RESEARCH

Associate Professor Hsu Chia-Lin (second from the right) from the Institute of Microbiology and Immunology at National Yang-Ming University, along with a research team including Professor Chang Shu-Yuan from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology at National Taiwan University have discovered a transport protein responsible for delivering essential nutrients to cells, which inadvertently creates a pathway and weak spot for the invasion of enterovirus type 71 and other similar viruses.

Andrographolide and its fluorescent derivative inhibit the main proteases of 2019-nCoV and SARS-CoV through covalent linkage. Tzu-Hau Shi, Yi-Long Huang, Chiao-Che Chen, Wen-Chieh Pi, Yu-Ling Hsu, Lee-Chiang Lo, Wei-Yi Chen, Shu-Ling Fu*, Chao-Hsiung Lin, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (2020). 533(3):467-473.
Comparison of Reversal of Rat Pulmonary Fibrosis of Nintedanib, Pirfenidone and Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton’s Jelly. Kuo-An Chu, Chang-Ching Yeh, Fu-Hsien, Kuo, Wen-Ren Lin, Chien-Wei Hsu, Tien-Hua Chen, Yu-Show Fu. Stem Cell Research and Therapy (2020). 11; 513.
The efficacy of acupuncture for improving the side effects of COVID-19 western medicine treatments: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Kuei-Yu Huang, Ching-Hao Chang, Chung-Hua Hsu*. Medicine (2020). 99(28):e21185.
The inhibitory effects of PGG and EGCG against the SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease. Wei-Chung Chiou, Jui-Chieh Chen, Yun-Ti Chen, Jinn-Moon Yang, Lih-Hwa Hwang, Yi-Shuan Lyu, Hsin-Yi Yang, Cheng Huang*. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (2020). [Accepted]
COVID-19 mortality is negatively associated with test number and government effectiveness. Liang LL, Tseng CH, Ho HJ, Wu CY. Scientific Reports (2020). 10(1): 12567.
Cross-Modal Contrastive Learning of Representations for Navigation using Lightweight, Low-Cost Millimeter Wave Radar for Adverse Environmental Conditions. Jui-Te Huang, Chen-Lung Lu, Po-Kai Chang, Ching-I Huang, Chao-Chun Hsu, Zu Lin Ewe, Po-Jui Huang, and Hsueh-Cheng Wang. IEEE Robotcs and Automationn Letter (2021).
Design and fabrication of cell-targeted, dual drug-loaded nanoparticles with pH-controlled drug release and near-infrared light-induced photothermal effects. Chang-Ching Weng, Tsu-An Yang, Yaw-Kuen Li. Materials and Design (2021). doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2020.109230.
Honeysuckle Aqueous Extracts Induced let-7a Suppress EV71 Replication and Pathogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo and Is Predicted to Inhibit SARS-CoV-2. Ying-Ray Lee, Chia-Ming Chang, Yuan-Chieh Yeh, Chi-Ying F. Huang, Feng-Mao Lin , Juan-Ting Huang, Chang-Chi Hsieh, Jen-Ren Wang and Hsiao-Sheng Liu. Viruses (2021). 13(2):308.
Uncovering Flexible Active Site Conformations of SARS-CoV-2 3CL Proteases through Protease Pharmacophore Clusters and COVID-19 Drug Repurposing. Pathak, Nikhil; Chen, Yun-Ti; Hsu, Yen-Chao; Hsu, Nung-Yu; Kuo, Chih-Jung; Tsai, Hui Ping; Kang, Jaw-Jou; Huang, Chin-Heng; Chang, Sui-Yuan; Chang, Yu-Hsiu ; Liang, Po-Huang; Yang, Jinn-Moon. ACS Nano(2021) 15, 1, 857–872.
