Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuan, Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation and Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with his postdoctoral researcher Dr Zhao Chen, have successfully developed an innovative drug, “PD-001R”, targeting neurodegenerative diseases. This first-in-class, novel small-molecule drug candidate, is specifically designed for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Yizhiren (Alpinia oxyphylla), and is produced through chemically synthesis.
The core mechanism that underlies the therapeutic action of PD-001R lies in promoting the degradation of pathological α-synuclein aggregates. Results from animal studies have shown that PD-001R not only demonstrates significant efficacy against Parkinson’s disease, but also exhibits neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease, with good oral bioavailability and safety.
This ground-breaking research was awarded the Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and Gold Medal at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, Switzerland, reflecting its strong international recognition and innovative value.
Prof. Lee is a Member of the Management Committee of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), and a Member of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) at PAIR. He is also the Founder of the PolyU start-up AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited. His research encompasses brain disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug discovery particularly from natural products.
The advent of PD-001R brings new hope to patients with neurodegenerative diseases and marks a significant breakthrough in Hong Kong’s biomedical innovation landscape.
Online coverage:
East Week - https://polyu.me/4szr3n1
| Research Units | PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research |
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