CellBio™ Wins Bronze at Taiwan’s National Pharmaceutical Technology & R&D Awards

GBC’s CellBio™ liquid biopsy platform has earned a Bronze Award in the Medical Device category at the National Pharmaceutical Technology & R&D Awards, a prestigious national program co-hosted by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) and the Industrial Development Administration, MOEA. The award recognizes outstanding innovation, clinical potential, and industry impact.

iFiltration™ Technology: Enabling Intact CTC Capture

CellBio™ uses patented iFiltration™ technology to automatically capture and preserve intact circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and other rare cells directly from blood samples.

This preserves cell morphology and protein expression, enabling downstream cytology, immunostaining, FISH, qPCR, NGS, and other multi-omic analyses, supporting precision oncology workflows.

Driving the Future of Precision Medicine

CellBio™ bridges research and clinical practice, empowering physicians with actionable insights for early detection, disease monitoring, and treatment evaluation.

This recognition reflects GBC’s leadership in automated intact-cell analysis and reinforces our commitment to innovation in translational medicine.

Looking Ahead

With an integrated ecosystem spanning R&D, manufacturing, clinical applications, and laboratory services, GBC is advancing CellBio™ solutions worldwide to make precision diagnostics more accessible and impactful.

GBC Launches Voluntary Carbon Inventory | Driving Net-Zero and Sustainable Healthcare

1. Leading the Path to Net-Zero

In response to climate change and aligned with Taiwan’s 2050 Net-Zero Commitment, GBC has launched a voluntary carbon inventory program. This initiative represents a proactive step towards sustainable healthcare innovation by tracking, measuring, and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across operations.

By leveraging data-driven insights, GBC will identify opportunities to:

• Enhance energy efficiency across manufacturing facilities

• Implement low-carbon production processes

• Expand the use of renewable energy in R&D and operations

2. Building a Green and Transparent Supply Chain

Sustainability extends beyond GBC’s own facilities. Through green supply chain management, GBC collaborates with suppliers and partners to:

• Establish carbon reduction guidelines across the ecosystem

• Encourage low-emission material sourcing

• Support partners in adopting environmentally friendly practices

3. Empowering People to Drive ESG Forward

People are central to GBC’s ESG journey. Through employee training programs and sustainability awareness workshops, GBC empowers its workforce to:

• Understand climate impact and corporate responsibility

• Integrate green practices into daily operations

• Contribute ideas for continuous improvement

Conclusion

For GBC, ESG is more than a compliance exercise — it’s a long-term strategic priority.

The carbon inventory program is an important milestone that reflects GBC’s mission:

to innovate diagnostics and healthcare technologies while protecting the planet for future generations.

Exploring Emerging Trends in Medical Technology: Precision Medicine

The Genetic Nutrition & Functional Medicine Association, in collaboration with GBC and Leopard Gene, recently hosted a high-profile seminar titled “Precision Medicine in Comprehensive Health.” This well-attended event brought together experts across clinical and biotech fields to explore innovations propelling the future of healthcare.

Key themes discussed included:

1. Next-Generation CTC Detection: Exploring clinical use cases and emerging trends in capturing circulating tumor cells.

2. Advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Future applications and technology evolution.

3. Integrated Healthcare Models: Innovative approaches emerging in precision and preventive medicine.

Canada is increasingly embracing precision medicine alongside preventive approaches. GBC showcased its CellBio™ platform, drawing particular praise for its powerful clinical potential. Leveraging patented membrane filtration, the platform delivers over 90% tumor cell recovery, preserving complete cell morphology and enabling downstream applications like NGS, WGS, RT-PCR, cell culture, and anticancer drug sensitivity testing. Fully automated with no need for sample preprocessing, the system enhances downstream accuracy while reducing manual error—and it’s offered in both high-throughput (FX10) and compact (a2000) formats.

Looking ahead, GBC remains committed to advancing medical technology and driving precision medicine globally. We appreciate the enthusiasm and support of all participants in making this event a success.

Understanding COVID-19 Variants From Delta to Kraken: How GBC Diagnostics Stay Ahead

The Ongoing Evolution of COVID-19

Since its emergence in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has continuously evolved, giving rise to multiple variants that differ in transmissibility, immune escape, and diagnostic detectability. Understanding these variants is crucial for adapting testing strategies and maintaining public health safety.