Development of flexible electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-based biosensing platform for rapid screening of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. Lik-Voon, Kiew, Chia-Yu Chang, Sheng-Yu Huang, Pei-Wen Wang, Choon-Han Heh, Chung-Te Liu, Chia-Hsin Cheng, Yi-Xiang Lu, Yen-Chen Chen, Yi-Xuan Huang, Sheng-Yun Chang, Huei-Yu Tsai, Yu-An Kung, Peng-Nien Huang, Ming-Hua Hsu, Bey-Fen Leo, Yiing-Yee Foo, Chien-Hao Su, Kuo-Chen Hsu, Po-Hsun Huang, Chirk-Jenn Ng, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chiun-Jye Yuan, Dar-Bin Shieh, Shin-Ru Shih*, Lip-Yong Chung*, Chia-Ching Chang*. Biosensors & Bioelectronics（2021） 183/113213.
Stability of SARS-CoV-2 Spike G614 Variant Surpasses That of the D614 Variant after Cold Storage. Sheng-Yu Huang, Yu-An Kung, Peng-Nien Huang, Sheng-Yun Chang, Yu-Nong Gong, Yi-Ju Han, Huan-Jung Chiang, Kuan-Ting Liu, Kuo-Ming Lee, Chia-Yu Chang, Chia-Ching Chang, Chung-Guei Huang, Shin-Ru Shih. American Society for Microbiology (2021). 6/2/e00104-21.
COVID-19 vaccination associated with reduced mortality: evidence from cross-country quasi-experiments. Liang LL, Kuo HS, Ho HJ, Wu CY. Journal of global health (2021). 11, 05019.
Consensus statement and recommendations on the treatment of COVID-19: 2021 update. Hsin-Kuo Ko(柯信國), Wen-Kuang Yu, Sheng-Wei Pan, Wei-Chih Chen, Kuang-Yao Yang(陽光耀), Yi-Tsung Lin(林邑璁), Fu-Der Wang, Muh-Hwa Yang(楊慕華), Yuh-Min Chen(陳育民). Journal of the Chinese Medical Association (2021). [Accepted]
The efficacy and mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, Jing Guan Fang. Yueh-Hsin Ping, Hsin Yeh, Li-Wei Chu, Zhi-Hu Lin, Yin-Chieh Hsu, Lie-Chwen Lin, Chung-Hua Hsu, Shu-Ling Fu, Tung-Yi Lin. Frontier in Pharmacology. [Submitted]
The satisfaction of using nature herbal medicine for frontline medical staff to prevent Covid-19 in Taiwan: a retrospective clinical study. Nienyun Sharon Hsu et a., and Chung-Hua Hsu*. Journal of Herbal Medicine (2020). [Submitted]
Ugonin J acts as a SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease inhibitor and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Wei-Chung Chiou, Hsu-Feng Lu, Nung-Yu Hsu, Tein-Yao Chang, Yuan-Fan Chin, Ping-Cheng Liu, Jir-Mehng Lo, Yeh B Wu, Jinn-Moon Yang and Cheng Huang*. Frontiers in Pharmacology. [Accepted]
Tannic acid-induced interfacial ligand-to-metal charge transfer and the phase transformation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles for the photothermal bacteria destruction. Chang T.-W., Ko H., Huang W.-S., Chiu Y.-C., Yang L.-X., Chia Z.-C., Chin Y.-C., Chen Y.-J., Tsai Y.-T., Hsu C.-W., Chang C.-C., Tsai P.-J., Huang C.-C. Chemical Engineering Journal (2021), 428, 131237.
Development of the sensing platform for protein tyrosine kinase activity. Wei L.-Y., Lin W., Leo B.-F., Kiew L.-V., Chang C.-C., Yuan C.-J. Biosensors (2021), 11, 240.
