The University of Hong Kong's Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine and Gleneagles Hospital have jointly launched a clinical trials centre, marking the first collaboration of its kind between the university and a private hospital. The centre will primarily focus on oncology, aiming to accelerate cancer research and support Hong Kong's ambition to become a hub for medical innovation.
Advancing Clinical Research
The new centre will facilitate clinical research on treatments, medications, and medical devices. It aims to provide a more flexible environment for research compared to the public sector, leveraging the university's extensive research experience. Dr. Wallace Lau Chak-sing, Dean of the HKU medical school, emphasized the initiative's importance in advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes in Hong Kong.
Initial Focus on Oncology
Initially, the clinical trials will concentrate on oncology, with studies planned for innovative drugs targeting various types of cancer. Current trials involve novel drugs for treating colorectal and biliary tract cancers. Kenneth Tsang Hing-lim, Chief Executive of Gleneagles Hospital, noted that the hospital had previously conducted simpler research, but the new centre will enable more complex studies. There are also plans to initiate research on treatments for rectal and pancreatic cancers soon.
Enhancing Research Opportunities
The medical school highlighted that the new facility will enhance research opportunities for private hospital patients and those from the Greater Bay Area, in addition to the existing clinical trials centre at Queen Mary Hospital. Henry Yau Kwong-Chi, Managing Director of the clinical trials center, emphasized the urgent need for advancements in cancer treatment and cost reduction, stating, "We hope our research can provide patients with effective and safe cancer treatment options and ultimately lower treatment costs."
Collaboration and Accreditation
The partnership between HKU and Gleneagles Hospital includes the implementation of the Hong Kong Clinical Trials Centre’s (HKU-CTC) digital cloud platform for trial management. Gleneagles Hospital is also seeking accreditation as a nationally recognized clinical trial institute with China's National Medical Products Administration, with the goal of achieving this recognition next year.
