TAIPEI, Taiwan, Febuary 11, 2025－As flu season peaks across the Northern Hemisphere, multiple countries are grappling with severe outbreaks. Reports indicate that hospitals in Japan are overwhelmed, South Korea is experiencing its worst flu epidemic in eight years, and flu cases continue to rise across Europe and the U.S. In Taiwan, soaring demand for flu vaccines has led the government to procure an additional 100,000 doses. While vaccination remains a key preventive measure, effective antiviral treatments are crucial in the fight against influenza.

TaiGen Biopharmaceuticals (TaiGen*-KY, 4157) has developed Pixavir Marboxil (TG-1000), a new antiviral flu drug that has demonstrated in clinical trials the ability to significantly shorten flu symptom relief time. The entire treatment requires just a single dose and is effective against both Influenza A and B. The company has already applied for new drug approval in China and is actively seeking partners in Taiwan to facilitate local regulatory approval.

Clinical Trial Success: Faster Symptom Relief with TG-1000

The Phase III clinical trial of TG-1000 focused on the time required for relief from all flu symptoms (including cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, fever/chills, fatigue, and muscle or joint pain). TaiGen Chairman and CEO Mr. Kuo-Lung Huang highlighted that the median symptom relief time for TG-1000 (60.9 hours) was significantly shorter than the placebo group (87.9 hours), with a clear statistical advantage. Compared to Xofluza, a similar drug already on the market, TG-1000 is equally competitive and demonstrates better ability in preventing drug-resistant mutations.

Key Advantages of TG-1000

• Single-dose treatment: Unlike traditional flu medications that require twice-daily dosing for five days, TG-1000 offers a one-time treatment, eliminating concerns about missed doses.
• Stronger effectiveness against Influenza B: The drug shortened symptom duration by 31 hours compared to the placebo (63.3 vs. 94.3 hours).
• Enhanced efficacy in adolescents (ages 12–18): TG-1000 reduced symptoms 61 hours faster than the placebo (53 vs. 115 hours), showing particularly strong effectiveness in younger patients.

Global Flu Surge Increases Demand for Innovative Treatments

Flu cases are surging worldwide:

• In the U.S., the CDC estimates 35 million infections, 540,000 hospitalizations, and 52,000 deaths this season.
• The UK reported over 5,000 daily hospitalizations for flu during the holiday season—3.5 times higher than in 2023.
• China reached its flu peak in early January 2025.
• Japan has recorded 9.52 million cases this season, with an all-time high weekly infection count at the end of 2024, leading to medication shortages.
• South Korea declared a nationwide flu emergency in December due to its most severe outbreak in eight years.
• Taiwan has reported its highest number of severe flu cases and deaths in five years.

TaiGen’s International Expansion Plans

Beyond China, TaiGen is actively expanding into global markets, pursuing licensing discussions in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea. The company is also seeking local partners in Taiwan, ensuring that this Taiwan-developed antiviral flu drug are available to Taiwanese patients.

"Vaccination alone is not enough to combat flu outbreaks—innovative antiviral drugs are just as crucial," Mr. Huang emphasized. "We are committed to bringing TG-1000 to international markets, including Taiwan, to provide a highly effective and convenient treatment for flu patients worldwide."