WHO Variant Classifications

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies SARS-CoV-2 variants into three main categories:

• Variants of Concern (VOC): Higher transmissibility, disease severity, or immune escape (e.g., Delta, Omicron)

• Variants of Interest (VOI): Genetic changes predicted to affect virus traits but requiring more study (e.g., Mu, Lambda)

• Variants Under Monitoring (VUM): Emerging strains with early evidence of significance but limited data

Key Variants and Their Impact

  • Delta Variant (B.1.617.2)
  • First identified: India, late 2020
  • Key traits:
  • 60% more transmissible than Alpha
  • Higher viral loads leading to faster spread
  • Reduced vaccine efficacy against infection but strong protection against severe disease
  • Omicron and Its Subvariants (BA.1 → BA.5 → XBB, Kraken, Arcturus)
  • First identified: South Africa, November 2021
  • Key traits:
  • Significant spike protein mutations → increased immune escape
  • Milder disease on average but higher reinfection rates
  • Subvariants like XBB.1.5 (Kraken) dominate due to enhanced transmissibility and partial vaccine escape
  • Emerging Variants (e.g., Mu, Lambda)
  • Limited circulation globally but monitored closely for immune evasion potential and diagnostic challenges

Diagnostic Challenges

COVID-19 diagnostics have been tested by variant-driven mutations. Spike protein-based tests can lose sensitivity as the virus evolves.

However, GBC’s GB COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test was designed to target the nucleocapsid (N) protein, which remains far more stable than spike proteins.

• Maintains high sensitivity and specificity across major variants

• Provides fast results in 15 minutes

• Widely validated in clinical and regulatory studies

GBC’s Commitment to Accurate Diagnostics

As the virus evolves, GBC continues to:

• Validate performance against emerging variants

• Invest in next-gen testing technologies

• Collaborate with global research partners to ensure testing reliability under changing conditions

Looking Ahead

With SARS-CoV-2 expected to coexist with humanity long-term, rapid and reliable testing will remain critical. GBC is committed to empowering clinicians and individuals alike with accurate diagnostics that adapt to the virus’s evolution.

Staying Accurate Against Omicron: How GBC’s Rapid Antigen Test Meets the XBB.1.5 “Kraken” Era

Why variants like XBB.1.5 matter

Omicron subvariants (including XBB.1.5 “Kraken”) are highly transmissible and can partially escape immunity. That reality elevates the importance of robust diagnostics that keep pace as the virus evolves.

Why our design still works

Most mutations that define Omicron sublineages concentrate in the spike (S) protein, while many high-performing rapid antigen tests—including GBC’s—target the nucleocapsid (N) protein, a more conserved target used by leading test makers and in peer-reviewed evaluations. This design choice helps preserve detection across variant waves.

Test smart: what regulators and clinicians recommend

Real-world accuracy improves when you follow serial testing:

• If you have symptoms and the first antigen test is negative → test again after 48 hours.

• If you have no symptoms but exposure/concern → three antigen tests 48 hours apart (or confirm once with a NAAT/PCR).

These are current FDA/CDC recommendations for at-home/POC antigen testing.

How leaders communicate variant readiness (competitor snapshot)

• Publish variant checks: For example, Abbott publicly states BinaxNOW continues to detect Omicron subvariants including XBB.1.5, because it targets N-protein rather than spike.

• Set user expectations: Major brands (BD Veritor, QuickVue) clearly explain serial testing windows and intended use for symptomatic/asymptomatic testing.

• Share performance context: Independent studies show RAT performance can vary by product and subvariant, so transparent, ongoing evaluation is key.

What this means for GBC customers

• Right target, resilient design: By targeting N-protein, our test is engineered to remain effective as spike-heavy variants emerge. (Note: N can mutate too; that’s why continuous surveillance matters.)

• Follow the 48-hour rule: Negative today? Retest in 48 hours (and up to three times if asymptomatic) to reduce the chance of missing early infection.

• Use PCR to confirm when needed: If symptoms persist or clinical decisions are critical, confirm with a NAAT/PCR.

Bottom line

The viral landscape will keep shifting. Pair a conserved target (N-protein) with smart serial testing to protect accuracy in the Omicron/XBB era—and rely on manufacturers who publish variant updates and continue wet-lab/in-silico surveillance to back the claim.

