December 6 - The InnoHK Summit 2023, organized by the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was held successfully at Hong Kong Science Park. Under the theme of "From Collaborative Research to Real World Impact",  the summit aims to showcase the latest innovation and technology (I&T) developments and breakthroughs of the InnoHK, Hong Kong's leading role as a global research collaboration hub, and its strengths in commercialization and talent development.  

Professor Pengtao Liu, Managing Director of CTSCB, and Professor Gordon Dougan, Co-Director of CTSCB were invited to deliver a speech at the InnoHK Summit 2023.  Their captivating presentation shed light on our latest breakthrough achievement by leveraging the Expanded Potential Stem Cell (EPSC) technology and its applications in the medical, biotechnological and agricultural sectors. They also highlighted the immense potential of EPSC technology, which has accelerated the development of natural products in antiviral and anti-ageing, as well as drug screening technology.

Photo shows the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong (front row, 10th left); the Founding President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences and Chairman of the InnoHK Steering Committee, Professor Tsui Lap-chee (front row, ninth left); the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Eddie Mak (front row, 10th right); the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee (front row, eighth left); and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTPC, Mr Albert Wong (front row, ninth right), Professor Pengtao Liu (front row, 3rd right), Professor Gordon Dougan (front row, 2nd right), Professor Bertie Göttgens (front row, 1st right) with directors of other InnoHK research centres and their non-local collaborators.

Professor Liu and Professor Dougan shared insights at the InnoHK Summit 2023.

April 28, 2023 - Leading by Prof. Pengtao Liu, Managing Director of CTSCB, the human Expanded Potential Stem Cells (hEPSCs) developed for anti-virus drug development help to generate trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), which express high levels of SARS-CoV-2 host factors and are highly susceptible to the viral infection. Remarkably, the infected eSTBs are 1,000 times more sensitive to antiviral drugs, making the TSC-STB platform a more ideal human cell source for viral production and performing antiviral discovery, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS, their variants, and the FDA approved anti-virus drugs and natural products.

From Left to Right: Professor Fang Liu , CTSCB Senior Scientific Director, and Dr. Degong Ruan, Platform Leader

Professor Liu briefing about anti-viral discovery to guests