Medical products regulator 'aims to boost innovation'

The Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation, set to launch by the year's end, aims to bolster trust globally and serve patients worldwide, according to its director Li Zili. This entity will prioritize "primary evaluation" of drugs and medical devices, hastening their clinical application. Speaking to reporters, Li emphasized the centre's dual mission: safeguarding public health and fostering medical innovation.

He stressed the necessity of establishing a regulatory authority with extensive capabilities, one that garners international trust. "We need to build a medical products regulatory authority with comprehensive capabilities – one that is trusted internationally," Li stated. "We should leverage our unique strategic position in medical products regulation – we not only serve patients in Hong Kong, but also keep the world in mind and serve all patients around the world."

Li proposed that the upcoming "primary evaluation" should augment the existing framework, bolstering the centre's credibility in the eyes of the international community through a scientifically rigorous and transparent system. He added that the centre would not only serve as a bridge between the mainland and the world but also stimulate medical reforms and innovations.

Li further revealed that authorities would form an interdisciplinary scientific team dedicated to clinical review, with the goal of accelerating global cooperation. Meanwhile, Health Director Ronald Lam, who possesses practical experience in regulatory affairs and public health, expressed confidence in Li's ability to reform the system, crediting his leadership skills.