Facile Synthesis of Biocompatible sub-5 nm Alginate-Stabilised Gold Nanoparticles with Sonosensitising Properties. Beishenaliev A., Faruqu F. N., Leo B.F., Lit L.C., Loke Y.L., Chang C.-C., Teo Y.Y., Chik Z., Yiing Yee Foo, Chung L.Y., Kiew L.V. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects (2021), 627, 127141.
Local ablation of gastric cancer by reconstituted apolipoprotein B lipoparticles carrying epigenetic drugs. Yang C.-L., Chao Y.-J., Wang H.-C., Hou Y.-C., Chen C. G., Chang C.-C., Shan Y.-S. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine (2021). [In press]
COVID-19 case doubling time associated with non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccination: a global experience. Liang LL, Kao CT, Ho HJ, Wu CY*. J Global Health. [in press]
Modeling Scenarios of the New Lifestyle for COVID-19 Prevention in Taiwan. Mei-Lien Pan, Ting-Yu Lin, Wei Ping Goh, Jen-Hsiang Chuang, Hung-Jui Chang, Shu-Chen Tsai, Tsan-sheng Hsu, Da-Wei Wang. [Submitted]
Virus tech raises privacy concerns. Chang Liang and Wu Xiao-mi（彭松嶽指導）. Taipei Times. Sun, Aug 30, 2020.
Democracy at risk amid pandemic. Chang Liang, Wu Xiao Mi and Huang Shen（彭松嶽指導）. Taipei Times. Fri, Oct 09, 2020.
Post-modern Bizarre & Post-human Zombie in Shakespeare Contemporary Film Adaptations. 段馨君. Asian Shakespeare Association. 2020/11/5-11/7. (國外研討會論文)
From COVID-19 to Learn from Shakespeare on Pandemics: Performing Arts Living with Plague. 段馨君. 2021崑劇與莎劇國際學術研討會. (國外研討會論文)
During COVID-19 Pandemics, Reflect on Plagues in Shakespeare’s Plays. 段馨君. Interfacing 2021 @NTU. (國外研討會論文)
Asian American Playwright David Henry Hwang’s Plays and Musicals: Identity, Soft Power, and COVID-19. 段馨君. 亞美文學學術研討會. 2020/12/25. (國內研討會論文)
Playwright David Henry Hwang’s Recent Plays and Musicals: Impact of COVID- 19 on Race and Identity. Tuan, Iris H.(段馨君). Neohelicon. (A&HCI) Journal. (Springer). [Accepted]
Exploring Psychological Factors for COVID-19 Vaccination Intention in Taiwan. Lo, S. Y.（羅仕宇）, Li, S. C. S., & Wu, T. Y. 2021. Vaccines, 9(7), 764.
Research during COVID-times: Remember Performances and Singing Voice Resonate in Resilience. Tuan, Iris H.(段馨君). Aug. 5-8, 2021 in Austin, Texas. & Virtual Conference. Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE). (國外研討會論文)
Digital transformation: Learning, organizational change, and the moderating roles of firm size and environmental dynamism. Chen, Ken-Zen（陳鏗任）, Seidle, R., Wang, I. K. 2021. 18th Conference of the International Joseph Schumpeter Society. (國外研討會論文)
Pop with Gods, Shakespeare, and AI: Popular Film, (Musical) Theatre, and TV Drama. Tuan, Iris H.(段馨君). ISBN: 978-981-15-7296-8. (國外專書)
COVID 19 in Taiwan: Democracy, Technology and Civil Society. Wen-Chen Chang & Chun-Yuan Lin. Book Chapter in Covid-19 in Asia: Law and Policy Contexts (edited by Victor V. Ramraj) (國外專書)
Taiwan’s Effective Pandemic Control with Dialogic Constitutionalism. Wen-Chen Chang & Chun-Yuan Lin. Routledge Handbook on Law and COVID-19 Pandemic. [Accepted] (國外專書論文)
