Spinal cord injuries continue to pose a global healthcare challenge, affecting over 15 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. With conventional treatments offering limited recovery prospects, medical researchers have increasingly turned to precision medicine for breakthrough solutions. To address this critical medical need, PolyU has established the Advanced Therapy Product (ATP) Laboratory to promote precision and personalised medicine through the development and clinical application of local ATPs. The ATP team will specifically focus on clinical trials for patients with spinal cord injuries during its first phase of work, offering new hope for those affected by these devastating conditions.

Advanced therapies for better patient outcomes

Dedicated to accelerating the development of Hong Kong’s ATP ecosystem, the initiative will innovate advanced therapy products, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine, with a strong emphasis on precision medicine and personalised treatment. Complying with Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme’s Good Manufacturing Practice (PIC/S GMP) standards, the Laboratory will focus on clinical research and aims to manufacture cell therapy products specifically for spinal cord injuries. These therapies will be integrated with post-surgery rehabilitation programmes, leveraging expertise from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) to provide comprehensive care for patients with hemiplegia and paralysis.

The Laboratory has been established with the grants provided by the University Grants Committee (UGC) and PolyU. Led by Professor Larry Chow Ming-cheung, Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, the ATP team plans to collaborate with the biopharmaceutical industry to launch clinical trials once the necessary licenses are obtained from the HKSAR Government’s Department of Health. This collaboration will involve using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched umbilical cord blood to produce mononuclear cells specifically for treating spinal cord injuries. Rigorous quality control and packaging processes will be conducted to ensure that final products meet clinical standards and comply with PIC/S GMP regulations before delivery to hospitals for patient transplantation. The initiative will also foster collaboration on neurological disorders research across PolyU, enhancing the University’s interdisciplinary strengths in areas such as neuroscience, molecular biology, immunology, biological engineering, RS, and beyond.

Interdisciplinary collaboration drives comprehensive patient care

PolyU stands as the only local university offering a one-stop solution from treatment to rehabilitation. The ATP Laboratory’s focus on advanced therapy, combined with RS providing physiotherapy and allied health services, ensures patients receive truly comprehensive care.

“The ATP Laboratory at PolyU aligns with international good manufacturing practices, and will contribute to nurturing more biopharmaceutical talents in the region,” Professor Chow emphasised. “Through collaboration with industry partners, we aim to achieve breakthroughs in cell therapy and immunotherapy, translating the research outcomes of the University by facilitating cutting-edge medical research and clinical trials, thereby advancing Hong Kong’s medical technology development.”

This integrated approach creates a smooth transition from therapy to recovery, offering renewed hope for patients with spinal cord injuries. Through these efforts, PolyU demonstrates its commitment to nurturing interdisciplinary medical leaders and advancing the frontiers of precision medicine and personalised treatment.

Equipped with a Production Site, Quality Control Laboratory, and Training Laboratory, the facility will serve as a robust platform for the development and clinical application of local ATPs. The Production Site features state-of-the-art facilities, including the quick connect CO₂ incubators (left) and a Grade A cell processing isolator (right), ensuring that the products are manufactured according to cleanroom standards.