P113 Antimicrobial Peptide Transforms Oral Care | oh care® Science-Backed Solutions for Family Health

Redefining Oral Care Through Science

The oral care industry has long lacked disruptive innovation. Leveraging decades of research, GBC introduces the P113 antimicrobial peptide, a breakthrough derived from the naturally occurring histatin-5 protein in human saliva.

With broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal properties, P113 selectively inhibits Streptococcus mutans and other oral pathogens, maintaining a healthy oral microbiome from the source.

Clinically Proven, Scientifically Validated

P113 is backed by clinical studies involving over 1,000 participants, demonstrating:

• Powerful antimicrobial efficacy — inhibits up to 90% of harmful oral bacteria

• Low allergenicity — safe for sensitive oral mucosa and skin

• Non-cytotoxicity — suitable for infants, pregnant women, and sensitive groups

• Globally recognized safety — data cited by international research institutions, aligning with global oral care standards

These findings make P113 a new-generation antimicrobial solution combining safety and efficacy.

Introducing the oh care® Oral Care Series

Through its subsidiary GB Pharma, GBC has transformed P113 technology into the oh care® consumer healthcare line, featuring:

• Gentle antimicrobial mouthwash

• On-the-go oral spray

• P113-powered toothpaste

The oh care® series embodies “Science × Safety × Daily Wellness”:

• Alcohol-free, fluoride-free formulations

• Free from preservatives, colorants, and artificial sweeteners

• Designed for all ages, including infants, pregnant women, and seniors

Beyond Oral Care: Expanding the Vision

The potential of P113 goes beyond oral health.

GBC is collaborating with research partners to explore applications in skin protection, mucosal care, and immune modulation, paving the way for next-generation consumer healthcare solutions.

Conclusion

P113 is more than an innovation — it’s a bridge between science and daily life.

By integrating P113 into the oh care® series, GBC sets a new benchmark for safe, effective, and science-driven oral care, embodying our vision:

“Bringing Science into Everyday Wellness.”

The Future of Molecular Diagnostics: Driving Precision Medicine Forward

Molecular diagnostics is transforming the way diseases are detected, monitored, and treated. By analyzing DNA, RNA, and other molecular markers, clinicians can now diagnose diseases earlier, tailor treatments more precisely, and improve patient outcomes.

From real-time PCR testing widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to emerging genomic sequencing applications, molecular diagnostics has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone of precision medicine. Its influence now spans infectious disease detection, oncology, genetic disorders, and personalized treatment strategies.

At GBC, we are at the forefront of this transformation. Leveraging more than 40 years of expertise in in-vitro diagnostics, we are redefining molecular testing through automation, integration, and innovation:

• All-in-One Molecular Platforms – The GBC AIO M160 streamlines the entire testing process, from nucleic acid extraction to real-time PCR detection, reducing turnaround times and improving accuracy.

• Seamless Integration – Our solutions combine hardware, reagents, and software to deliver standardized, reliable workflows for laboratories of all sizes.

• Global Impact – By making cutting-edge molecular diagnostics faster, easier, and more accessible, we empower healthcare providers worldwide to deliver better care and support the advancement of precision medicine.

As healthcare continues to move toward personalized diagnostics and preventive care, molecular diagnostics will play an even greater role in shaping the future. At GBC, we are committed to developing innovative tools that enable clinicians to stay ahead of emerging health challenges and improve lives globally.

AI-Powered Cervical Cancer Screening

Revolutionizing Cervical Cancer Screening with AI

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers when detected early, yet traditional cytology workflows are labor-intensive and time-consuming. GBC, in partnership with Danner Lab, has introduced an AI-powered digital pathology platform that automates the entire screening process, improving accuracy and efficiency.

How It Works: Thin-Layer Smears + AI Deep Learning

Using thin-layer smear preparation, cellular debris and background noise are removed, producing a clear, single-cell layer. Each specimen generates 2,300+ high-resolution images, which are analyzed by a deep learning model trained on the Bethesda classification system—the global standard for cervical cytology.

This AI-driven process can automatically classify cells, flagging potential abnormalities for review, and significantly reducing manual workload.

Key Advantages

• Higher Accuracy: AI improves consistency and reduces human error.