Virofree, an Herbal Medicine-Based Formula, Interrupts the Viral Infection of Delta and Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2.Ly Hien Doan, Li-Wei Chu, Zi-Yi Huang, Anh Thuc Nguyen, Chia-Yin Lee, Chien-Ling Huang, Yu-Fen Chang, Wen-Yu Hsieh, Trang Thi Huyen Nguyen, Chao-Hsiung Lin, Chun-Li Su, Tsung-Hsien Chuang, Jin-Mei Lai, Feng-Sheng Wang, Chia-Jui Yang, Hui-Kang Liu*, Yueh-Hsin Ping*, Chi-Ying F. Huang.Front Pharmacol (2022),13: 905197
A Heterogeneous Unmanned Ground Vehicle and Blimp Robot Team for Search and Rescue using Data-driven Autonomy and Communication-aware Navigation.Chen-Lung Lu, Jui-Te Huang, Ching-I Huang, Zi-Yan Liu, Chao-Chun Hsu, Yu-Yen Huang, Siao-Cing Huang, Po-Kai Chang, Zu Lin Ewe, Po-Jui Huang, Po-Lin Li, Bo-Hui Wang, Lai-Sum Yim, Sheng-Wei Huang, MingSian R. Bai and Hsueh-Cheng Wang.Field Robotics (2022),2:1–38
A Houttuynia Cordata-based Chinese herbal formula improved symptoms of allergic rhinitis during the COVID-19 pandemic.Kai-Wei Chang, Tung-Yi Lin , Shu-Ling Fu , Yueh-Hsin Ping, Fang-Pey Chen, Yen-Ying Kung.Journal of the Chinese Medical Association (2022),85(6):717-722
A review of epidemic investigation on cold-chain food-mediated SARS-CoV-2 transmission and food safety consideration during COVID-19 pandemic.Lu LC, Quintela I, Lin CH, Lin TC, Lin CH, Wu VCH, Lin CS*.Journal of Food Safety (2021),41(6):e12932
Association between dissemination and characteristics of pro-/anti-COVID-19 vaccine messages on Twitter: an application of the Elaboration Likelihood Model.Vipin Saini, Li-Lin Liang, Yu-Chen Yang, Huong Mai Le, Chun-Ying Wu.JMIR Infodemiology(2022),2(1):e37077
biotransformation and transplacental transfer of the antiviral remdesivir and predominant metabolite GS-441524 article.Ling Yang, I-Hsin Lin,a Lie-Chwen Lin, Jeffrey W. Dalley,c,d and Tung-Hu Tsai.EBioMedicin,81: 104095
COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis is associated with increased in-hospital mortality and prolonged SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding.Jhong-Ru Huang , Hsiao-Chin Shen , Chuan-Yen Sun , Wei-Chih Chen, Yuh-Min Chen , Jia-Yih Feng, Kuang-Yao Yang.J Formos Med Assoc.(2022),S0929-6646(22)00279-0
Development and efficacy of lateral flow point-of-care testing devices for rapid and mass COVID-19 diagnosis by the detections of SARS-CoV-2 antigen and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.Hsieh WY, Lin CH, Lin TC, Lin CH, Chang HF, Tsai CH, Wu HT, Lin CS*.Diagnostics (2021),11(10):1760
Effect of Oral Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Exclusively Breastfed Newborns: Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.Lin CH, Lin CY, Sung YH, Li ST, Cheng BW, Weng SL, Chang SJ, Lee HC, Lee YJ, Ting WH, Chang HY, Wu YL, Lin CS*.J Bone Miner Res (2022),37(4):786-793
"GMI, a protein from Ganoderma microsporum, induces ACE2 degradation to alleviate infection of SARS-CoV-2 spike-pseudotyped virus ".Hsin Yeh, Di Ngoc Kha Vo, Zhi-Hu Lin, Ha Phan Than Ho, Wei-Jyun Hua, Wei-Lun Qiu, Ming-Han Tsai, Tung-YiLin.Phytomedicine(2022),103:154215
