The Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CU Medicine), Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) joined hands to host the Microbiome Summit 2023 (the Summit) at Hong Kong Science Park recently.

Over 20 international top-notch academic leaders and pharmaceutical industrial partners highlighted the applications of the gut microbiome and discussed the potential of Hong Kong as an innovation and technology hub for the microbiome industry in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

In CU Medicine, the very first microbiome-based diagnostic test for early colorectal cancer and recurrent colorectal adenomas has been commercialised. CU Medicine envisages that advances in biotechnology will facilitate the isolation of next-generation probiotic bacteria with specific health benefits against colorectal cancer, diabetes, obesity, autism, and dementia. 

Professor Francis Chan, Dean of CU Medicine, stated, “Hong Kong is well equipped to become a regional hub of the microbiome industry with our world-class researchers, advanced technology and intellectual property protection. The microbiome market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30 to 40 percent per year. We urge the government to streamline the regulatory approval of our innovations in the Greater Bay Area. Specifically, we advocate the establishment of a regional medical products administration office to expedite the approval of our innovations to be used in the Greater Bay Area. I believe such a statutory body would effectively attract pharmaceutical companies and talent, and build Hong Kong into a new pharmaceutical innovation hub."