Singapore, Mar 19, 2010: China Sky One Medical announced that Antroquinonol (Hocena) capsule, a new anti-cancer drug co-developed with Taiwan Golden Biotechnology was recognized as 'Breakthrough Drug' by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.

In order to promote innovation within the Chinese pharmaceutical industry, the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and Chinese Ministry of Health (MoH) launched a project to support the research and development of breakthrough drugs which are used to treat cancer, AIDS, and cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases. The government will not only accelerate the processing of new drug applications but also provide financial and technical support for these breakthrough drugs.

“We are honored to receive this recognition and we appreciate the government's support for our R&D efforts, which reinforces our commitment to expand our drug portfolio and develop high-value drugs. The Antroquinonol capsule is the first drug to be recognized as Breakthrough Drug in the Heilongjiang Province. We anticipate its research progress and new drug application procedures will be greatly shortened. We look forward to receiving the approval to enter into clinical trial within one year and we hope to receive SFDA final approval for production within three years," said Mr Yan-Qing Liu, Chairman and CEO of China Sky One Medical.

In May 2009, the company signed an agreement with Taiwan Golden Biotechnology to begin cooperating on the development of Antroquinonol, which is a kind of compound extracted from Antrodia Cinnamomea Chang & Chou, a rare medicinal fungus that grows naturally inside the Cinnamonum kanehirae tree trunk, a native tree species of Taiwan. It can be used in the treatment of liver cancer and lung cancer. Antroquinonol has been approved by the US FDA to enter into first stage clinical trial.