Merry Life Biomedical Co., Ltd., a startup strongly supported by the National Science and Technology Council’s “Value Creation Program” and successfully incubated by the Office of Research, Development, and Industry–Academia Collaboration at Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST), has announced a major milestone. Following the successful completion of Phase I clinical trials in the United States, the company is applying to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a global Phase II clinical trial. This trial, set to launch simultaneously at 19 leading medical institutions worldwide, including those in the United States, Sweden, and Taiwan, marks a significant achievement in Taiwan’s pharmaceutical R&D history. It offers new hope and treatment options to Alzheimer’s disease patients around the globe. Chair Professor Yi-Ren Su, former Director of the Department of Disease Control and a recognized “Taiwanese SARS Hero,” has dedicated his passion for medical research and visionary leadership to the Merry Life Biomedical team in developing TML-6, an innovative new Alzheimer’s treatment.

【The leadership of STUST has commended this outstanding example of research excellence and industry–university collaboration. In the photo, Chair Professor Yi-Ren Su (center) is joined by President Nen-Fu Huang, Vice President Hong-De Chang, Vice President Cheng-Chien Wang, Chief Secretary Yi-Shing Chang, former R&D Director Tsong-Yuan Guo, and the new R&D Director, Professor Chun-Sheng Chang, symbolizing the university’s dedication to both tradition and innovation. Professor Chang, currently Dean of the College of Smart Health and a professor in the Department of Biological and Food Technology, will continue to lead the university’s progress in smart health and biotechnology.】

Innovative Mechanism: TML-6 Opens a New Path in Alzheimer’s Treatment

TML-6 is an innovative drug based on curcumin analogs, distinguished by its novel autolysosome mechanism. This approach is a departure from the current mainstream focus on anti-amyloid antibodies and represents a fresh therapeutic direction for Alzheimer’s disease. The drug’s concept was inspired by the pioneering research of Professor Gary Small, a world-renowned expert in aging and Alzheimer’s disease at UCLA. In recognition of Professor Small’s vision and contributions, Merry Life Biomedical Founder and Chair Professor Yi-Ren Su presented him with the Enlightenment Award on June 24, 2025. Professor Small was also appointed Global Chief Clinical Advisor for TML-6, joining forces to accelerate the drug’s development.

From Campus Research to Global Trials: A Steady-going Way to Phase II

Founded in 2018 with funding from the National Science Council’s “Value Creation Program,” Merry Life Biomedical exemplifies the success of STUST’s R&D and incubation ecosystem. TML-6 successfully completed Phase I clinical trials at Glendale Medical Center in Los Angeles in August 2025, demonstrating excellent safety and favorable pharmacokinetic results. This achievement lays a strong foundation for large-scale Phase II clinical trials and stands as a prime example of translating campus research into global industry impact.

Precision Medicine: Global Multi-center Trial Targets Personalized Care

The global Phase II trial of TML-6 will begin in 2026, enrolling 210 participants worldwide. Using advanced blood biomarker technology for patient selection and efficacy evaluation, the trial aims to advance personalized medicine, improving both treatment accuracy and success rates. The study has been selected for presentation at the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), underscoring its recognition by the global medical community.

A Model for Industry–Academia Collaboration to Honor Taiwan’s Medical Innovation

President Nen-Fu Huang emphasized that Merry Life Biomedical’s achievements embody the goals of the National Science Council’s Value Creation Program, which transforms Taiwan’s scientific research into a driver of industrial growth. The program promotes joint ventures between industry, academia, and research, fosters talent exchange, and cultivates an innovation-friendly entrepreneurial environment. As one of STUST’s most successful incubated companies, Merry Life Biomedical’s advancement of TML-6 into a global Phase II trial with FDA approval will significantly influence Taiwan’s medical innovation and aging health sectors. STUST is proud to see innovation from Southern Taiwan making its mark internationally. It is hoped that this development will bring renewed hope to Alzheimer’s patients worldwide, while bringing honor to Taiwan’s biomedical industry. Chair Professor Su has a distinguished career marked by numerous accolades, including the National Science Council’s Outstanding Special Research Award, recognition as one of the National Top Ten Outstanding Young Scientists (Medical Research Category), and the Department of Health’s First-Class Health Medal for his role during the SARS outbreak. He has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Cancer Medicine from the Chinese Society of Cancer Medicine, serves as a representative of the International Lymphoma Study Group (ILSG), and is President of the Chinese Society of Pathology. He founded the medical journal HOPE and served as Chief Advisor to the Tainan City Dengue Fever Command Center. By combining his extensive expertise in research, industry, and public service, Professor Su continues to set a benchmark for Taiwan’s biotech sector, driving innovation, fostering academic entrepreneurship, and contributing to global health and well-being.

【New Discoveries from STUST enter the international clinical arena: Chair Professor Yi-Ren Su recently briefed President Nen-Fu Huang on the progress and significance of TML-6, an innovative Alzheimer’s drug developed by Merry Life Biomedical, as it enters Phase II clinical trials in the United States. The drug—created by a startup successfully incubated at STUST—is scheduled for simultaneous testing at 19 leading medical institutions across the United States, Switzerland, and Taiwan. This achievement showcases the strong capabilities of STUST’s R&D and incubation system in transforming campus-based research into global clinical applications.】

At STUST, leadership at all levels plays a key role in advancing industry–university collaboration and innovative research. To symbolize the passing of the torch, Professor Chun-Sheng Chang, the newly appointed Director of Research and Development, posed with Professor Tsung-Yuan Kuo , the outgoing director and soon-to-retire professor. Professor Chang, who also serves as Dean of the College of Smart Health and teaches in the Department of Biological and Food Science, brings both deep expertise in biotechnology and strong administrative experience. Faculty and students—particularly in the Department of Biological and Food Science—have high expectations for Professor Chang, hoping he will continue to lead the university to new heights in health biotechnology, strengthen support for promising incubation projects like Merry Life Biomedical, and contribute to the advancement of biomedical technology in Taiwan.