The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to pioneering healthcare innovation and medical advancement. A PolyU project aimed at improving treatment outcomes for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) through the development of a novel nanoparticle-based delivery platform, has been honoured with the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) 2025 (HLCA (HK) 2025).
Led by Prof. CAI Yin, Assistant Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, the project titled “Targeting the Heart: Nanoparticle Drug Carriers for Innovative HFpEF Therapy” has received the HLCA (HK) 2025, with funding support of HK$389,000 for a duration of 12 months.
HFpEF has become a serious health issue, especially among older adults. This condition is characterised by a stiffened heart that cannot properly fill with blood, and current treatment options are severely limited. Although certain natural cofactors can help regulate the underlying biological pathways, their clinical use has been hindered by instability and unintended effects.
To overcome these challenges, Prof. CAI and his research team have developed a novel nanoparticle-based delivery platform. This system utilises a naturally derived, FDA-approved ingredient to transport a therapeutic agent specifically to the heart. This design protects the cargo from degradation, enhances its bioavailability, and concentrates its action precisely within cardiac tissue. The result is a targeted therapy that maximises therapeutic potential while reducing side effects.
Prof. CAI expressed gratitude for the award and said, “Our compelling pre-clinical data demonstrates a significant reversal of key HFpEF symptoms. This project will now advance to comprehensive efficacy and safety testing. Our long-term goal is to translate this targeted nanotherapy through larger animal studies and into human trials, ultimately offering a transformative strategy to improve the quality of life and healthy longevity for patients suffering from HFpEF.”
The Research Grants Council has collaborated with the National Academy of Medicine of the United States for the HLCA (HK) since 2022. Being part of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition at its Catalyst Phase, HLCA (HK) aims to call for bold and innovative ideas from any discipline that have the potential to extend the human healthspan. Each award includes a US$50,000 (approx. HK$389,000) cash prize at a maximum for a period of 12 months.
