NCKU, NHRI, and AnHorn Medicines Unite to Pioneer a New Era of Neuroprotection in Cancer Treatment
Written by Hsu Tsu-Yueh. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
DBPR168 technology transfer license signing. From the left: NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen, NHRI President Huey-Kang Sytwu, AnHorn Medicines Chief Scientific Officer Shu-Jen Chen.
Peripheral neuropathy, a debilitating side effect of chemotherapy, affects nearly half of all cancer patients. This condition causes persistent pain, numbness, and balance issues, disrupting daily life and often forcing patients to halt life-saving treatments. With global cancer rates and demand for chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel rising—the market for which is projected to hit $11.16 billion by 2030—solutions to these side effects are more urgent than ever. Yet, effective treatments remain elusive.
Enter DBPR168, a groundbreaking neuroprotective drug that promises to change the game. Jointly developed by the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), this innovative solution is designed to prevent chemotherapy- induced neuropathy, relieve pain, and improve patients’ quality of life. In a landmark partnership, the technology has been licensed to AnHorn Medicines, signaling a bold leap forward in patient care.
Science Meets Compassion: The Journey of DBPR168
Unlike traditional treatments focusing only on masking symptoms, DBPR168 targets the root causes of neuropathy. The drug prevents nerve damage by curbing neuroinflammation and immune responses triggered by chemotherapy agents. This innovative approach, backed by over a decade of research, positions DBPR168 as a transformative solution for cancer patients worldwide.
Speaking at the licensing ceremony on December 17, 2024, NHRI President Dr. Huey-Kang Sytwu lauded the collaboration, emphasizing the real-world impact of the drug. “DBPR168 isn’t just a scientific breakthrough— it’s hope for millions of patients struggling with the harsh realities of cancer treatment,” he said.
NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen thanked Dr. Jang-Yang Chang for the development of the new drug, and emphasized that NCKU will continue contributing to research and development.
Bridging Academia and Industry to Transform Medical Care
During a momentous speech, Dr. Meng-Ru Shen, President of NCKU, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jang-Yang Chang, whose visionary leadership paved the way for the development of DBPR168. He commended the research team for their determination and resilience in overcoming the significant drug development challenges, particularly in Taiwan’s resource- limited environment.
“As a doctor, it’s not just about curing cancer but ensuring patients can live better lives during treatment.” President Shen said. “DBPR168 changes that. It works within chemotherapy routines and eases patient suffering, making it truly revolutionary.” President Shen emphasized that NCKU will continue contributing to research and development, hoping to accelerate the transformation of the new drug into an available treatment
Dr. Shu-Jen Chen, Chief Scientific Officer of AnHorn Medicines, added that while past approaches to chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in cancer patients primarily relied on symptom-focused measures such as painkillers, DBPR168 offers a solution by addressing the root cause and preventing patients’ suffering.
Group photo at the technology transfer agreement signing ceremony.
Combining Scientific Innovation with Clinical Needs to Protect Cancer Patients’ Neurological Health
DBPR168 is the result of over a decade of dedicated research led by Dr. Kak- Shan Shia from the Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research at the NHRI, NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen, and former NCKU Executive Vice President Jang-Yang Chang. This effort successfully translated fundamental scientific innovation into clinical application.
DBPR168 is designed to combat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a debilitating condition caused by treatments like paclitaxel and platinum-based agents. The drug targets neuroinflammation and immune cell infiltration, effectively preventing nerve damage. Preclinical studies confirm its safety and highlight its significant potential for widespread clinical use.
A Collaborative Breakthrough in Clinical Application: Pioneering Neuroprotection in Cancer Treatment
The development and technology transfer of DBPR168 to AnHorn Medicines marks a pivotal achievement in integrating research, clinical application, and industry expertise. This partnership accelerates the drug’s journey from laboratory to market, enhancing its global competitiveness in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
Patents have already been secured in 20 countries, providing a strong foundation for international growth. Plans are underway to launch human clinical trials within three years while simultaneously preparing for global market deployment. DBPR168 represents a major leap forward in addressing a critical unmet need, offering a safe and effective solution for cancer patients worldwide.
National Cheng Kung University & NCKU Hospital: Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Bridge Fundamental Research and Clinical Practice
With a history dating back to 1931, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) upholds the core values of “Educational Innovation, Research Excellence, and Social Responsibility,” striving to be a global model of university excellence.
NCKU Hospital, established in 1988, is the largest medical center in southern Taiwan, bridging healthcare services and research. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, NCKU prepares the next generation of medical professionals to tackle complex healthcare challenges with innovative solutions.
National Health Research Institutes: Driving Medical Innovation and Shaping a Healthier Future
Founded in 1996, the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) is Taiwan’s only mission-oriented research institution dedicated to biomedical research and the improvement of healthcare. Its mission is to “enhance medical and health research to promote the well-being of the population.” The Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research (IBPR) under NHRI integrates biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical medicine to conduct interdisciplinary applied research and develop innovative drugs targeting critical diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders, which is vital in advancing Taiwan’s biotechnology industry.
AnHorn Medicines: A Pioneer in Cancer and Neurological Disease Treatment
Founded in 2020, AnHorn Medicines specializes in developing next- generation therapies for life-threatening diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Its advanced BIGPRO® platform drives innovation in small-molecule drug development, ensuring the rapid translation of promising ideas into effective treatments.
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2025-01-02
