November 15, 2001

Paclitaxel, a new cancer-fighting drug developed by Yung Shin Pharm. Ind. Ltd. (YSP), was launched on the pharmaceutical market on November 1, 2001. At the same time, Taiwan's Department of Health announced that the new drug would be covered under Taiwan's National Health Insurance program.

According to YSP, Paclitaxel is a FormoxolR injection liquid made from the natural extracts of yew trees. The company spent 10 years on R&D in order to achieve the desired results from the drug, with the lengthy time period partially due to the scarcity of yew trees. In 1993 YSP bought a farm in the U.S. in Oregon for the specific purpose of planting and growing yew trees so that it could be assured of an inexhaustible source of raw materials for producing Pacltaxel. Using the most advanced facilities available, YSP's research team is able to generate the purest form of Paclitaxel out of the newly grown leaves and branches of the trees.

Industry experts forecast that within 10 to 15 years, Paclitaxel will be the leading drug used to treat cancer. It is especially effective for certain types of cancers, including ovarian, breast, lung, bladder and rectum cancers, as well as melanomas.

In Taiwan, the annual demand for the new drug is estimated to be 40 to 50 thousand doses, which amounts to between NT$200 and 300 million (US$5.79 and 8.69 million) in terms of total production value. In addition to the local market, YSP is aggressively promoting its products internationally and is confident that the new drug will create considerable revenue for the firm.

Founded in 1952, YSP has nearly 50 years of experience in the pharmaceutical business. It manufactures a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including complete dosage forms for human and veterinary uses and various bulk pharmaceutical chemicals. In recent years, YSP has diversified into the fields of skin care products, health food supplements, formulated Chinese herbal extracts, diagnostic kits and special fine chemicals for the photoelectric industry.

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