in Taiwan. Its CHO-C cell line features high productivity and stability in manufacturing antibody and other protein drugs.  The cooperation will facilitate the expansion of CMIC’s CDMO business from small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals. In response to the impact from COVID-19, global pharmaceutical companies have diversified manufacturing and supply chains. The strategic partnership will bring synergy of the complementary strengths between CMIC and DCB to target rich global CDMO business opportunities in the COVID-19 era and beyond.

It is also anticipated that the strategic partnership will bring emerging market’s non-clinical testings needs to CMIC’s CRO business in Taiwan.

In addition, CMIC will consider co-working with Taiwan Biotech VC Fund managed by DCB’s subsidiary management company. DCB has been incubating and mentoring new biotech ventures in Taiwan through several successful programs such as incubation center and international accelerator program.                

■ About DCB

DCB (Development Center for Biotechnology), a non-for-profit organization, was established in 1984 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) of Taiwan and private donors with a mission of facilitating the development and growth of Taiwan’s biotechnology industry through continuously improving industrial infrastructures, recruiting and training professional workforce, developing emerging and cutting-edge technology, and facilitating global strategic alliances and technology acquisitions. For more information about DCB and services, please visit our website. https://www.dcb.org.tw/

■ About CMIC group

CMIC Group was founded in 1992 as the first Contract Research Organization (CRO) in Japan. Today CMIC Group is the largest clinical CRO in Japan with global footprint, providing comprehensive services in drug development, clinical site management, manufacturing, regulatory consulting and contract sales & marketing solutions. We can help pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies to enter Japan market, to conduct clinical trials in Asia, or to bridge drug development and manufacturing needs in the US, Europe, Japan and broader Asia. CMIC Group has over 7,000 employees and 25 sites globally. For more information about CMIC Group and services, please visit our website. https://en.cmicgroup.com