Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP).We welcome the establishment of HUTCHMED’s International R&D Centre at Science Park. HUTCHMED, an international biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative oncology and immunotherapy therapies, is expanding its presence in Hong Kong to demonstrate its continued contribution to advancing cancer treatment and biotech innovation in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
The welcome ceremony included Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, Ng Chi-wai, Chief of Staff of HKSTP, Dr Sze Ng, Senior Director of Translational Research Institute of HKSTP, Dr Elled Anderson, Chairman of HUTCHMED, Dr Weiguo So, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of HUTCHMED, Dr. Ming Shi, Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer of HUTCHMED, as well as a number of representatives and guests from HKSTP and HUTCHMED.
Founded in 2000, Chi-Med is one of the pioneers in the field of innovative medicines in China, and has grown into a leading biopharmaceutical company in the industry. HUTCHMED is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, NASDAQ in the United States and the London Stock Exchange in the United Kingdom. Hong Kong has always been the headquarters of HUTCHMED and will play an even more important role in the future, providing new impetus for the Group’s further development.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said, “The Hong Kong Government is committed to enhancing Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities, with a particular focus on biotechnology. With its strong R&D capabilities, top-notch universities, state-of-the-art research facilities and a thriving ecosystem, Hong Kong provides an integrated platform for high-quality innovative R&D outcomes to be commercialised for clinical trials and commercialisation, making it one of the most desirable locations for biotech companies. The convergence of more biotech companies like Chi-Med in Hong Kong will create synergies and further strengthen Hong Kong’s strength in the life and health technology industry.”
Chi-Med plans to focus on translational research and the use of artificial intelligence to develop new medicines, as well as innovative therapies for novel targets or diseases with high medical needs. With more than 270 biotech companies at HKSTP , HUTCHMED will leverage the strengths of its thriving biotech ecosystem to pioneer breakthrough drug therapies.
Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, said, “We are delighted to welcome HUTCHMED to Science Park. HKSTP has an extensive network that connects Park companies with thousands of investors and partners around the world to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative therapies. Leveraging HUTCHMED’s expertise and commercialisation capabilities, this collaboration will inspire local biotech companies for the benefit of society.”
Dr. Weiguo Su, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of HUTCHMED, said, “HUTCHMED has a deep R&D pipeline with a number of product approvals in China and globally, two of which are also approved for marketing in Hong Kong. The opening of the Hong Kong R&D Centre will open a new chapter for HUTCHMED and will be an important step in accelerating and expanding our global R&D activities. We are grateful for the support of the HKSAR Government and HKSTP, and look forward to working together to bring more innovative therapies to patients around the world.”
In January 2024, Chi-Med’s oral targeted drug Elunate (fruquintinib ®) was approved by the HKSAR Government for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, marking a milestone as the first innovative drug approved under the “1+” New Drug Review Mechanism. Underlining Chi-Med’s leadership in this area, bringing hope and new treatment options to local patients.
HUTCHMED’s state-of-the-art R&D centre at Science Park, combined with its extensive experience and comprehensive capabilities, will drive the development of biomedical innovation in Hong Kong and further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international biotechnology and life sciences hub.
