The launch enables new lines of research and production of ATPs, including stem cell therapy for cardiac diseases and CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers led by Professor Tse Hung-fat and Professor Eric Tse Wai-choi, respectively, and is a strategic plan of HKUMed for development of translational and precision medicine. The products manufactured would benefit new patient groups with a broad indication, and boost development of innovative therapy with more clinical experience acquired.
The HKUMed GMP Lab aims to manufacture clinical-grade ATPs as investigational medicinal products (IMP) for clinical trials and to provide a brand-new unique training platform for scientists and clinicians. This is Hong Kong’s first GMP multi-products facility with approval in principle from the HKSAR Department of Health for an ATP manufacturing license. The facility will also serve as a Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention and Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) GMP-compliant training centre for key personnel involved in ATPs manufacturing, quality control and assurance.
Talent training and international collaboration are keys to establish a hub for ATPs development in Hong Kong. The HKUMed GMP Lab’s joint training programme with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTs) and University College London (UCL) has produced a group of competent staff to operate the facility. HKU is also developing ATP translational training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in collaboration with international partners from UCL and Cell Therapies Pty Ltd in Melbourne. The launch of the HKUMed GMP Lab offers unparalleled learning opportunities in developing gene and cell therapies, as well as serving as a stepping stone in transforming HKUMed’s research discoveries into real products.
