Taipei-based biotech company Jyong Biotech Ltd. has leveraged a successful IPO to accelerate the development of MCS-2, a promising treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Jyong Biotech (Nasdaq: MENS) has embarked on an exciting new chapter following its successful fundraising of $20 million on Nasdaq. The IPO was priced at $7.5 per share and commenced trading on June 17, 2025. These funds will drive the clinical advancement of its lead candidate, MCS-2, a therapeutic approach targeting BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The urology health market is projected to surge to $11.9 billion by 2031. This milestone positions Jyong Biotech to capitalize on the growing demand for natural alternatives in a sector dominated by synthetic drugs.

Industry Optimism: Emerging Innovators in Niche Markets

Driven by an aging population, increasing healthcare expenditures, and rising demand for medical resources, the global pharmaceutical market is expected to experience significant growth. As of 2021, the global population reached 7.8 billion, with the elderly population increasing by 15%. Healthcare spending surged from $7.18 trillion in 2017 to $7.87 trillion in 2021. The pharmaceutical industry's market valuation stood at $1.4 trillion in 2021 and is projected to reach $1.79 trillion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. This growth underscores the investment and innovation potential within the industry.

Particularly, the BPH market, LUTS market, and prostate cancer prevention market present substantial opportunities. The BPH drug market is projected to expand from $4.1 billion in 2020 to $9.8 billion by 2026, driven by an aging male population and rising obesity rates. Similarly, the prostate cancer market is expected to grow from $12.6 billion in 2019 to $23.1 billion by 2026.

However, existing chemical therapies for BPH/LUTS still face unmet medical needs. Recent studies indicate that long-term use of alpha-blockers or 5-ARIs may increase the risk of heart failure [Source: Urology Journal, February 22, 2021]. Additionally, the FDA issued a safety announcement on June 9, 2011, indicating that long-term use of 5-ARIs could elevate the risk of more severe forms of prostate cancer (high-grade prostate cancer) [FDA Drug Safety Communication: Safety Announcement, June 9, 2011].

These trends highlight a strong demand for safe and effective treatments, providing a lucrative market outlook for pharmaceutical companies to explore new advancements and address the healthcare needs of the aging population. Clinical trial results for MCS-2 (API-1) in the U.S. and Taiwan have demonstrated safety and tolerability over a year-long dosing period, suggesting its potential to become a safe oral medication for BPH/LUTS globally once approved.

Looking Ahead

Jyong Biotech's leadership, under Chairwoman Fu-Feng Kuo, who has nearly 30 years of R&D experience, has personally overseen the entire development process of MCS-2. Chairwoman Kuo has frequently led research teams from diverse fields to meetings with the FDA in the U.S. MCS-2 is a product of nearly two decades of research and has secured invention patents in multiple countries. It is available in both oral (chylomicron) and injectable (micelle) formulations, with global market patent protection. Jyong Biotech's MCS-2 is set to demonstrate that plant-based active ingredients can enter the global pharmaceutical market through specialized nanotechnology and scientific validation. Jyong’s another candidate drug for preventing prostate cancer is currently in its clinical Phase II trials. So far, 702 participants have been recruited and a two-year trial phase is underway. This is expected to develop into a significant new drug. Additionally, another candidate drug in the preclinical stage has applied for patents of multiple countries for its new formulations (injection and bladder instillation). Related toxicological tests and pharmacokinetic studies will be gradually planned and executed. For two small molecule new drugs for metabolic syndrome and antiviral purposes, they have completed cell line experiments and animal experiments, achieving initial good results. By further expanding the research scale, related studies and human clinical trials will be planned and executed in the future.

With its Nasdaq debut and a clear commercialization roadmap, Jyong Biotech is poised to enter the next phase of growth. By prioritizing the development of MCS-2, establishing global partnerships, and maintaining financial discipline, Jyong is dedicated to speeding up development of other new drugs.