台灣幹細胞醫療旅遊業競爭策略研究

Abstract

幹細胞旅遊業是一個新的術語用來描述由異國的私人醫院給予國際病患幹細胞治療的一種風潮。而這些治療其實在該病患所屬國籍的國家內並未被正式核可執行的。這些幹細胞治療在安全性或效能上都仍是有待釐清的，然而目前文獻在此新興產業上沒有任何策略分析著墨，台灣在這個全球性風潮中可扮演的策略定位也沒有相關的探討。因此本人由政策面，經濟面，社會面，以及科技面來見識這個產業，同時也網羅中國，墨西哥和韓國等國家在此幹細胞旅遊的發展實況。此研究包括各種幹細胞在臨床運用上的優劣面分析，以及價值鏈分析剖析自體幹細胞與異體幹細胞相關的治療模式下主要及支持性的活動。為了瞭解台灣發展幹細胞旅遊業的潛力，本人也訪問了台灣的幹細胞學者及專家，獲得建議低風險及聚集的治療為發展關鍵的結論，當中又以自體脂肪幹細胞隆乳為可行性項目，最重要的是，台灣應該要在醫療項目上有法規的品管透明化要求以建聲譽。總結而言，本研究的意義在於提供幹細胞產業相關人士在有興趣從事幹細胞旅遊業發展時能有一個全盤的檢視的參考依據。

Stem cell tourism is a new term used to describe a situation where legal regulation of stem cell related industry is less clear, therefore private clinics have started to offer stem cell treatment and therefore attracted patients all over the world to seek for medical help, even though some of the procedures are still questionable in terms of safety and efficacy. However, no analysis has been performed to evaluate the global trend of this new industry and how might Taiwan stand in this emerging business opportunities and threats. In this study, I used PEST (acronym for political, economic, social and technological analysis) to examine the important factors that are affecting this evolving industry. Meanwhile, information on how China, Mexico, and Korea poured investment to meet the demand of international patients is included. I also conducted an analysis to pinpoint the pros and cons of commercialization different types of stem cell products. In addition, value chain analysis is done to elucidate the core and supporting activities of autologous and allogenic stem cell-related treatment. I tried to evaluate the potential of Taiwan in developing stem cell tourism by conducting interviews with Taiwanese stem cell experts, private clinic owner, and Taiwan government officials. The most critical key success factor is concluded on the choice of low risk and focused therapy. Per the results of interview, the most suitable stem cell product and service for the first step development could be autologous fat tissue derived-stem cells for breast augmentation. The most promising way to improve the quality and transparency of stem cell usage relies on reasonable legal control and regulatory design. Collectively, the significance of this study is to form a holistic review for the stem cell business stakeholders who have interest in engaging in Taiwan stem cell tourism industry.