Hong Kong advances stem cell therapy, improves awareness of regenerative medicine
24 July 2023 | News
A new breakthrough in stem cell-derived treatments provide osteoarthritis patients with a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) partner companies Hong Kong Regen MedTech Limited (HKRM) and Cordlife Hong Kong Limited (Cordlife) have announced their partnership to co-launch a regenerative medical project focused on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) biology. The rapid development of regenerative medicine holds promising prospects for patients with degenerative arthritis.
In treating osteoarthritis, the current non-surgical management typically involves using hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid injections. However, these therapies may not be suitable for all patients, and there are concerns about the potential side effects of corticosteroids. With nearly 35,000 cases on the waiting list for full joint replacement surgeries in Hong Kong, patients are subjected to suffering in the meantime. Artificial joints also have a limited "lifespan" of approximately 20 years, and whether such treatment is suitable for the patient should be assessed by the doctor.
The rapid development of regenerative medicine holds promising prospects for patients with osteoarthritis. Under the “Medtech Co-Create” programme of HKSTP, partner companies HKRM and Cordlife hosted a press conference titled "Advancing Stem Cell Therapy: A Journey of Collaboration and Innovation" at Hong Kong Science Park. With the support of HKSTP, HKRM and Cordlife announced collaborative projects involving regenerative medicine. The collaboration aims to increase public awareness of regenerative medicine, as well as promoting the development of regenerative medicine in Hong Kong. The ultimate goal is to provide patients with a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option.
