R&D Efforts made in Taiwan Recognized with National Honors

Marker X was notified via official communication on October 25th that it has been honored with this year’s (2023) Startup Enterprise Award at the 20th National Innovation Awards. This award, considered the highest benchmark in innovation competition in the domestic biotechnology and healthcare sectors, acknowledges the innovative forces driving industry advancement and the new landscape of industry transformation driven by innovative technologies. Marker X was recognized with the Startup Enterprise Award for its innovative testing technology using independently developed AI multi-index algorithms.

The National Innovation Awards judging panel emphasized in its evaluation that “the use of mass spectrometry to detect proteins, targeting the differentiation of cancer risks in early-stage cancers, achieves the goal of ‘early detection, early treatment’.”

Mr. Hsu Cheng-Hsien, Chairman of Marker X, stated that Marker X’s mission is “precision cancer screening, starting with precision.” Only by truly detecting cancer in its early stages can we improve and extend people’s lives.

The National Innovation Award represents Taiwan’s layout for medical innovation. For Marker X, in addition to developing innovative testing technology, we can also promote cancer screening rates by collaborating comprehensively with the medical ecosystem and continuously improving the accessibility of early screening, thereby reversing the lives of patients.

A Milestone in Preventive Medicine: Cancer Proteome Risk Interpretation Platform

AI Early Multi-Cancer Screening uses high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze whether there are cancer-risk proteins in the blood, independently building a plasma proteome database, coupled with exclusive “multi-index algorithms” that lead globally. With just 3ml of blood, it can effectively detect early lesions of four cancers (breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer). Marker X presented specific empirical data to the judging panel, verifying that AI early multi-cancer screening is more reliable in terms of sensitivity and specificity than similar options in the market, effectively helping the public detect and treat cancer early.

Future expansion of testing technology to other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, is also planned. In addition, we are developing companion diagnostics related to medications to help doctors and patients make more comprehensive and personalized assessments before using drugs. Partners include major teaching hospitals, testing technology units, health examination centers, and research units.

Marker X Continuously Improves Cancer Screening Accuracy, Safeguarding Against Rapid Ticking of the Cancer Clock

The “National Innovation Award” is organized by the National Biotechnology and Medical Care Industry Promotion Association and has a history of 20 years. The core concept of this award is to promote the practical application and value of scientific research innovation, promote innovative cooperation across different fields, and promote common prosperity and development. This award has accelerated the close integration of scientific research with industry, markets, capital, and international contacts. It represents the potential and innovation of academic research institutions, biotechnology companies, and hospitals in the field of biotechnology research and development in Taiwan. Each year, more than 1,500 representatives from industry, academia, research, and medical fields participate. This award has also become the largest platform connecting Taiwan’s startup companies with global capital. For internationally awarded companies, it represents their deep cultivation in the Taiwanese market and their commitment to local research and cooperation. The awarded teams are highly regarded by the government and industry, and provide more possibilities for domestic and international cooperation and investment opportunities.

According to the Cancer Registration Report of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan during 2017-2020, the cancer clock is ticking faster year by year! Until 2022, an average of 1 person is diagnosed with cancer every 4 minutes and 19 seconds, and 1 person dies of cancer every 10 minutes and 7 seconds. In addition to colorectal cancer topping the list of the top 10 cancers for 15 consecutive years, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer have ranked in the top three for many years. Therefore, Marker X continues to invest resources in research and development to ensure the accuracy of cancer screening for cancers with high prevalence rates among the Taiwanese population.

This time, Marker X’s innovative test received the “Startup Enterprise Award,” demonstrating that both R&D efforts and technological innovation are highly valued and recognized by the government and domestic and international industries. In the future, Marker X will continue to invest in research and development, integrate resources from all sectors, and benefit more people.