Leadgene Biomedical, a leading biotech company in Taiwan, has announced a significant donation to the College of Medicine at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). This initiative will support the establishment of a state-of-the-art virus laboratory that complies with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) standards, aiming to enhance Taiwan's preparedness for future pandemics and foster deeper collaboration between academia and the biotech industry.
The BSL-2 laboratory will provide a secure environment for handling pathogens with moderate potential risks to humans, such as seasonal influenza, enteroviruses, and dengue viruses. It will enable critical research activities, including virus isolation, identification, and analysis. Additionally, the facility will serve as a foundation for developing new drugs and vaccines, including antiviral drug screening and rapid diagnostic kit development, which are essential for public health advancements.
For academic institutions, the laboratory will act as a vital training ground, equipping students with hands-on experience in using industry-standard equipment and adhering to rigorous operational protocols. This aligns with Leadgene Biomedical’s mission to bridge the gap between academic research and industry practices, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute immediately to the biotech sector.
Leadgene Biomedical’s co-founders, Chairman Dr. Chasel Yung-Chun Chuang and CEO Dr. Louis Yu-Wei Cheng, are both alumni of NCKU’s Department of Medical Technology. Their shared vision for advancing Taiwan’s biotech industry has driven the company’s commitment to talent cultivation and regional development.
Dr. Chuang emphasized that this donation is not only a gesture of gratitude to their alma mater but also a strategic investment in Taiwan’s scientific infrastructure.
"With advanced research facilities, we aim to build a stronger foundation for tackling future unknown challenges," he stated.
Leadgene Biomedical Chairman Dr. Chuang Yung-Chun. (Photo courtesy of National Cheng Kung University)
Dr. Cheng highlighted the importance of practical training for students, noting that the goal is to enable them to transition seamlessly from academia to industry.
"We hope to see these talented students become the driving force of the biotech industry upon graduation," he added.
Leadgene Biomedical CEO Dr. Cheng Yu-Wei. (Photo courtesy of National Cheng Kung University)
Leadgene Biomedical specializes in the development and manufacturing of proteins, antibodies, and diagnostic platform development. The company is renowned for its innovative solutions, including customized one-stop services and proprietary in vitro diagnostic reagent kits for kidney function assessment, which have received multiple international patents and certifications. This latest initiative further underscores the company’s dedication to advancing Taiwan’s biotech capabilities and contributing to global health and well-being.
