Taiwan's Adimmune Corp. Faces Potential Fine Over Alleged Lab Rat Incident

Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan Announces Investigation into Vaccine Maker Following Sanitation Concerns

Taipei, April 23 – Adimmune Corp., a major vaccine manufacturer in Taiwan, is under scrutiny and could face a significant fine if found to have violated lab safety regulations. Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) confirmed the investigation on Wednesday, following media reports alleging a sanitation breach involving lab rats at one of the company's research facilities last year.

The reports, originating from Mirror Media, claim that a female vaccine developer left 120 lab rats unattended for three days in 12 cages during Typhoon Gaemi, which impacted Taiwan in late July of 2024. Upon the employees' return, the lab was reportedly filled with an unpleasant odor from accumulated mouse dander, urine, and feces.

The news outlet further alleged that lab managers failed to report the incident or properly disinfect the lab, raising concerns about potential contamination.

In response, the Taichung-based Adimmune issued a statement clarifying that the affected facility was a vaccine research lab, separate from its production lines and quality control labs. The company stated that all animals were subsequently moved to a specialized facility in Nantou County and were not used in any further vaccine-related activities.

During a Legislative meeting on Wednesday, Minister Chiu confirmed that the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) had launched an inspection into the matter. He stated that if Adimmune is found in violation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), they could face a fine ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$2 million, as stipulated in the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.

Minister Chiu also sought to reassure the public, emphasizing that finished vaccines undergo a rigorous 11-step inspection process by the TFDA before being released for public use. Adimmune is one of five companies authorized to manufacture or distribute flu vaccines in Taiwan, along with TTY Biopharm, Medigen Vaccine Biological Corp., and the local branches of Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).