• Faster Results: Automated analysis accelerates screening turnaround times.

• Regulatory Compliance: Overcomes limitations such as Taiwan and U.S. regulatory caps of ≤80 slides/day per cytologist.

• Scalable Applications: Supports not only cervical cancer screening but broader digital pathology and drug discovery workflows.

Why It Matters

By combining AI with optimized smear preparation, GBC is reshaping traditional cytology into a high-throughput, precision-driven, and scalable process. This represents a breakthrough for both population-based screening programs and personalized medicine, ensuring patients receive earlier, more accurate results.

Pathogen Detection Methods: From Rapid Antigen to PCR

A Brief History of Pathogen Detection

The concept of pathogens dates back to Ignaz Semmelweis in the 1840s, who dramatically reduced maternal mortality by advocating hygiene. Today, pathogens—including viruses, bacteria, fungi, prions, protozoa, and viroids—are known as agents capable of causing disease. Understanding and detecting these agents accurately is critical to preventing outbreaks and ensuring proper clinical treatment.

Why Detection Techniques Matter

Accurate pathogen detection plays a vital role in modern healthcare. It enables clinicians to select the right treatments, control transmission, and minimize patient risk. Without effective detection methods, infectious diseases can spread undetected and compromise public health systems.

Lateral Flow Antigen Tests (Rapid Tests)

Lateral flow antigen tests are quick, portable, and user-friendly diagnostic tools. They consist of a sample pad, conjugate pad, test membrane, and wicking pad. When a patient sample contains pathogen proteins—such as the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein—the test generates visible results within minutes. These tests are especially useful for early detection, mass screening, and self-testing scenarios.

RT-PCR: The Molecular Gold Standard

RT-PCR remains the most accurate molecular diagnostic tool available. It targets pathogen nucleic acids, amplifying specific sequences to detect even minimal viral loads. GBC’s GB SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time RT-PCR kit (4PCO052E) detects both E genes and ORF1ab genes, which reduces the risk of false negatives and ensures high clinical accuracy.

Integrated Detection Strategies

A combined diagnostic approach offers the best of both worlds. Using antigen rapid tests for initial screening and RT-PCR for confirmatory testing delivers speed, precision, and reliability. This integrated model is central to GBC’s solutions for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, providing healthcare professionals with the tools needed to manage public health effectively.

Conclusion

By uniting rapid antigen screening with high-sensitivity RT-PCR confirmation, GBC offers a flexible and robust diagnostic ecosystem. These solutions support clinicians in making faster, more confident decisions—helping protect communities and advance healthcare globally.

Ct Value Explained: What It Means for COVID-19 Testing

1. What Is Ct Value in Real-Time PCR?

Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR), also known as quantitative PCR, leverages primers and probes (commonly TaqMan chemistry) to produce fluorescence as target DNA is amplified—enabling instant quantitative detection. The Ct value, or cycle threshold, is the number of cycles required for fluorescence to exceed a predefined threshold.

A low Ct value indicates high initial viral load, while a high Ct value suggests lower viral presence. For example, a Ct of 25 implies detection occurred after approximately 2²⁵ amplification cycles.

2. GBC’s Ct Threshold and Sensitivity

GBC’s GB SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time RT-PCR kit (4PCO052E) has a Ct cutoff of 37 cycles and a limit of detection (LoD) of 1,000 copies/mL—demonstrating high analytical sensitivity.

3. Why Ct Values Aren’t Absolute Indicators

Though Ct values are useful, they aren’t definitive. Ct can vary due to:

• Sample collection method, specimen type, and quality

• Reagent design, brand, and lot variability

• Timing of sample collection relative to disease progression

Thus, clinical context and patient symptoms remain primary for decision-making.

4. Interpreting Ct in High-Volume Settings

During surges, some regions may adjust Ct thresholds for ending isolation to balance diagnostic rigor with healthcare capacity. In these contexts, Ct should be interpreted cautiously to avoid premature release from isolation and ensure patient and public safety.

5. Clinical Takeaways

• Low Ct values usually correlate with high infectivity or early disease onset.

• High Ct values may reflect late-stage infection, testing delays, or reduced risk of transmission.

• Ct is a useful reference point but should never replace assessment based on symptoms and clinical judgment.

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