PolyU researcher developed anti-viral targeted drug for cancer treatment

Dr Jiang Lijun, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at PolyU, participated in a research with HKBU's research team in developing a novel anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) drug that can selectively disrupt a viral protein produced by EBV, leading to the shrinkage of tumours caused by the virus. This drug can help treat nasopharyngeal cancer, some kind of gastric cancers and various lymphomas. The research team has applied for a patent and established a spin-off company, BP InnoMed Limited, with startup support from the Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities, to further develop the drug and carry out clinical trials. The research result has been published on Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.