Hong Kong's New Drug Regulator: A Boost for Global Competitiveness

Audience members talk about the possibilities offered by the Center for Medicinal Product Regulation, as well as the challenges faced by quick-service restaurant companies.

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Last month, the Ministry of Health revealed the schedule for setting up the Medical Products Regulatory Authority (CMPR). Aligned with suggestions made in the chief executive's 2023 policy speech, along with the implementation of initial assessment of clinical information, this newly established regulatory body marks significant progress in the city's aspiration to be a worldwide center for health and medical advancement.

In order to draw investments and skilled professionals to Hong Kong, the CMPR must provide added benefits beyond current programs. Specifically, one initiative within the Greater Bay Area enables medicines and medical products approved in Hong Kong or Macao to receive faster entry into Mainland China via Guangdong Province.

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By April, 51 medications and 63 medical devices had received approval through the program. From April 2023 to September 2024, 18 of these drugs were authorized in four separate groups. To provide some perspective, Hong Kong has registered approximately 400 new pharmaceuticals within just one year.

Based on our evaluation, the majority of the 18 medications received their initial authorization in the U.S. via expedited or rare disease designation processes for treating critical illnesses. Eight medicines secured Hong Kong’s endorsement within two years following U.S. approval. The CMPR might allow Hong Kong to introduce additional novel treatments during a broader international timeframe.

As of September 2024, the average processing time under the Greater Bay Area initiative dropped to approximately six months. Following Guangdong's implementation of local laws, this period was reduced to just ten days. In contrast, Macau has become an attractive alternative, having authorized five medications prior to Hong Kong.

Out of the 18 medications, eight eventually received nationwide authorization, typically after an average period of 21 months following their first approval in Hong Kong or Macao. With drug manufacturers placing greater emphasis on launching products earlier in Mainland China, fewer medicines will have enough advance notice to effectively benefit from the measures related to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

With increasing regional and global rivalry, the CMPR needs to prioritize sectors where Hong Kong holds an advantage: efficiency and excellence, providing benchmarking benefits for other regions. It should emphasize technical approaches such as genetic and cellular therapies and investigate innovative techniques including organoid toxicity assessment or leveraging real-world data. Additionally, it must collaborate with entities like the Institute for Medical Advancement and Clinical Excellence and the Hospital Authority to guarantee that cutting-edge innovations are suggested and implemented within healthcare services, reaching those in need.

Junqiao Chen, a healthcare system collaborator from Roche in Hong Kong, and Junpeng Huang, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in pharmaceutical regulation and policy at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Quick-service restaurant brands need to adjust to evolving preferences

I am referring to "Why are Hong Kong fast food chains Cafe de Coral and Fairwood struggling during the economic decline?" July 6 )

Café de Coral and Fairwood have traditionally been seen as dining destinations for Hong Kong residents. However, are they still relevant today?

In order to draw in customers beyond the senior demographic, they must expand the range of cuisine available. Hong Kong’s community comprising various ethnic groups, such as Filipinos, Indonesians, and South Asians, is increasing. The preferences of these groups ought to be considered. Additionally, options like kids' meals and vegan dishes could also be introduced.

Business support approaches can be created. They may advertise their services through RedNote and additional online networking sites. Larger reductions might be provided during specific events like the Spring Festival and Christmas. Arrangements can be made to serve visitors from Mainland China and organize kids' celebration gatherings.

I trust that our familiar quick-service restaurant brands will endure during this challenging period.

Jacqueline Kwan, Sai Ying Pun

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