從輔仁大學開始的倆人創業之旅

張念慈和翟台茜皆於1950年夏天在台灣出生，7月22日張念慈在士林出生，8月19日翟台茜在北投出生。接下來的18年，張念慈在台灣度過了他的成長歲月，而翟台茜則在美國和加拿大長大。

他們的人生道路在1968年交會，當時他們同時進入輔仁大學化學系就讀，張念慈和翟台茜深受系上傑出化學教授們的啟發，像是有機化學老師蔣時聰教授、物理化學老師陳立樹教授和無機化學老師呂美芳教授。他們還因為對戶外運動的共同興趣而建立了深厚的友誼，喜歡釣魚、游泳、騎馬、露營、健行和登山，培養了他們的冒險精神。化學領域和共同的興趣使他們成為終生的夥伴。

1972年自輔仁大學畢業，張念慈先在台灣完成兩年的義務兵役，服役結束後，他才隨翟台茜前往美國。翟台茜則是提早一年返美，繼續她的科學研究。在美國的第一個夏天，張念慈在舊金山一家繁忙的中式餐廳擔任副廚，短暫地探索了烹飪生涯。然而，繁重的工作和長工時卻重新點燃了他對化學的熱情，使他決定重新專注於學術追求。

最終，張念慈獲得布蘭迪斯大學(Brandeis University)全額獎學金取得有機化學博士學位，並在麻省理工學院完成了博士後獎學金。他順利地進入製藥行業，並在默克(Merck)和Rhone-Poulenc Rorer大藥廠做出重大貢獻，他具有影響力的工作使他在2006年獲輔仁大學授予傑出校友殊榮。

翟台茜同樣致力在她的領域，在養育他們兩個孩子Michele（1976年出生）和Michael Jr（1979年出生）的同時，她於1980年獲得布蘭迪斯大學(Brandeis University)物理無機化學博士學位，她的決心體現在平衡母親角色與追求學術成就。完成哥倫比亞大學(Columbia University)博士後研究後，翟台茜在埃克森美孚(Exxon Mobil)和安萬特(Aventis)等大公司擔任多個技術和高管要職。她的創新研究獲得了25項美國專利，並在動力學和材料科學領域發表了20多篇論文，展現她在該領域深遠的影響。2021年，她獲選為輔仁大學傑出校友，以表彰她的貢獻和激勵人心的成就。

張念慈和翟台茜的成就皆反映他們對化學的奉獻，在大藥廠和化學公司的職涯中，他們都對生物化學和材料科學領域的探索做出了重大貢獻。

新創企業：Pharmanex、Optimer、台灣浩鼎OBI 、潤雅生技 Amaran

在離開企業的工作後，張念慈和翟台茜受到創業精神的驅動，希望能對生技和膳食補充品行業產生影響。1993年，張念慈嘗試與翁啟惠共同創辦一家公司，但因為兩人都缺乏創業經驗而失敗。從這次挫折中學習後，張念慈隨後在多家新創公司工作，並最終抓住了FDA新法規加快速保健品審核的機會。1995年張念慈以500萬美元創辦了Pharmanex，1996年翟台茜加入Pharmanex擔任原物料資深總監，自此，兩人的職涯走上了相同的道路。到1998年，Pharmanex以1.35億美元被NU SKIN收購，張念慈將這次合併視為提升業務影響力的機會，而不僅是一筆財務交易，並在美國《華爾街日報》上留下這句著名的話：「這可能是我一生中最瘋狂的決定，但我願意冒這個險！」張念慈體認到需要教育消費者了解Pharmanex的草本產品，因此選擇透過直銷的方式，與NU SKIN合作進行個人化行銷。這個策略促使Pharmanex產品在美國市場獲得廣泛接受，並鞏固這次收購的成功。

1998年，張念慈和翟台茜共同創辦了位於聖地牙哥的Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.，由翁啟惠擔任首席科學創始人。在1998年至2011年間，張念慈擔任執行長，翟台茜則擔任企業事務副總裁及營運長。在僅有50多名員工的情況下，Optimer開發並成功商業化能拯救生命的醫療院所用抗生素藥物-鼎腹欣DIFICID®（Fidaxomicin），該藥物目前由默沙東藥廠(MSD)擁有，銷售遍及全球。

Optimer Pharmaceuticals的衍生公司台灣浩鼎(OBI Pharma)於2002年在台灣成立。張念慈擔任台灣浩鼎董事長暨總經理，專注於創新癌症治療，包括Globo系列（如Globo H）癌症疫苗和獨特的抗體藥物複合體(ADC)治療，這些極具前景的療法利用專有技術平台，旨在創造有效的癌症治療方案。 

