Hi-Q Marine Biotech's Active Ingredient Oligo Fucoidan Wins 2 Top Honors at Korea WiC World Invention Innovation Contest

(中央社訊息服務20230831 15:06:04)Hi-Q Marine Biotech, a leading biotech company in Taiwan, has once again garnered accolades on the global stage. In the "9th Korea WiC World Invention Innovation Contest," the team was honored with a gold medal and a special award (Semi-Grand Award) for their invention titled "Oligo Fucoidan, an Active Substance for Preventing Radiation-Induced Pneumonitis and Lung Fibrosis during Radiotherapy." The special award, recognizing the utmost creativity and innovative ideas showcased by the invention, underscores the distinguished contributions of the research team. The competition, featuring representatives from 16 nations, saw Taiwan clinching an impressive tally of 24 gold, 8 silver, and 2 bronze medals.

The invention by Hi-Q Marine Biotech was developed in collaboration with Doctor Szu Yuan Wu, Director of the Cancer Center at Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital. The innovative approach involves utilizing low molecular weight fucoidan (Oligo Fucoidan) derived from brown algae to formulate a pharmaceutical solution for preventing radiation-induced pneumonitis. Notably, this breakthrough had previously been presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting and featured in the international journal "Marine Drugs." In 2021, The invention was granted a patent in Taiwan, and now, clinching an international invention award underscores its profound application potential and value.

Radiation therapy (RT) constitutes a pivotal treatment modality for a range of cancers, including lung and breast cancer. Given the concentration of radiation in the chest region during treatment, common side effects such as radiation pneumonitis and fibrosis can arise. Advanced pulmonary fibrosis can lead to persistent symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and unexplained fever, severely impacting the patient's quality of life. Research indicates that preventing or managing radiation therapy-induced lung injury remains a challenge. Patients undergoing chest radiation therapy are susceptible to acute and long-term effects, emphasizing the need for effective prophylactic interventions.

Driven by a commitment to enhancing well-being, Hi-Q has directed its efforts toward research and development, particularly in formulating Oligo Fucoidan as a dietary health supplement. Collaborations with accomplished PhD scientists and medical doctors from renowned research institutions and university hospitals have enabled Hi-Q to pursue ongoing scientific investigations and human clinical trials. This pivotal research facilitates the translation of molecular mechanisms into practical adjuvant cancer treatments, fostering a direct bridge between fundamental medical research and clinical application. Remarkably, Oligo Fucoidan has attained its inclusion in the Dictionary of Drugs of the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) (Code C170752).