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus) Suppress SARS-CoV-2 Entry and COVID-19 Related Cytokine Storm in Vitro.Yuan-Chieh Yeh, Ly Hien Doan, Zi-Yi Huang, Li-Wei Chu, Tzu-Hau Shi, Ying-Ray Lee, Cheng-Tao Wu, Chao-Hsiung Lin, Shu-Tuan Chiang, Hui-Kang Liu, Tsung-Hsien Chuang, Yueh-Hsin Ping*, Hsiao-Sheng Liu* and Chi-Ying F. Huang*.Front Pharmacol (2022),12:765553
Transplacental transfer of acetaminophen in pregnant rats.Chen, J.H., Lin, I.H., Sun, C.K., Yang, L, Hsueh, T.Y., Ting, C.T., Tsai, T.H.*.Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy (2022),154113613
Reactive Epstein–Barr Virus-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Treated with Intravenous Immunoglobin. Frontiers in Hematology.Yueh-Shih Chang, Jung-Jr Ye, Tzu-Chien Cheng, Ying-Hao Wen, Chi-Ying F. Huang*, and Kun-Yun Yeh*.Frontiers in Hematology (2022),DOI 10.3389/frhem.2022.983424
Research priorities to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries.Polašek O, Wazny K, …, Li-Lin Liang, ..., et al (including 67 co-authors).Journal of Global Health(2022),12/09003
The ORF8 Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Modulates the Spike Protein and Its Implications in Viral Transmission.Jen-Mei Chou, Jo-Ling Tsai, Jo-Ning Hung, I-Hua Chen, Szu-Ting Chen and Ming-Han Tsai.Front. Microbiol(2022),13:883597
The selection of COVID-19 vaccines by Taiwanese university students based on the theory of integrated planning behavior.Po-Chun Lee*, Ching-Yuan Huang, Li-Lin Liang, Min-Hsin Huang, Meng-Jun Hsu.Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics(2022),22:2148500
Trust, Democracy, and Hygiene Theatre: Taiwan’s Evasion of the Pandemic.Robert B Leflar.Asian Journal of Law and Society (2022), 1–12 doi:10.1017/als.2022.19
WFH-VR: Teleoperating a Robot Arm to set a Dining Table across the Globe via Virtual Reality.L.-S. Yim, Quang TN Vo, C.-I. Huang, C.-R. Wang, Wren McQueary H.-C. Wang*, Haikun Huang, and L.-F. Yu.IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2022)
公共行政與治理的共同演變：審議的轉向與價值共創.范玫芳.
臺灣COVID-19疫情流行之超額死亡估計.孔常喜、殷君豪、梁立霖.2022年公共衛生聯合年會暨學術研討會.
數位防疫的知異行難.彭松嶽、潘美玲、范玫芳、陳盈羽、蔡欣怡.
從公共危機到國家安全意識－美國醫療對應措施立法之演進與分析.施明遠.月旦法學(2021)312期
電子圍籬作為拘禁措施與提審案件之審查範圍 評臺灣臺北地方法院 111 年度行提字第 2 號與第 3 號裁定.劉青峰.交大法學評論(2022).第十三期（2022年秋季號）
大疫當前－從生技製藥產業鏈食物解析我國藥品研究實驗與試驗免責的範圍與界限. 李秉燊、劉汗曦（楊秀儀副教授指導）. 律師通訊（2020）. 全國律師月刊2020年12月號.
運算都市生活：數據實踐與日常生活的轉化. 彭松嶽. 新聞學研究（2020）.
台灣汽車零組件的技術擴散與產業升級. 劉清耿. 台灣社會學(2021), 第40期.
新冠肺炎疫苗的分配正義：台灣疫苗分配模式之分析. 楊元傑、林映彤、嚴如玉. 北市醫學雜誌 2021.3.
COVID-19與國際人權. 張文貞. 月旦法學期刊 2021 年 5 月.
曙光之外 美國疫苗研發的啟示. 楊秀儀. 蘋果日報.
防疫共同體的物資整備──從我國口罩光榮動員經驗看下一波超前部署所需要的法制整備. 雷文玫. 月旦法學期刊2021年5月.
台須因抗疫擋下國外表藝團體嗎. 段馨君. 蘋果日報論壇版政策建言, 2020/12/8.
從公共衛生危機到國家安全意識─美國醫療對應措施立法之演進與分析. 施明遠. 月旦法學期刊2021年5月.
因應Covid-19之遠距合唱教學模式發展之需求. 邱嘉柔、陳鏗任. 2020台灣教育傳播暨科技學會年會國際學術研討會. (國內研討會論文)
AI、COVID-19、法律: 以電影《全境擴散》為例. 段馨君. 台灣資訊社會研究學會. (國內研討會論文)
新冠肺炎疫情下緊急醫療資源的分配正義. 楊元傑、林映彤、嚴如玉. 2020台灣哲學年會. (國內研討會論文)