2013年翟台茜返台擔任潤雅生技董事長暨總經理，潤雅生技係專為高價值生物製藥提供委託開發暨製造服務(CDMO)。在她的領導下，潤雅生技於2022年引進台灣首座全自動機器人無菌充填線，提高服務產品品質和效率；其主力產品AB-801(QS-21)是一種疫苗佐劑，與一家英國上市公司合作開發。

家庭為重的價值觀

張念慈和翟台茜在各自的領域都備受青睞，但他們始終將家庭生活放在工作職涯之上。張念慈在年僅十歲時便遭遇父親因車禍而去世的不幸，這使他深刻地的產生孝心和責任感，這段成長經歷影響了他對家庭價值的堅定承諾。

張念慈和翟台茜教導孩子們要追求充實的生活，不要為了經濟利益而犧牲快樂。他們非常珍惜家庭共度的時光，透過冒險旅行創造終生難忘的回憶，包括世界各地的遊艇旅行。張念慈自己也身體力行作為榜樣，強調簡單生活技能的重要性，例如：烹飪、園藝和各種玩牌遊戲。

輔仁大學的擁護者

張念慈和翟台茜在輔仁大學的求學時光對他們的職業生涯和人生觀產生了深遠的影響。翟台茜溫馨地回憶起在一個非常支持的環境中「學習的快樂」；而張念慈則常對他人說：「我在輔大的四年很愉快、沒有競爭，這所大學真誠地關懷學生。」

畢業後，他們都致力於回饋母校。2012 年，輔大開始為理工學院興建新的實驗大樓，張念慈協助啟動了一個相對捐款計畫，吸引眾多校友的支持。他們也為本科化學系學生設立了獎學金，以表彰快樂和有價值的教育經驗的重要性。

張念慈的生技產業成功「四才」要素「人才、選材、智財和錢財」—體現了他對扶植台灣生技創新的承諾。翟台茜則透過落實潤雅生技的座右銘「立足台灣、放眼全球」，繼續推動台灣的生技市場，努力提升國際競爭力。

結語

張念慈和翟台茜從輔仁大學開始的共同旅程，證明了他們對化學、家庭和社區的奉獻精神。他們的創業之路和對生技產業的貢獻已留下深遠的影響，激勵了未來世代。作為教育和創新的擁護者，他們體現了誠信和承諾的原則，確保他們的建樹能繼續影響和啟發周圍的人們。

A Duo Entrepreneurial Journey starting at Fu-Jen Catholic University

Michael Nientse Chang and Tessie Mary Che were both born in the summer of 1950 in Taiwan —Michael in Shihlin on July 22nd and Tessie in Beitou on August 19th. For the next eighteen years, Michael spent his formative years in Taiwan while Tessie grew up in the U.S. and Canada.

Their paths converged when they both joined the same Chemistry Undergraduate Program at Fu-Jen Catholic University (FJCU) in 1968.  While there, Michael and Tessie were inspired by excellent Chemistry professors like Jiang Shi-Tsung (Organic Chemistry), Chen Li Shu (Physical Chemistry) and Lu Mei Fang (Inorganic Chemistry).  They also bonded over mutual interests in outdoor sports and activities like fishing, swimming, horseback riding, camping, hiking and mountain climbing, nurturing their adventurous spirits.  The field of chemistry and their other common interests would unite them as lifelong partners.

After graduating from FJCU in 1972, Michael fulfilled his 2-year mandatory military service for Taiwan.  Upon completing his military service, Michael then followed Tessie to the United States.  Tessie had left for the U.S. one year earlier to continue her scientific studies.  During his first summer in the U.S.,  Michael briefly explored a culinary career as a second chef in a bustling San Francisco Chinese restaurant. The demanding work and long hours, however, reignited his passion for chemistry, leading him to refocus on his academic aspirations.

Ultimately, Michael earned a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Brandeis University on a full scholarship and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT. He then transitioned smoothly into the pharmaceutical industry, making significant contributions at major companies like Merck and Rhone-Poulenc Rorer.  In 2006, his impactful work led to his recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus by FJCU in 2006.

Tessie, equally dedicated to her field, earned her Ph.D. in Physical Inorganic Chemistry from Brandeis in 1980, all while raising their two children, Michele (b. 1976) and Michael Jr (b. 1979). Her determination was evident as she balanced motherhood with her academic pursuits. After completing her postdoc at Columbia University, Tessie excelled in various technical and executive roles at leading companies like Exxon Mobil and Aventis. Her innovative research resulted in 25 U.S. patents and over 20 publications in kinetics and materials science, showcasing her profound impact on the field. In 2021, she was honored with the FJCU Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing her contributions and inspiring legacy.

