RCMI members showcased cutting-edge research at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. Prof. WONG Man Sau, DoRCMI, received the Silver Medal, while Dr SETO Sai-wang, ADoRCMI, and Prof. Samuel LO earned the Bronze Medal.
RCMI researchers showcased pioneering research at the prestigious 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, the world's largest annual event devoted exclusively to invention. Prof. WONG Man Sau, Director of RCMI, was honored with the Silver Medal for her “Invention and Application of Vitamin D Supplement Preparations”.
This invention involves a novel vitamin D supplement preparation and its application. The vitamin D supplement contains two active ingredients: calcitriol and oleanolic acid. Oleanolic acid is a natural product that boosts the activity of CYP27B1 (a vitamin D3 bioactivation enzyme) at low concentrations in bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblasts, thereby enhancing the synthesis of bioactive vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and promoting osteogenesis. The invention uses an oily mixture formulation of low-concentration oleanolic acid and 25(OH)D3, which is more effective in promoting osteoblast differentiation than using either ingredient alone. The oily mixture also increases the bioavailability of oleanolic acid, significantly reducing the amount needed and alleviating the toxic effects of high-dose oral administration of the natural product on tissues and cells. This vitamin D supplement preparation can be used to prevent and treat bone diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency.Dr. SETO Sai-wang, Associate Director of RCMI, and Professor Samuel LO were awarded the Bronze Medal for their exceptional contributions for“Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Hat to Limit Dementia Progression”. The TENS Hat is a head-mounted device that delivers a constant ultra-low current to stimulate specific acupoints in the head region through the skin. It can effectively slow cognitive decline in patients with mild dementia. Treatments to stop the progression of dementia, or cure it, are limited. The available medicines only help with managing symptoms temporarily, often with many side effects. The TENS Hat combines TENS and practice of Chinese medicine to create a novel, patented, wearable headset optimised for cognitive enhancement.
Their accolades at the exhibition underscore RCMI members' commitment to pioneering research and innovation in the global landscape.