The traditional Chinese medicine "Jing Guan Fang," developed by the Institute of Traditional Medicine at National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, has been confirmed to effectively reduce and alleviate symptoms associated with COVID-19. It has shown potential as an additional supportive and mitigating measure for individuals who have received COVID-19 vaccinations.

JITMM 2020 Virtual Conference
Session 7: The Research and Control for COVID-19 in Taiwan

President Lin Chih-Hung stated that during the global spread of the COVID-19 virus, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University promptly assembled a highly competitive and interdisciplinary biology and drug development team. Leveraging artificial intelligence and big data methods, the team screened a large number of globally used drugs and identified Boceprevir, Telaprevir, Nelfinavir, and one anti-inflammatory drug (JMY206) as potential candidates for the treatment of COVID-19. This approach not only significantly reduces costs but also shortens the time needed for pre-market clinical trials, allowing these drugs to be rapidly deployed at the forefront of medical care to save more lives. Moreover, it can lead to shorter hospital stays for patients, minimizing the risk of infection for healthcare workers and others. This strategic approach positions Taiwan at the forefront of the global battle against the pandemic.


Dean Yang Jin-Mu stated that the development team has achieved a comprehensive "one-stop service" integration, encompassing intelligent computing, cell experiments, and animal experiments. The team includes members from National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, National Taiwan University, Academia Sinica, National Chung Hsing University, and the Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center (the only P4 level virus laboratory in Taiwan). This collaboration represents a large-scale integration of top-tier research capabilities in Taiwan. Led by Nikhil Pathak, a doctoral student from National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University's Intelligent Drug Development Team, along with Hsu Nai-Chao, Hsu Yan-Chao, and Chen Yun-Ti, the team employed artificial intelligence and big data methods to simulate the cellular changes in the host following viral infection. They compared over 250 publicly available 3D structures of the main coronavirus protease globally and identified six possible dynamic structures of the key protein responsible for the invasion of the human body by the novel coronavirus. By targeting the "gate" of the protease, the team identified potential drugs with inhibitory effects against the COVID-19 virus within just three months.

The potential drugs discovered include Boceprevir and Telaprevir, which are antiviral drugs for hepatitis C, and Nelfinavir, an anti-HIV drug. Additionally, one of the drugs, JMY206, showed inhibitory effects on the novel coronavirus several folds stronger than Remdesivir in cell experiments, and its therapeutic effects were confirmed in animal experiments. As a result, JMY206 holds promise as an orally administered anti-COVID-19 drug.

In this collaborative effort, Dr. Liang Bo-Huang from the Institute of Biochemistry, Academia Sinica, and Associate Professor Guo Zhi-Rong from the Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, conducted enzyme activity testing for the protease. Additionally, Professor Kang Chao-Chou from the School of Pharmacy, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, and the team from the Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, led by Director Hong Yi-Ren, along with Dr. Hsieh Po-Hsuan, Dr. Huang Chih-Heng, and Dr. Zhang Yu-Hsiu, along with Professor Chang Shu-Yuan from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, carried out multiple cell experiments to validate the findings.  All act with one goal in mind, enhance Taiwan's research in biotechnology and medicine and accelerate the development of Taiwan's healthcare industry. Some of the research results have since been published in the prestigious international journal "ACS Nano."

National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is actively supporting the fight against the pandemic through its research contributions. Recently, Associate Professor Hsiao Yu-Yuan and his structural biology team successfully purified the Nsp14 protease of the novel coronavirus (a crucial enzyme for viral replication and infection). They are now using structure-based drug design methods to develop inhibitors for this protease, aiming to halt viral replication using small molecule inhibitors.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Huang Cheng and his antiviral drug development team have developed an innovative platform for screening antiviral herbal medicines. Through this platform, they have identified components such as catechins, which have shown effectiveness in preventing coronavirus infections and promoting health.

Professor Lin Chih-Sheng has introduced K18-hACE2 mice from The Jackson Laboratory in the USA and successfully bred and established a safe mouse model for studying the novel coronavirus. The goal is to identify clinically valuable oral drugs to combat the pandemic together with Taiwan.

These research efforts are supported by funding and facilities from various sources, including the Ministry of Education's Higher Education SPROUT Project - Center For Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices, the Ministry of Science and Technology's Artificial Intelligence Project - Joint Research Center for AI Technology and All Vista Healthcare, the Ministry of Science and Technology's Epidemic Science Research Center Project, NYCU's College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, NYCU's Information and Communications Center, and the National Health Research Institutes' Integrated Project.

Professor Wu Junying and Professor Liang Liling