For more than 130 years, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), a global health leader, has transformed human health. Today in Taiwan, its two core businesses – Innovative Medicine and MedTech – are working in tandem to deliver science-based solutions and technological breakthroughs that place patients at the center of care.

“At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. We blend heart, science, and ingenuity to profoundly impact health for humanity,” says Jayashri Kulkarni, Managing Director of J&J Innovative Medicine, Taiwan. J&J remains one of the top investors in research and development across all industries, with US$17.2 billion invested in R&D throughout the company’s operations in 2024. “Our focus is to tackle the world’s toughest health challenges by innovating across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to uniquely position us for the breakthroughs of tomorrow,” says Eisuke Yamamoto, General Manager of J&J MedTech Taiwan.

A pioneer in both pharmaceuticals and medical technology, J&J has been striving to provide innovative health solutions and improve patient experience in Taiwan. The company’s Innovative Medicine business advances breakthrough science and develops transformational treatments in areas like oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiopulmonary disease. In MedTech, it is focused on developing and delivering surgery, orthopedics, and cardiovascular devices.

Johnson & Johnson’s work in Taiwan reflects its global ethos: innovation with purpose. For example, for cancer, one of the toughest health challenges in the world, J&J’s transformative portfolio is actually setting new standards of care for cancers, including multiple myeloma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer. “We’re driven by a bold vision – to eliminate cancer by redefining treatment paradigms, to bring hope and transform the lives of people with cancer,” says Jayashri.

“Lung cancer is an example,” Jayashri says. “The introduction of next-generation bispecific antibodies is reshaping what’s possible for patients with previously untreatable rare mutations.”

The company’s neuroscience efforts are also transformative. In Taiwan, long-acting injectables are helping reduce relapse rates and improve quality of life for people with schizophrenia. “When treatment adherence is critical, these therapies offer a dignified and manageable option,” Jayashri notes. “They’re part of a broader strategy to close gaps in care through awareness, access, and community partnership.”

In immunology, Johnson & Johnson continues to raise the standard of care for immune-mediated diseases, such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with J&J’s longstanding commitment to IBD being just one example. With over three decades of experience developing biologics, the Taiwan team is also addressing the rising prevalence of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson MedTech is using data science and AI to empower clinicians and redefine the potential of medical technology. Global investments in surgical robotics and digital platforms are improving outcomes, supporting continuous learning, and enabling better decision-making in the operating room.

“Our collaboration with Nvidia and development of platforms show how we’re building a digital ecosystem around surgery,” says Eisuke. “Imagine a surgeon live-streaming a case and receiving real-time feedback from peers worldwide.”

Cardiovascular health is another top priority. With recent acquisitions, including Abiomed and Shockwave, J&J is expanding in heart recovery technologies. “Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in Taiwan,” Eisuke says. “We see real potential to scale life-saving innovations, especially through stronger collaboration with regulators.”

With Taiwan’s aging population and evolving healthcare needs, timely access to innovation is essential. Johnson & Johnson has worked with AmCham Taiwan and local regulators to streamline device approvals and advocate for improved reimbursement pathways.

“We’ve seen real progress – in some cases where TFDA approval used to lag 12 to 18 months behind U.S. FDA approval, we’re now seeing timelines shortened to just 3 to 6 months,” Eisuke says. “This kind of policy momentum ensures patients receive the care they need, faster.”

The company is also deeply invested in workforce development. From supporting mental health initiatives to physician training programs, J&J’s commitment to people is integral to its identity. “We prioritize inclusion, continuous learning, and purpose,” Eisuke says. “I myself took parental leave while in a leadership role. That kind of support enables our people to grow – and to stay.”

Jayashri agrees: “Talent is the engine of innovation. In Taiwan, we’re fostering not only expertise and diverse experiences, but also a culture of courage and agility, which we believe are qualities that will define the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

As Taiwan’s healthcare landscape evolves under the Healthy Taiwan initiative, Johnson & Johnson is poised to be a key partner. Whether accelerating access to oncology treatments, pioneering precision neuroscience for mental health, or advancing cardiovascular care, the company remains steadfast in its mission to improve patient outcomes with compassion and collaboration.

“We are here to transform the future of health together,” Jayashri says. “Everything we do is inspired by the people we serve.”