In this episode of Biotech Orbit, host Victor Lee speaks with our CEO, Dr. Utam Patil. Here he discusses our botanical-based therapies for major depressive disorder (MDD) and cancer. The conversation explores the unique advantages and regulatory challenges of botanical drugs, which are derived from natural plant and fungal sources.
Dr. Patil shares that ABVC’s lead candidate for MDD, ABV-1504, is entering a Phase 3 clinical trial and has shown no signs of suicidal ideation or addiction which is a common concerns with synthetic antidepressants. This positions ABV-1504 as a promising alternative, particularly since it functions as a single capsule multi-component formulation, unlike existing treatments which often require multiple drugs.
The discussion also delves into regulatory hurdles, especially around ensuring batch consistency and identifying active ingredients in complex botanical mixtures. Dr. Patil outlines how ABVC is tackling these issues by controlling its supply chain from DNA analysis of plant sources to farming in Taiwan and the U.S.
On the oncology front, ABVC is developing a mushroom-derived combination therapy to reduce chemotherapy side effects. This extract has demonstrated encouraging results in animal models and past human safety studies, and AVBC now holds four FDA-approved INDs for various cancers, including lung and breast cancer.
As ABVC moves toward global, multi-center trials, this interview highlights the growing role of botanical drugs in modern medicine that is driven by both cultural heritage and cutting-edge science.