The Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology (HKIB) Advanced Therapy Products (ATP) GMP Centre represents a significant breakthrough in local ATP manufacturing for cell therapy. As the first PIC/S GMP certified facility in Hong Kong that manufactures for patients, it specializes in producing CAR-T cells for clinical trials, ensuring international highest standards of production and compliance under the regulation of the Department of Health. This pioneering facility enhances Hong Kong's research capabilities, educational opportunities, and economic impact, while greatly improving patient access to advanced therapies.
The Centre's key activities include manufacturing CAR-T cells for clinical trials, preparing students for careers in cell and gene therapy (CGT), providing GMP training programs, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Led by Dr. Gina Jiang and a team of experts, the Centre has released five batches of CUCART19 as of March 2025, benefiting pediatric and adult patients.
Looking ahead, the Centre's future includes adding mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to the manufacturing scope, collaborate with clinical teams further to expand CAR-T and MSC indications to treat a broader range of diseases, technological improvements to enhance efficiency and efficacy, cost reduction strategies to make treatments more accessible, and personalized therapy through automation and AI integration. These advancements are poised to accelerate cutting-edge treatments availabilities to more patients.
While HKIB ATP GMP Centre is at its early operation phase, the visible societal impacts it has already generated marks a milestone in medical technology application and a beacon of hope for patients seeking life-saving treatments.
