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The Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CU Medicine) has entered into a strategic partnership with Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (CTTQ), a leading Chinese pharmaceutical company integral to Sino Biopharm. This landmark Cooperation Framework Agreement aims to leverage the combined strengths of mainland China and Hong Kong in pharmaceutical innovation, research, talent development, and the commercialisation of medical products.

The collaboration will accelerate the translation of groundbreaking biomedical research into new diagnostic tests and treatments, providing patients quicker access to advanced healthcare solutions. Furthermore, it supports the development of Hong Kong as a pharmaceutical innovation hub in Asia and the Pacific.

Key Initiatives Under the Agreement

The partnership will encompass various collaborative endeavours, including:

• Clinical Trials: Implementation of Phase I to Phase III clinical trials in Hong Kong and across Asia
• Commercialisation: Exploration of opportunities for commercialising CUHK-developed drugs and medical devices through licensing or startup investments
• Research Funding: Joint establishment of funding schemes to support innovative research projects
• Talent Development: Collaborative efforts to enhance learning and exchange between CU Medicine students and CTTQ researchers
• Academic Conferences: Organisation of annual academic conferences to foster knowledge sharing

Shared Vision and Commitment to Global Healthcare

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor Designate, stated: ‘‘CUHK has a rich history of pioneering healthcare innovations. The ‘14th Five-Year’ Plan supports Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub. This partnership highlights CUHK’s strengths in internationalisation and high-level research. By collaborating with a leading biomedicine enterprise, we aim to enhance clinical trials and the biomedical industry, addressing the nation’s healthcare needs. We hope this initiative will inspire other enterprises to engage with CUHK for mutually beneficial collaborations, ultimately contributing to a healthier world.”

Ms Cheng Cheung-ling, CP Pharmaceutical Group’s President, expressed her gratitude for the trust and support of Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor Designate and CUHK, and shared her confidence in, and high anticipation of the collaborative R&D innovations in the future: ‘‘Hong Kong has always been a city full of opportunities and infinite possibilities. Sino Biopharm and CTTQ are set to enjoy greater room for development and our partnership will yield fruitful results. CTTQ will embark on the collaboration to draw on CU Medicine’s internationally advanced medicine management experience and learn more about R&D philosophy, seeking to benefit more patients in Hong Kong and the rest of the world with distinct products and technologies.’’   

A New Framework for Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration

The five-year agreement establishes a comprehensive industry-academia-research framework, addressing all segments of innovation and technology development:

• Upstream: Establishment of research funding schemes for foundational research;
• Midstream: Management of Phase I to Phase III clinical trials by CU Medicine;
• Downstream: Discussions on the commercialization of CUHK’s drugs and devices through licensing and startup investments.

Additionally, the collaboration focuses on nurturing talent, allowing CU Medicine students to gain hands-on experience in CTTQ’s laboratories and R&D departments. CTTQ’s senior management will also have opportunities for training and involvement in CU Medicine’s research projects.

Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan, Dean of CU Medicine, highlighted: “CU Medicine is globally recognised for its academic excellence and clinical research, ranked 14th in Clinical Medicine worldwide and Asia’s No. 1 for two consecutive years in ShanghaiRanking 2024. Our partnership with CTTQ will combine our clinical trial expertise with top-tier drug research resources in mainland China, ensuring quicker access to new therapies for patients and furthering Hong Kong’s position as a global innovation and technology hub.”

Mr Eric S.Y.Tse , Chief Executive Officer of Sino Biopharm and Chairman of CTTQ stated: ‘‘CUHK has a strong track record of clinical and academic excellence, and CU Medicine is ranked foremost globally in clinical medicine and nursing. This collaboration is a strong alliance between the academia-research and industrial sectors. Currently, the HKSAR is strengthening the innovation capability of its healthcare system on all fronts and has introduced initiatives like the ‘1+’ new drug approval mechanism, which has brought strong impetus to the development of the biomedical industry. By signing this agreement, CU Medicine and CTTQ will join hands on new drug R&D, clinical trials, translation, and talent development, signifying the integration of the science and technology industries in Hong Kong and mainland China. We look forward to giving patients more choices with more new drugs.”