APN LifeSciences Signs Agreement with First Securities Inc., Launching IPO Counseling Program in Taiwan
7/25/25
Another Global-Class Drug Developer Joins Taiwan’s Capital Market
APN LifeSciences, a company dedicated to the development of diagnostic drugs and testing tools for neurodegenerative diseases, held an official signing ceremony with First Securities Inc. on July 25 to initiate its IPO counseling program in Taiwan. The agreement was signed by Dr. Ming-Kuei Chang, Chairman of APN LifeSciences, and Ms. Mei-Fang Lee, General Manager of First Securities.
The decision for APN LifeSciences to return to Taiwan’s capital market reflects not only the strength of Taiwan’s complete biotech industry chain, but also the advantages of securing long-term and diversified funding. These resources will help accelerate the construction of APN's brain health management platform, enabling the public to conveniently access advanced diagnostic tools for brain disorders and assisting the healthcare system in offering personalized diagnosis and treatment plans for individuals at high risk of dementia.
Dementia is one of the most urgent global health challenges. According to the World Health Organization in 2021, over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, a figure projected to rise to 139 million by 2050. The annual global cost of dementia is estimated at USD 1.3 trillion and expected to grow to USD 2.8 trillion by 2030. In Taiwan, there are approximately 4.4 million people aged 65 and above, and dementia risk doubles every five years of age. Coupled with the challenges of a declining birthrate and a super-aged society, the growing cost of dementia care presents a significant economic burden for the country.
Dr. Ming-Kuei Chang, Chairman of APN LifeSciences, stated that for the past decade, the company has been committed to developing diagnostic drugs for neurodegenerative diseases with the goal of making dementia “visible” at an early stage. This early detection would allow high-risk individuals to take advantage of the golden treatment window and truly slow the progression of the disease.
He emphasized APN’s leading product—APN-1607, a Tau protein PET imaging tracer. This tracer enables PET-based brain imaging that not only stages the severity of Alzheimer’s disease but also helps differentiate other neurodegenerative disorders. With over 4,000 participants enrolled globally in clinical studies, APN-1607 has already accumulated substantial experience. APN plans to use the proceeds from its IPO to pursue drug approvals in multiple countries and expand its presence in the global market for early dementia diagnosis and screening.
Dr. Chang also noted that Taiwan currently has about 70 PET scanners, most of which are used for cancer patients. This capacity is insufficient for widespread Tau PET-based dementia screening. Therefore, APN intends to introduce lightweight, brain-specific PET scanners to expand imaging capabilities. By leveraging AI technology and computing power, brain scans can be standardized, automated, and interpreted more efficiently, enabling early identification of high-risk individuals. Taiwan’s globally competitive strengths in optoelectronics, semiconductors, and AI, as well as its pool of talented researchers, will strongly support APN’s future development.
Ms. Mei-Fang Lee, General Manager of First Securities, stated that APN has invested heavily in R&D over the past decade, building a comprehensive platform for neurodegenerative diseases—particularly in Alzheimer’s diagnostics—which is now entering a pivotal stage. With support from Taiwan’s capital market and the combined strength of its biomedical and technology sectors, APN is poised to reach a new milestone. This collaboration not only represents a major step for APN toward public listing but also reflects the strong support Taiwan’s capital market offers to innovative biotech companies.
First Securities recognizes APN LifeSciences’ innovation and growth potential and will assist the company in all aspects of IPO preparation. The firm remains committed to identifying promising technology-driven and innovative enterprises, helping them enter the capital market. Post-listing, these companies are expected to accelerate operations, foster industrial development, enhance Taiwan’s global competitiveness, and contribute to national economic growth.
With a decade of dedicated effort, APN LifeSciences is building a brain health management platform to offer accessible diagnostic tools worldwide, fulfilling the vision of early screening, diagnosis, and treatment while upholding corporate social responsibility. In alignment with the government’s forthcoming “Dementia Prevention and Care Policy 3.0,” APN hopes its Tau PET imaging tracer will reduce the number of undiagnosed dementia cases. This will allow individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage dementia to receive timely treatment and maintain a good quality of life.