The University of Hong Kong (HKU), represented by Versitech Limited, has signed an agreement with China Merchants Group (CMG) on peptide drug innovation and discovery. This partnership signifies a joint effort to develop new peptide drugs, advance peptide research, and translate these findings into practical applications, offering innovative solutions for tackling complex diseases.

According to the agreement, HKU and CMG together with its subsidiary the Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research (TIPR) aim to leverage the strengths of both parties to advance innovation in the biopharmaceutical field and bring significant progress to peptide drug research in the future. HKU’s state key laboratory for synthetic chemistry and the Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research 's state key laboratory have also signed the strategic collaboration.

Professor Xuechen Li, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, at HKU highlighted the significance of collaboration, stating that it offers a unique opportunity to translate research findings into practical applications, underscoring the importance of academia-industry partnership in driving scientific innovation.

In his concluding speech, Professor Max Shen, Vice President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at HKU, stated that this collaboration demonstrates China Merchants Group's commitment to innovative research. He expressed his anticipation for enhancing cooperation with China Merchants Group to promote further research. Professor Shen also envisions further collaboration between the University and the industry to drive innovation and entrepreneurship development in both Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.