TAIPEI, Taiwan
Scientific American (November 2019 issue) has published Taiwan Healthcare & Life Sciences Review, a country-focused report presenting a comprehensive insight on biotech ecosystem of Taiwan. It shines the spotlight on Taiwan´s position in the global biotech boom and growing significance which lures attention of worldwide industry players and investors.
Along with key government heads, Chairman of the Taipei Exchange (TPEx), Mr. Philip Chen, comments on the vital role of the capital market in bolstering the biotech sector.
Chairman Chen indicated that TPEx has been dedicated in serving SMEs which dominate Taiwan’s business environment. The World Bank in its research highlights TPEx as one of the key global exchanges that enable SMEs’ funding.
To make the capital market more accessible for early-stage businesses with proven technologies that demonstrate market potential, TPEx has identified particular listing criteria which apply to “technology-based enterprises” since 1997. It allows the applicant companies free from requirements of profitability and corporate existence years under certain condition.
Chen explained further about TPEx´s competitiveness in the region. For biotech companies, the costs involved in an IPO on TPEx are more realistic than those on other major markets. Besides, TPEx’s listing requirements are more relaxed compared to those of the neighbor Exchanges.
Some of the listing criteria that are applicable in HKEX and SSE like minimum market capitalization, approval documents for phase II clinical trials of at least one product, and the cornerstone investors are simply not the requirements set by TPEx.
TPEx, which provides a transparent and predictable schedule for the IPO examination process, is comparatively easy for listed companies conducting SPO to meet their subsequent funding needs.
“We’ve spotted that listed biotechs in Taiwan tend to be more innovative and flexible in the business strategy.” reveals Chen. For example, after phase I or II trials, some biotech companies chose to license out their products or patented technologies to larger players as a way to turn to more capital. “Listing on TPEx suits that style of allowing the enterprises concerned to raise funds without completing the entire R&D process.”
The full interview is also published on Pharmaboardroom.com, a professional platform featuring topics and insights on advanced biotechnology, investment and regulation for international audience.
To learn more about TPEx, visit: https://www.tpex.org.tw/web/index.php?l=en-us
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191030005429/en/
