Taiwan's PharmaEssentia-like Biotech Firm Secures Philippine Patent for New Cancer Drug

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 28. Hua Shang Biotech announced today that its self-developed new-generation epigenetic immune-modulating cancer drug candidate, GNTbm-38, has been granted an invention patent in the Philippines. Hua Shang stated that this candidate drug has completed preclinical studies and has received IND (Investigational New Drug) approval in both the United States and China, allowing it to enter Phase 1 clinical trials. The company expects to submit an IND application in Taiwan soon to initiate multi-national, multi-center Phase 1 human clinical trials. Hua Shang noted that obtaining this patent for the new cancer drug candidate will facilitate future clinical trials and international licensing business. The company has applied for patents for GNTbm-38 globally and has already received approvals in the US, Australia, South Africa, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Europe, Japan, Canada, Singapore, Russia, Iran, New Zealand, and Mexico. In addition to the Philippine patent, applications in other countries are currently under active review. The research summary for GNTbm-38 was presented as a poster at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting and was recognized with an award at the 22nd National Innovation Awards in 2025. Hua Shang reminds investors that drug development is a long-term process with high costs and no guarantee of success, and investors should exercise caution.