The NextGen EV Therapeutics Forum, hosted by China Medical University and Healthcare System, brought together scientists, clinical experts, and biotech industry leaders from Taiwan and the US to explore the forefront of extracellular vesicle (EV) research and translation.
The forum showcased emerging EV-based applications in oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, immune modulation, and regenerative medicine, highlighting the rapid advances toward clinical implementation.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of a strategic partnership between China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) and Shine-On Biomedical Co., Ltd. This collaboration aims to accelerate Taiwan’s leadership in EV-based precision medicine on the global stage. As part of this initiative, Randy W. Schekman, the 2013 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, was appointed international scientific advisor. In his keynote address, Schekman emphasised the critical importance of grounding therapeutic innovation in rigorous basic science, particularly in the evolving roles of EVs in intercellular communication and nucleic acid delivery.
At the centre of this three-party collaboration is SOB100, the world’s first engineered exosome platform targeting HLA-G, an immunosuppressive tumor antigen. The platform can cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver nucleic acid drugs with high specificity, offering a potential therapeutic breakthrough for glioblastoma (GBM) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Hui-Chun Ho, vice president of Shine-On Biomedical, noted that SOB100 has received U.S. FDA approval to enter phase I clinical trials and was recently featured in Nature Communications. She emphasised that the platform has demonstrated exceptional targeting precision and delivery efficiency in preclinical studies. With Schekman’s advice, the company aims to further enhance nucleic acid payload efficiency to unlock greater therapeutic impact.
CMU System showcased several of its internally developed technologies, including: in vivo CAR-T production via EVs for solid tumours; targeted EV drug delivery for Parkinson’s disease; mitochondrial EVs from CRISPR-engineered stem cells for MASLD; and engineered EVs for cardiac repair in heart failure.
CMU said the innovations demonstrate its leadership in building an end-to-end EV research and clinical pipeline and underscore its commitment to integrating academia, healthcare, and biotech in Taiwan.
Mien-Chie Hung, president of China Medical University, said: “Extracellular vesicles are one of the most promising delivery vectors for the next generation of precision medicine. This forum not only showcases Taiwan’s research capabilities but also highlights our ability to mobilise global expertise.”
Der-Yang Cho, superintendent of CMUH, said: “EVs are emerging as a core technology for next-generation therapies. We are committed to building a globally connected precision medicine ecosystem with EVs at its centre—driven by translational science and patient benefit.”
Jim Cornall is editor of Deeptech Digest and publisher at Ayr Coastal Media. He is an award-winning writer, editor, photographer, broadcaster, designer and author. Contact Jim here.
