MacKay Medical University Research Achievements Shine on the National Stage – Two Academic Research Teams Win the National Innovation Award
[New Taipei] MacKay Medical College was officially upgraded and renamed MacKay Medical University (MMU) on August 1, 2025. Under the leadership of successive presidents, the university has built a solid foundation in academic research and innovation. Guided by President Yeh Hung‑I, faculty and students continue striving for excellence in teaching and research. In the 22nd National Innovation Awards announced at the end of 2025, MMU research teams won the “Academic Innovation Award” for the first time. Organized by the Biomedical Commercialization Center (BMCC), the event has reached its 22nd year with a record‑high number of submissions and intense competition. Two MMU research teams were selected: (1) the team led by Professor Wang Shih‑Wei of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, with “A Small‑Molecule Anti‑Angiogenesis Drug for Treating Age‑Related Macular Degeneration: A Non‑Invasive New Treatment Option,” and (2) the team led by Professor Hsu Yi‑Chao of the Department of Audiology and Speech‑Language Pathology, College of Holistic Health, with “A Stem‑Cell‑ and Exosome‑Infused Bio‑Gel Coated Artificial Bio‑Electronic Ear for Inner‑Ear Repair and Regeneration After Cochlear Implantation.” President Yeh stated that the National Innovation Award is a key benchmark for biotech and medical innovation, aiming to recognize research成果 with strong innovation features and market potential. This award highlights MMU’s growing national‑level competitiveness in biotechnology and precision medicine.
Professor Wang Shih‑Wei’s award‑winning technology was developed in a collaborative team led by President Yeh Hung‑I, together with Professor Chung Ching‑Hu and Assistant Professor Yang Tsung‑Ying from the College of Medicine. The team created an innovative dual‑peptide compound for treating age‑related macular degeneration (AMD). Professor Wang noted that after more than a decade of research under President Yeh’s guidance, the team completed compound pharmacology studies, anti‑angiogenesis efficacy research on endothelial‑derived cells, AMD animal‑model evaluations, patent protection and deployment, and commercialization planning. AMD is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss among the global elderly population. Current treatments rely mainly on repeated intravitreal injections of anti‑VEGF antibody drugs, which are costly and invasive, greatly affecting patient compliance and quality of life. Professor Wang emphasized that the newly developed dual‑peptide compound offers advantages such as stable small‑molecule drug manufacturing, lower cost, and flexible formulation options. The technology could potentially be developed into eye drops or slow‑release formulations—providing a non‑invasive alternative for patients. The technology has completed Taiwan–U.S. patent deployment and pilot‑scale production testing. Future milestones include GMP manufacturing, preclinical pharmacological/toxicological studies, and clinical trials. MMU will collaborate with its Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Optometry, and MacKay Memorial Hospital to accelerate commercialization and promote partnerships with domestic and international ophthalmic pharmaceutical companies.
Professor Hsu Yi‑Chao’s team developed the world’s first artificial bio‑electronic ear system capable of “promoting inner‑ear repair and regeneration.” By coating electrode surfaces with a functional bio‑gel containing stem cells and exosomes, the patented technology induces stem‑cell differentiation into cochlear hair cells and neural cells. This strategy represents the first deep integration of regenerative medicine and neuro‑electronic engineering, breaking the limitations of traditional cochlear implants that merely compensate for auditory signals and pioneering a new paradigm in neural‑implant technology. Professor Hsu stated that this innovation significantly enhances the performance and lifespan of artificial electronic ears while maintaining stable sound quality. Early in‑vitro tests confirmed its high biocompatibility and strong induction efficiency, supporting its clinical‑translation potential. Existing implants cannot overcome postoperative inflammation, cellular degeneration, or functional decline. This new technology improves treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and serves as an upgrade module for major electronic‑ear manufacturers—supporting licensing and mass‑production partnerships. Combined with Taiwan’s strengths in precision medicine and electronics manufacturing, it has strong potential to become a global leader in advanced auditory‑regeneration solutions.
MacKay Medical University will continue upholding the idea of “balancing teaching and research, integrating innovation with practice.” By integrating cross‑disciplinary campus resources, MMU will deepen its research capabilities in biotechnology, medical innovation, and precision healthcare, driving more internationally competitive results toward real‑world application. Looking forward, the university will remain committed to frontier technologies and clinical‑translation research, becoming a key contributor to national and global biomedical innovation, and bringing meaningful value to health and society.