Together, Michael and Tessie's achievements reflect their dedication to chemistry and during their careers in big pharma and chemical companies, they both made significant contributions to discovery in the fields of biochemistry and material science.

New Ventures: Pharmanex, Optimer, OBI, and Amaran

After leaving their corporate roles, both Michael and Tessie were driven by their entrepreneurial spirit to impact the biotech and dietary supplement industries. In 1993, Michael attempted to launch a biotech company with Chi-Huey Wong but the effort failed since both lacked start-up business experience. Learning from this setback, he then worked for various startups, and finally seized the opportunity presented by new FDA regulations that expedited health supplement approvals.  In 1995, Michael founded Pharmanex with an initial investment of $5 million. Tessie joined Pharmanex as Senior Director of Raw Material Sourcing in 1996, aligning their career paths. By 1998, Pharmanex was acquired by NU SKIN for $135 million. Michael viewed this merger as an opportunity to enhance business impact rather than simply a financial transaction, famously stating in the Wall Street Journal, "This might be the craziest decision of my life, but I’m willing to take this risk!"  Recognizing the need to educate consumers about Pharmanex's herbal products, Michael chose a direct sales approach, partnering with NU SKIN for personalized marketing. This strategy led to widespread acceptance of Pharmanex's products in the U.S. market, solidifying the success of the acquisition.

In 1998, Michael and Tessie co-founded Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in San Diego, with Chi-Huey Wong as the Chief Scientific Founder. From 1998 to 2011, Michael served as the Chief Executive Officer while Tessie became the VP, Corporate Affairs and the Chief Operating Officer.  With only 50+ employees, Optimer developed and successfully commercialized the life-saving hospital antibiotic drug called DIFICID® (Fidaxomicin), which is now owned and marketed worldwide by Merck, Sharp and Dohme, Inc.

An offshoot of Optimer Pharmaceuticals was OBI Pharma, which was established in Taiwan in 2002. At OBI Pharma, Michael (Chairman and GM) focused on innovative cancer therapies, including the Globo series, which features the Globo H cancer vaccine and unique antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies. These promising therapies utilize proprietary technology platforms aimed at creating effective cancer treatments.

In 2013, Tessie returned to Taiwan as Chairperson and GM of Amaran Biotechnology, Inc. which specializes in contract development and manufacturing of high-value biopharmaceuticals. Under her leadership, Amaran introduced Taiwan's first automated robotic aseptic filling line in 2022, enhancing product quality and efficiency. Their flagship product, AB-801 (QS-21), is a vaccine adjuvant developed in collaboration with a UK publicly listed company.

Strong Family Values

While both Michael and Tessie were sought-after talents in their respective fields, they prioritized family life alongside their careers.  Michael faced personal tragedy when his father died in a car accident when he was ten years old, which instilled in him a deep sense of filial piety and responsibility. This upbringing influenced his strong commitment to family values.

Michael and Tessie taught their children to embrace a fulfilling life without sacrificing joy for financial gain. They deeply cherished their family-time together, creating lasting life-long memories through adventure travels, including yachting trips across the world.  Michael also emphasized the importance of simple life skills through his own example, such as cooking, gardening and playing card games. 

Advocates for Fu-Jen Catholic University

Michael and Tessie’s time at FJCU profoundly shaped their careers and perspectives. Tessie fondly remembers the “joy of learning” in a very supportive environment.  Meanwhile, Michael would often tell others, “My four years at Fu-Jen were enjoyable and free from competition. The university genuinely cared for its students."  

After graduation, they both committed to giving back to Fu-Jen. In 2012, as the university began construction of a new Experimental Building for the College of Science and Engineering, Michael helped launch a matching donation program that garnered strong alumni support. Scholarships were also established for undergraduate chemistry students to promote the importance of a joyful and valuable educational experience.

Michael’s "Four Elements" for success in the biotech industry—Talent, Selection, Intellectual Property, and Capital—reflected his commitment to fostering innovation in Taiwan's biotech sector.

Tessie continues to promote the Taiwanese biotechnology market, aspiring for international competitiveness through her work at Amaran Biotech, which operates under the motto, "Work Locally. Think and Act Globally."

Conclusion

Michael Nientse Chang and Tessie Mary Che's journey together, which started at Fu-Jen Catholic University, is a testament to their dedication to chemistry, family, and community. Their entrepreneurial ventures and contributions to the biotech industry have made a lasting impact, inspiring future generations. As advocates for education and innovation, they embody principles of integrity and commitment, ensuring that their legacy continues to influence and inspire those around them.