Gene Therapy Sparks Hope as Hong Kong Eyes Global Innovation Hub Status

Gene therapy has made remarkable strides in recent years, particularly in treating single-gene disorders, offering new hope to patients worldwide. Several gene therapy drugs have already been successfully launched in Europe and the United States, marking a new era in medical technology. Upholding its mission of “Innovating for Better Lives,” the Hong Kong Health & Social Care Foundation actively supports research and application of gene therapy and looks forward to Hong Kong playing a leading role on the global innovation stage.

To enhance public and patient understanding of gene therapy, the Foundation co-organized the seminar “Gene Therapy: Development Trends and Emerging Applications” on November 2 with the Rare Diseases Hong Kong, the Thalassaemia Children’s Foundation, and the Hong Kong Thalassaemia Association. The event attracted over 20 families and nearly 50 patients with moderate to severe thalassaemia and their caregivers.

The seminar featured leading experts from Hong Kong and Mainland China. Professor Chan Chi-fung, Honorary Clinical Professor of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at The University of Hong Kong and specialist in paediatric haematology and oncology, provided an in-depth analysis of global gene therapy trends, clinical applications, and safety considerations, equipping attendees with cutting-edge medical insights.

Mr. Lai Ka-wai, Terry Acting Chairman of the Rare Diseases Hong Kong, discussed the current status of introducing gene therapy drugs and related policies in Hong Kong, sharing advocacy experiences and encouraging patient communities to work together to drive policy changes for broader treatment access.

Mainland experts Dr. Wang Shunqing and Dr. Zhang Yuping from Guangzhou First People’s Hospital joined via video link to share clinical research and practical experience in gene therapy for thalassaemia, demonstrating how technological progress is transforming patient lives.

A young patient who had undergone gene therapy in Mainland China also shared his personal journey alongside his mother, acknowledging the challenges but expressing gratitude for the life-changing results, inspiring local patients to remain hopeful and embrace new treatment options.

Mr. Samuel Mak, co-founder of the Hong Kong Health & Social Care Foundation remarked: “Gene therapy represents not only a medical breakthrough but also a strategic opportunity for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development. We hope to see collaboration among the government, healthcare sector, and industry to position Hong Kong as an international innovation hub, enabling more patients to benefit from advanced therapies.”

The event concluded with a relaxed afternoon tea session, fostering open dialogue among patients, families, healthcare professionals, and organizational representatives. This seminar not only deepened public understanding of gene therapy but also brought hope and inspiration to thalassaemia patients in Hong Kong.