In a media interview with 21jingji.com, Professor Kwok-yin Wong, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, delved into the intricate world of drug research and development. Leading a dedicated team, Professor Wong focuses on the scientific study of chirality — a concept where molecules, like our left and right hands, are mirror images but cannot be superimposed. This principle is crucial in drug design, as the “left-handed” and “right-handed” versions of a molecule can have drastically different effects on the body.

Since its inception in 2010, the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) (formerly Partner State Key Laboratory of Chirosciences) has been focused on research of organic synthesis, catalysis, chemical biology and drug discovery.

As the current Director, Professor Wong explained that the COVID-19 virus has now significantly weakened, and its fatality rate has greatly decreased. Consequently, developing COVID-19 drugs is not the most urgent task. The State Key Laboratory continues to prioritise the development of anti-cancer drugs and antibiotics.

One of PolyU’s notable achievements is the development of BCT-100, Hong Kong’s first homegrown anti-cancer drug. Co-developed with Bio-Cancer Treatment International Limited (BCT), BCT-100 is in Phase III clinical trials, bringing hope for its imminent market release. This drug targets arginine-deficient cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia, melanoma, liver cancer, and prostate cancer, with expanding potential applications.

The journey from drug discovery to clinical application is arduous, often spanning over a decade and requiring substantial investment. Professor Wong highlighted the high stakes involved, noting that preclinical stages alone can demand millions of dollars. Despite these challenges, the laboratory has secured significant research funding, showcasing substantial support from both government and corporate sectors.

PolyU employs cutting-edge technology and AI to advance drug design and screening. Professor Wong explained that electron microscopes help visualise drug-target interactions, allowing AI to design and evaluate thousands of molecular variants to find the most effective compounds. This “AI and Life Sciences” approach is becoming a significant trend in Hong Kong.

Professor Wong also highlighted PolyU’s efforts beyond Hong Kong, fostering collaborations within the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The University’s partnership with Shenzhen’s Guangming District to establish a joint technology and innovation research institute made PolyU the first Hong Kong higher education institution to form a strategic partnership with the district.

He emphasised the growing collaboration in life sciences between Hong Kong and other GBA cities, each with unique strengths. Shenzhen's Guangming District offers land for large facilities, while Hong Kong excels in academic resources and attracting foreign professors for exchanges. Additionally, Hong Kong's status as a financial hub provides an edge in fundraising. Professor Wong believes that leveraging these complementary strengths will drive mutual development in the GBA, marking it as a major trend.

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Professor Wong’s interview: 21jingji.com