HK harnesses biopharma innovation

April 3, 2026

Global reach:

Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences at Invest Hong Kong Andy Wong says a major attraction for firms is that Hong Kong aligns with the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme.

Policy drive:

Mainland-based biopharma technology company founder Frank Su says he leveraged Hong Kong’s talent policies and robust science and technology support in establishing a research and development base at the Hong Kong Science Park.

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Voiceover:

Frank Su established a biopharmaceutical technology company in 2016. Boasting research and development (or R&D) centres in both the Chinese Mainland and the US, it concentrates on pioneering cell therapy projects. The founder says he values Hong Kong's strong intellectual property protections and the exceptional R&D standards of its medical schools highly – and in 2024, he decided to establish a new R&D base at the Hong Kong Science Park, leveraging both robust science and technology support from the Government and the city’s progressive talent policies.

Biopharmaceutical company Chief Executive Officer Frank Su: 

For our industry, the biopharma or biotech industry, we are a very talent-driven and capital-driven industry. From the beginning, to build up the ecosystem (as a) better fit for the industry, each company, needs more investment here. So, these programmes can help our company and our peers (meaning) they could move here more smoothly. I think it is important (that it) can lower down our investment risk and increase our long-term confidence in Hong Kong.

Voiceover:

Invest Hong Kong is actively bidding to lure companies that produce advanced therapeutic products, or ATP, to establish operations in the city. One major attraction is that Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical standards facilitate seamless access to global markets.

Invest Hong Kong Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences Andy Wong:

In 2020, we amended the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance. (Now) we have to make sure that, for the ATP products, no matter (whether) it is (for) clinical trials or manufacturing, (they) have to be according to the standard called PIC/S (Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme). In 2016, we became a participating member of this standard. If a company who comes to Hong Kong to do clinical trials, because we are under PIC/S, the result that you did will be recognised by the other members. For example, the UK, Canada, Australia, the European (Union). That is why for Mainland companies, they will select Hong Kong to do clinical trials, or even product development. Through Hong Kong, they can go global easily.

On April 17, we will have a forum, which is talking about ATP products. We have invited Government officials to talk about the ATP regulation, the latest update, and then industry experts to talk about the PIC/S, how the PIC/S works and how they can use the PIC/S system to go global.

Voiceover:

In addition, Invest Hong Kong opens doors to growth and innovation by offering comprehensive support to companies looking to set up, expand, and scale in Hong Kong.

A major focus of the work of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is in enticing companies from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to explore international business opportunities through Hong Kong. Biopharmaceutical companies focused on advanced therapeutic products (ATP) are a key target sector in this endeavour.

Frank Su founded a Mainland-based biopharma technology company in 2016. Boasting research and development (R&D) centres in both the Chinese Mainland and the US, the company concentrates on pioneering cell therapy projects.

Recognising Hong Kong’s strong intellectual property protections and the exceptional R&D standards of its medical schools, in 2024 Mr Su opted to establish a new R&D base at the Hong Kong Science Park. In doing so, he was able to leverage both robust science and technology support from the Government, and the city’s progressive talent policies.

Policy support

“The biopharma or biotech industry is highly driven by talent and capital,” Mr Su remarked. “To enhance the ecosystem for the sector, companies require increased investment. Programmes like the Clinical Translational Catalyst from the Science Park, and the Research Talent Hub, can facilitate smoother transitions for our company and peers. These initiatives are crucial for reducing investment risks and boosting our long-term confidence in Hong Kong.”

Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences at InvestHK Andy Wong stressed that one major attraction for firms is that Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical standards facilitate seamless access to global markets. In particular, he highlighted that the city amended the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance in 2020, mandating that ATP clinical trials and manufacturing must adhere to global standards under the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).

Global pathway

Mr Wong explained: “In 2016, the Pharmacy & Poisons Board of Hong Kong became a participating authority of PIC/S. If a company conducts clinical trials in Hong Kong, the results will be recognised by other PIC/S members, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This recognition is why many Mainland companies choose Hong Kong for clinical trials and product development, as it provides a pathway to global markets.”

On April 17, InvestHK will host a forum on ATP, at which government officials will explain the latest regulations and industry experts will gather to discuss the benefits of PIC/S, recent ATP developments, and how firms can leverage the PIC/S system to expand their global operations.

Mr Wong emphasised that department opens doors to growth and innovation by offering comprehensive support to companies looking to set up, expand, and scale in Hong Kong.