Professor at Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Dr. Hsu-Shan Huang is a distinguished professor and biomedical researcher whose career spans over three decades in academia, pharmaceutical sciences, and translational medicine. Currently serving as a Professor at the Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery and the Ph.D. Program in Biotechnology Research and Development at Taipei Medical University, he is also an Adjunct Professor at the National Defense Medical Center. Dr. Huang holds a doctorate (Dr.rer.nat.) in Pharmacy from the University of Regensburg, Germany, and has made groundbreaking contributions to cancer therapeutics, drug development, and pharmacological sciences. He has published over 70 high-impact scientific articles in internationally renowned journals and has held significant leadership positions, including Dean and Director roles at the NDMC and Chief Pharmacist at Tri-Service General Hospital. His expertise lies in structure-based drug design, computational biology, and pharmacoinformatics, with his research actively contributing to the discovery of targeted therapies for cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases. Dr. Huang’s multidisciplinary collaborations across Germany, Italy, the USA, and Taiwan have amplified his impact in global pharmacological research. He is widely recognized for integrating academic rigor with applied biomedical innovation, making him a vital contributor to advancing modern therapeutic strategies in Asia and beyond.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Hsu-Shan Huang’s educational trajectory reflects a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, built upon rigorous academic training across both national and international institutions. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the National Defense Medical Center (NDMC) in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1985. Motivated to deepen his expertise, he pursued a Master of Science degree at the Graduate Institute of Pharmacy, NDMC, graduating in 1987. His academic excellence and research curiosity led him to Germany, where he completed his Doctorate in Natural Sciences (Dr.rer.nat.) at the Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, in 1996. This doctoral program equipped him with advanced research skills and a global perspective on pharmaceutical development. Throughout his academic progression, Dr. Huang immersed himself in interdisciplinary training, combining pharmacology, drug design, and molecular biology. His international education not only broadened his scientific insights but also fostered a collaborative mindset that has become central to his professional identity. These formative experiences laid a robust foundation for a prolific research and teaching career, enabling him to contribute significantly to pharmacological sciences, particularly in cancer biology, drug discovery, and bioinformatics-driven medicine.
Professional Experience
Dr. Hsu-Shan Huang has amassed an extensive and impactful professional career, marked by leadership roles, academic appointments, and international collaborations. Since 2014, he has been serving as Professor at Taipei Medical University, contributing to both the Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery and the Ph.D. Program in Biotechnology Research and Development. His previous roles include Professor and Dean at the School of Pharmacy, NDMC, and Director of both the Department of Pharmacy Practice and the Department of Research and Development at Tri-Service General Hospital and NDMC, respectively. Dr. Huang has also held prestigious visiting positions at the University of Pavia (Italy), University of Münster (Germany), and The Scripps Research Institute (USA), highlighting his international recognition. Additionally, he served as Secretary General for the Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine, demonstrating his commitment to integrating traditional and modern biomedical sciences. With a teaching and research career beginning in 1987, Dr. Huang progressed from Lecturer to Associate Professor, and then to full Professor, reflecting his consistent contributions and leadership. His career exemplifies a unique blend of academic scholarship, pharmaceutical innovation, and cross-border collaboration, significantly advancing the fields of pharmacology and biomedical research.
Research Interest
Dr. Hsu-Shan Huang’s research interests are rooted in the intersection of cancer biology, drug discovery, and computational pharmacology. His primary focus is on developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neuroinflammation through bioinformatics-driven drug design. He is particularly engaged in the identification of oncogenic biomarkers and the synthesis of small-molecule inhibitors that disrupt key signaling pathways involved in tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance. A significant aspect of his work includes the application of structure-based design and multi-omics analysis to uncover novel drug targets and elucidate mechanisms of drug action. Dr. Huang’s research also explores the therapeutic repurposing of bioactive compounds derived from natural sources and the development of nanomedicine-based delivery systems for targeted therapy. Collaborating globally with computational biologists, chemists, and clinicians, he contributes to preclinical evaluations of potential drug candidates across a range of cancers, including glioblastoma, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. His research aligns with current trends in precision medicine, aiming to personalize treatments based on molecular signatures. By integrating in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methodologies, Dr. Huang is at the forefront of translational science bridging lab-based discovery with clinical application.
Research Skills
Dr. Hsu-Shan Huang possesses a comprehensive repertoire of research skills that span molecular pharmacology, bioinformatics, and translational medicine. His expertise includes structure-based drug design, molecular docking, virtual screening, and multi-omics data integration—tools he employs to identify novel drug targets and evaluate therapeutic efficacy. He is proficient in using computational platforms for in silico modeling and simulation, enabling high-throughput analysis of molecular interactions and predicting pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics profiles. Dr. Huang is also skilled in chemical synthesis and biological evaluation of small molecules, conducting rigorous in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. He demonstrates advanced capabilities in biomarker identification, gene expression profiling, and signaling pathway elucidation through next-generation sequencing and proteomic techniques. His collaborative work often involves pharmacoinformatics-based compound optimization and target validation using cell line models, animal studies, and patient-derived samples. Additionally, Dr. Huang’s experience with nanomedicine formulation and targeted delivery systems adds a translational dimension to his skill set, enabling bench-to-bedside applications. These multidisciplinary competencies allow him to address complex biomedical challenges, contributing to the development of innovative therapies with enhanced specificity and reduced side effects.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Hsu-Shan Huang has been widely recognized for his contributions to pharmacological and biomedical sciences through numerous awards, honors, and prestigious appointments. Over the years, he has received commendations for academic excellence, leadership in pharmaceutical education, and groundbreaking research in drug discovery and translational medicine. His appointment as Professor at top-tier institutions such as Taipei Medical University and National Defense Medical Center is a testament to his professional stature. He served as Secretary General of the Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine, a role highlighting his leadership in integrating traditional medicine with contemporary biomedical approaches. Dr. Huang has been invited as a visiting scientist and professor at renowned international institutes including the University of Pavia, University of Münster, and The Scripps Research Institute, reflecting the global acknowledgment of his expertise. His research articles, many of which are published in Q1 journals with high impact factors, have received significant citations, establishing his influence in the field. In addition to academic accolades, his mentorship of young scientists and leadership in research collaborations further cement his status as a respected figure in pharmacological innovation.
