In June 2012, Taiwan’s Department of Health (DOH) announced that it would allow the sales of low-risk Class I medical devices through “virtual channels” starting July 2012. Virtual channels are any instances in which the medical device cannot be examined by customers... Read More
On May 1, 2012, the Taiwan FDA (TFDA) announced its plan to move towards Summary Technical Documentation (STED). This move is to align with GHTF SG1-N11:2008, Summary of Technical Documentation for Demonstrating Conformity to the Essential Principles of Safety and Performance of... Read More
Innovator pharmaceutical companies will soon have their branded sales heavily affected in the Asian pharmaceutical markets. This is due to the fact that pharmaceutical products collectively expected to generate $21 billion will go off patent over the next five years. Brand pharmaceutical... Read More
Over 2.5 million of Taiwan’s total population (23 million) is accounted for by citizens aged 65 or above. This figure constitutes nearly 11% of the population and is expected to increase to 20% by 2015. Average life expectancy in Taiwan is also... Read More
The number of cancer cases is dramatically increasing in countries throughout Asia. Asia now accounts for about 50% of all new cancer cases in the world, or about 6 million new cancer cases annually. The most common cancers in Asia are: lung,... Read More
On Aug. 19th 2011, the Taiwan Cabinet commenced the Taiwan Medtech Fund (TMF). TMF aims to increase investment in high-end medical devices in Taiwan. The fund plans to raise about $173 million over the next few months. Taiwan has been in talks... Read More
On December 21, 2010, representatives from Taiwan and China met to sign a new agreement that supports the bio-technology industries of both territories. Two important outcomes of this agreement include upcoming cooperation on clinical trial standards and vaccine development. With clinical trial... Read More
Taiwan’s Department of Health (DOH) has been proposing a “Second-Generation National Health Insurance” bill (2G NHI Bill) since March 2010. Although President Ma Ying-jeou is advocating a quick implementation, legislators are still reviewing the details. The most recent topic of discussion is... Read More
Introduction With the United States emerging very slowly from a huge recession, some of Europe unable to pay its bills, and more restrictions coming from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an area where medical device companies may want to focus... Read More
Taiwan recently amended its Medical Act in February 2010 to promote healthcare tourism and boost the bio-tech industry. The updated articles include number 4, 90, and 115 of the Medical Act. The amendments allows for private hospitals to register and operate as... Read More