Taiwan Ascendant: Onward Therapeutics Bets on Asia for Cancer Therapy Growth

NEW YORK, NY – November 10, 2025

A Strategic Repositioning

Onward Therapeutics has completed a significant corporate restructuring, establishing its global headquarters in Taiwan and solidifying the country as its central hub for future growth. The move, confirmed this week, involves a share exchange that transforms Onward Therapeutics, Inc. into the parent company, with the Swiss and French subsidiaries continuing to focus on critical research and development. While many companies are currently consolidating and seeking cost efficiencies, Onward is betting on expansion and tapping into a growing biotech ecosystem. The shift isn't simply a relocation; it’s a strategic repositioning designed to access capital, talent, and a favorable regulatory environment as the company advances its pipeline of novel cancer therapies.

The Allure of Taiwan’s Biotech Boom

Taiwan is rapidly emerging as a key player in the global biotechnology landscape, attracting significant investment and fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem. The government’s commitment to the sector, exemplified by initiatives like the ‘5+2’ Innovative Industries Plan and the recent amendments to the Biotech and New Pharmaceutical Development Act, has created a fertile ground for companies like Onward Therapeutics. “The incentives are compelling,” says one industry analyst. “Tax reductions for R&D, streamlined regulatory processes, and a growing pool of skilled researchers are making Taiwan a very attractive destination for biotech investment.” The country has also focused on building out its infrastructure, evidenced by biotech parks and research institutions offering state-of-the-art facilities and fostering collaboration. This has fueled a 4.8% revenue increase in the sector this year, with cell therapy witnessing a particularly robust 38% growth.

Addressing Cancer Resistance: Onward’s Pipeline

Onward Therapeutics’ decision to anchor its global operations in Taiwan is rooted in its mission to overcome the challenges of cancer resistance. The company is developing a diversified pipeline of innovative therapies, including a bispecific antibody, an allogeneic NK cell therapy, and early-stage small molecule and multi-specific antibody platforms. These programs are designed to address the underlying mechanisms that enable cancer cells to evade treatment, offering hope for patients with previously untreatable forms of the disease. “The goal is to move beyond simply killing cancer cells to overcoming the body’s own defenses and the complex pathways that allow tumors to resist therapy,” explains a company spokesperson. The NK cell therapy, in particular, is a promising avenue, utilizing donor cells to offer an “off-the-shelf” solution that could potentially revolutionize cancer treatment. Competition in this space is fierce, with companies like Fate Therapeutics and Artiva Biotherapeutics also advancing NK cell therapies, but Onward believes its approach offers a unique combination of efficacy and scalability.

A 'Dual-Shore' Model for Global Expansion

Onward Therapeutics’ strategy exemplifies a growing trend within the biotech industry: the ‘dual-shore’ model. By maintaining its R&D operations in Europe while establishing its headquarters in Asia, the company aims to leverage the strengths of both regions. Europe provides a well-established scientific base, a wealth of experienced researchers, and a robust regulatory framework. Taiwan, on the other hand, offers access to capital, a rapidly growing market, and a supportive government. “This isn’t about simply cutting costs,” says one analyst familiar with the company’s strategy. “It’s about building a globally diversified organization that can access the best talent, the best technology, and the most favorable business conditions.” This approach also allows Onward to tap into the growing Asian market, where demand for innovative cancer therapies is rapidly increasing. The company anticipates that Taiwan will serve as a springboard for expansion into other key Asian markets, including China, Japan, and South Korea. This geographic diversification is seen as critical to mitigating risk and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

While Taiwan offers a generally favorable regulatory environment for biotech companies, navigating the local system requires careful planning and execution. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has been working to streamline its review processes and accelerate the approval of innovative therapies, but challenges remain.