Conclusion
Dr. Hsu-Shan Huang’s career exemplifies the seamless integration of academic excellence, innovative research, and global collaboration in the field of pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. With over three decades of impactful work, he has not only shaped the landscape of drug discovery and cancer biology in Taiwan but also contributed significantly to international biomedical advancements. His multidisciplinary expertise—spanning molecular pharmacology, computational biology, and translational research—positions him as a thought leader in the development of next-generation therapeutics. Dr. Huang’s contributions have bridged the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, particularly through his work on small-molecule inhibitors, nanomedicine, and biomarker-driven therapies. His dedication to mentorship and collaboration underscores his commitment to cultivating future generations of researchers. Recognized both nationally and internationally, Dr. Huang continues to push the boundaries of biomedical science with a vision centered on precision, innovation, and patient-centered outcomes. As a scholar, educator, and scientific innovator, he stands as a pillar in Taiwan’s scientific community and a valuable collaborator on the global stage.
Publications Top Notes
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Computer‑aided drug discovery of a dual‑target inhibitor for ovarian cancer: therapeutic intervention targeting CDK1/TTK signaling pathway and structural insights in the NCI‑60
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Authors: Tang S.L., Rachmawati M.S., Kuo Y.C., Hsu H.L., Ansar M., Huang S.L., Lee S.Y., Wang H.J., Lawal B., Wu A.T.H., Chen L.C., Huang H.S. et al.
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Year: 2025
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Bioprospection of Hura crepitans metabolites against oxidative stress and inflammation: An in vitro and in silico exploration
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Authors: Kuo Y.C., Lawal B., Lukman H.Y., Chen L.C., Huang S.L., Chen Y.F., Fadaka A.O., et al.
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Year: 2025
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Evaluation of terpenes‑rich Hura crepitans extract on glucose regulation and diabetic complications in STZ‑induced diabetic rats
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Authors: Lukman H.Y., Kuo Y.C., Owolabi M.S., Lawal B., Chen L.C., Ajenifujah O.T., Fadaka A.O., et al.
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Year: 2024
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Citations: 4
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Structure‑based design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N‑substituted 6H‑thiochromeno[2,3–c]quinolin‑12(12H)-one as potential breast cancer drugs
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Authors: Rachmawati M.S., Chen L.C., Tsai W.C., Ansar M., Lawal B., Mokgautsi N., Guh J.H., Wu T.H.A., Huang H.S., et al.
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Year: 2024
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Citations: 1
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Mechanistic study of dual‑function inhibitors targeting topoisomerase II and Rad51‑mediated DNA repair pathway against castration‑resistant prostate cancer
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Authors: Chiang Y.C., Leu W.J., Chen Y.C., Ye P.C., Hsiao Y.C., Hsu J.L., Hsu L.C., Huang H.S., Guh J.H., et al.
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Year: 2023
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Identification of CDK1, PBK, and CHEK1 as an Oncogenic Signature in Glioblastoma: A Bioinformatics Approach to Repurpose Dapagliflozin as a Therapeutic Agent
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Authors: Chinyama H.A., Wei L., Mokgautsi N., Lawal B., Wu T.H.A., Huang H.S., et al.
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Year: 2023
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Citations: 6
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In Silico Evaluation of HN‑N07 Small Molecule as an Inhibitor of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis Oncogenic Signatures in Non‑Small Cell Lung Cancer
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Authors: Chen L.C., Mokgautsi N., Kuo Y.C., Wu T.H.A., Huang H.S., et al.
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Year: 2023
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Citations: 3
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Multi‑Omics Identification of Genetic Alterations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Therapeutic Efficacy of HNC018 as a Novel Multi‑Target Agent for c‑MET/STAT3/AKT Signaling Axis
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Authors: Mokgautsi N., Kuo Y.C., Chen C.H., Huang Y.J., Wu T.H.A., Huang H.S., et al.
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Year: 2023
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Citations: 6
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Apigetrin‑enriched Pulmeria alba extract prevents assault of STZ on pancreatic β‑cells and neuronal oxidative stress with concomitant attenuation of tissue damage and suppression of inflammation in the brain of diabetic rats
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Authors: Rachmawati M.S., Chen L.C., Tsai W.C., Ansar M., Lawal B., Mokgautsi N., Guh J.H., Wu T.H.A., Huang H.S., et al.
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Year: 2023
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Citations: 8
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In silico study of novel niclosamide derivatives, SARS‑CoV‑2 nonstructural proteins catalytic residue‑targeting small molecules drug candidates
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Authors: Lawal B., Tsai S.K., Wu T.H.A., Huang H.S., et al.
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Year: 2023
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Citations: 3