Press Releases
SFH visits Phase 1 clinical trial centres (with photos)
The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, today (July 24) visited
the two Phase 1 clinical trial centres (CTCs) in Hong Kong to see for
himself the equipment and operation of the centres, and learn more about the
future development of the local clinical trial sector.
Funded by the Government, the two CTCs were set up in 2011 in the medical
faculties of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong
Kong for conducting preliminary clinical trials on new drugs. A total of $40
million was allocated to each of the two universities to support the
operation of their respective Phase I CTCs in the first five years.
Dr Ko said, "The establishment of the Phase 1 CTCs will help enhance the
capability of Hong Kong in new drug development. It will be conducive to the
development of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries in Hong
Kong.
"Furthermore, the CTCs' partnership with overseas academic institutions and
the pharmaceutical industry in clinical research helps not only to boost the
competitiveness of Hong Kong in drug research and development, but also to
attract more relevant overseas professionals to Hong Kong, as well as
provide more training and job opportunities for local professionals.
"I am pleased to learn that the two CTCs have been operating smoothly and
progressing steadily in their drug research and trials since starting their
operation in early 2014."
Dr Ko was told that the two CTCs were pursuing the accreditation of the
China Food and Drug Administration in order to become nationally recognised
Phase 1 CTCs for new drug development with a view to attracting
international pharmaceutical companies and overseas investment to Hong Kong.
"I believe that with all these efforts, Hong Kong can develop itself into an
internationally renowned centre of excellence for the development of new
drugs in the long run," Dr Ko said.
Clinical trial is an essential step in the development of novel medicines,
bringing potential new drugs from laboratories to clinical applications.
Among the various phases of clinical trial, Phase 1 clinical trial starts
with initial administration of an investigational new drug which has passed
the laboratory tests into human bodies. It determines the safety and the
dosage range that the new drugs may be granted, facilitating subsequent
trial in evaluating therapeutic efficacy and side effects of the drugs.
Ends/Friday, July 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:57
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