HKU, Gleneagles in clinical trials first

Eunice Lam

Gleneagles Hospital in Wong Chuk Hang became the first private hospital collaborating with the University of Hong Kong's medical school to operate the university's clinical trials centre which launched yesterday.

The center aims to advance clinical research on treatments, medications and medical devices.

Officially opened yesterday, it will initially focus on oncology, with clinical trials conducted for innovative drugs that target various types of cancer.

The medical school said that, in addition to its existing clinical trials center at its affiliated Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam, the new facility will enhance research opportunities for private hospital patients and those from the Greater Bay Area.

In a launch ceremony, HKU dean of medicine Lau Chak-sing referred to the initiative as "another breakthrough and milestone."

He added: "What makes clinical research important is understanding how we can treat patients, how to utilize new drugs and devices, and how to demonstrate that these new medications can benefit patients.

"Alongside conducting clinical research in public hospitals, we should also foster innovation in private settings."

HKU's medical school has been the exclusive clinical partner of Gleneagles Hospital, helping to establish, promote and implement clinical governance at the facility, which also serves as an affiliated hospital for training HKU medical students.

Kenneth Tsang Hing-lim, the hospital's chief executive, said that prior to the center's opening, the hospital had conducted simpler research related to medical devices, Covid-19 vaccines and medications.

He expressed optimism that the new center would enable more complex research in the future.

When discussing the differences between the clinical trials centers at Queen Mary Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital, Tsang said that private hospitals offer greater flexibility in conducting research.

"Most clinical trials in Hong Kong have been carried out in the public sector, which has limitations in capacity and flexibility for introducing new research," he said.

Tsang added that the center would initially concentrate on oncology studies to address a "critical need in the community," and there are plans to initiate research on treatments for rectal and pancreatic cancers soon.

The private hospital is also aiming to achieve accreditation as a nationally recognized clinical trial institute with China's National Medical Products Administration and hopes to get that recognition next year.

Henry Yau Kwong-Chi, managing director of the clinical trials center, said there is an urgent need for advancements in cancer treatment and cost reduction.

"We hope our research can provide patients with effective and safe cancer treatment options and ultimately lower treatment costs," Yau said.