Nobel-winning UK scientist launches programme to develop hepatitis C vaccine in Hong Kong
A British Nobel-winning virologist has launched a programme to develop the world’s first hepatitis C vaccine after joining a university in Hong Kong, tapping the city’s research funding, access to Chinese strains of the virus and partnerships with mainland drug-makers. Sir Michael Houghton, who won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the co-discovery of the hepatitis C virus, said…
Nobel-winning British virologist Sir Michael Houghton has established a programme to create the world's first hepatitis C vaccine while working at Baptist University in Hong Kong. Houghton, who shared the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for co-discovering the hepatitis C virus, moved to Hong Kong after the United States and Europe reduced their science spending.
He joined the university after more than four decades in North America, seeking funding and access to Chinese strains of the virus. Houghton plans to begin phase one trials in 2028 in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, with the goal of a worldwide vaccine by 2030. The vaccine would initially target high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, newborns, and individuals with multiple sexual partners, costing around HK$1,600 per dose.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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