Onward Therapeutics Bets on Taiwan’s Biotech Boom for Cancer Therapy Advancement

NEW YORK, NY – November 10, 2025

Taiwan Emerges as a Global Biotech Hub

Onward Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on overcoming cancer resistance, has strategically relocated its global headquarters to Taiwan from Switzerland. The move, executed through a share exchange, positions the company to capitalize on Taiwan’s rapidly expanding biotechnology sector and secure funding for future growth, including a potential public listing. This decision reflects a growing trend of biotech companies recognizing Taiwan's increasing appeal as a hub for innovation, investment, and clinical development.

Taiwan has become a focal point for biotech investment thanks to proactive government policies, a skilled workforce, and a supportive regulatory environment. The ‘Taiwan Biotech Takeoff Plan’ and the ‘5+2’ Innovative Industries Plan have provided significant funding and incentives for companies operating within the sector. Recent initiatives, including a 14.9% increase in the technology budget for 2025 and the launch of the Taiwan Bio-Manufacturing Corporation (TBMC), signal a continued commitment to strengthening the nation’s biotech infrastructure. The government’s focus on attracting foreign investment and streamlining regulatory processes has created a conducive environment for companies like Onward Therapeutics to thrive.

“Taiwan’s biotech ecosystem is maturing rapidly, attracting both domestic and international investment,” says one industry analyst. “The government’s commitment to innovation and the availability of skilled talent are major draws for companies looking to expand their operations in Asia.” Taiwan’s biomedical industry reported a total revenue of nearly $10 billion in 2023, marking a 4.8% increase year-over-year, with the cell therapy sector experiencing particularly strong growth.

Onward’s Pipeline and Strategy

Onward Therapeutics' core focus lies in developing innovative therapies to combat cancer resistance – a significant challenge in modern oncology. The company’s pipeline includes four programs targeting both solid and hematologic tumors, with a particular emphasis on next-generation immunotherapies. Key assets include a bispecific antibody and an allogeneic NK cell therapy, the latter being developed through its subsidiary, Emercell. Emercell is pioneering “off-the-shelf” NK cell therapies, using a patented process to generate highly activated and alloreactive cells capable of targeting tumor cells. The company recently received Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier (IMPD) approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of its lead candidate, OT-C001, in combination with Rituximab.

The strategic relocation to Taiwan is intended to provide access to capital markets, which are becoming increasingly receptive to biotech investments. “The Taiwanese stock exchange is becoming a more attractive option for biotech companies seeking funding,” states a financial analyst specializing in the Asian biotech market. “The government is actively encouraging IPOs in the sector, and investors are showing strong interest in innovative therapies.” The company anticipates that the move will facilitate fundraising efforts and potentially lead to a public listing on the Taiwanese stock exchange, allowing it to accelerate the development and commercialization of its pipeline.

Leveraging Emercell’s NK Cell Therapy Platform

The development of Emercell’s allogeneic NK cell therapy represents a key pillar of Onward Therapeutics’ strategy. Allogeneic therapies, often referred to as “off-the-shelf” therapies, offer several advantages over autologous therapies, which require patient-specific cell collection and processing. Allogeneic therapies are more readily available, less expensive, and can be manufactured at scale. Emercell's patented process enables the production of consistently high-quality NK cells, addressing a major challenge in the field.

“The ability to generate a consistent supply of activated NK cells is crucial for the success of these therapies,” explains a source familiar with the company’s technology. “Emercell's platform offers a significant advantage in terms of scalability and cost-effectiveness.” While the majority of research and manufacturing currently takes place at Emercell’s facilities in France, the integration with Onward’s operations in Taiwan is expected to streamline the development process and accelerate clinical trials. The company intends to leverage Taiwan's robust clinical trial infrastructure and regulatory support to advance its NK cell therapy programs.

A Growing Trend in Asian Biotech Investment

Onward Therapeutics’ move to Taiwan is not an isolated incident. A growing number of biotech companies are establishing operations or expanding their presence in the region, attracted by favorable regulatory policies, skilled labor, and increasing investment. The Asian biotech market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising healthcare expenditures, an aging population, and a growing demand for innovative therapies.

“We are seeing a clear shift in the center of gravity of the biotech industry,” notes a venture capitalist specializing in Asian biotech investments. “Asia is becoming a more attractive destination for investment, and companies are increasingly looking to establish a presence in the region.” Competitors such as AnHorn Medicines, Senhwa Biosciences, and Caliway Biopharmaceuticals are all active in Taiwan, demonstrating the growing vibrancy of the biotech landscape. The Taiwanese government is actively supporting this growth through initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment and fostering innovation. This surge in investment and activity is creating a dynamic ecosystem that is poised to drive the development of new therapies and improve healthcare outcomes.