'Hetao zone will boost HK's medical development'

David Lam, a lawmaker in Hong Kong's medical sector, believes that the newly established Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone will accelerate medical development in the region. Speaking to RTHK, Lam emphasized the importance of expanding clinical trials to transform Hong Kong into a prominent health and medical innovation hub.

The lawmaker pointed out the significant advantage of collaborating with Shenzhen, citing the Greater Bay Area's population of over 80 million compared to Hong Kong's 7.5 million. Lam explained that a larger population base enables quicker research, shorter clinical trials, and broader radiation of successful trials for drug registration.

With half of the world's top 10 pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca, already establishing operations in Hong Kong, Lam suggested that the government could do more to attract additional pharmaceutical companies. He proposed prioritizing the registration of drugs developed in the Hetao zone under Hong Kong's Centre for the Medical Products Regulation, which is expected to be established by year-end and will directly approve medical product registrations based on clinical trial data.

Lam also highlighted the importance of the downstream phase, involving clinical trials, collaboration with Hetao area, and the entire Greater Bay Area, as well as the upstream phase, focusing on infrastructure provision for R&D. Local universities and the Hospital Authority can contribute to clinical trials by participating in R&D efforts and increasing the patient base with those receiving public healthcare services.

Looking forward, Lam anticipates smoother data and specimen movement across the Hetao zone over the next five years, as it serves as a contained area populated by people and talents from both sides of the border, facilitating efficient research and resource utilization.