The Department of Microbiology at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity (SIIDB) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on drug development. This strategic partnership aims to establish the United Research Center of Innovative Drugs for Major Infectious Diseases at SIIDB in Shanghai, focusing on the development of innovative drugs to combat infectious diseases.
Joint Research and Academic Endeavors
Under this partnership, the two institutes will engage in joint research projects, seminars, academic conferences, and various student exchange programs. These collaborative efforts are designed to foster a deeper understanding of infectious diseases and accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments.
Preparedness for Future Epidemic Outbreaks
The partnership is formed with the future in mind, anticipating the potential for new epidemic outbreaks. As Professor Yuen Kowk-yung, chair of infectious diseases at HKU, noted, “Judging from the increasing trajectory of emerging infectious disease outbreaks, it is more likely than not that more such outbreaks will come in the next ten years, of which one of them will cause another pandemic.”
The Importance of Proactive Research and Development
The history of recent epidemics, including H5N1 Avian Flu in 1997, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, H1N1 Pandemic Flu in 2009, H7N9 Avian Flu in 2012, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2013, Zika in 2015, and COVID-19 in 2019, underscores the importance of proactive research and development in the field of infectious diseases. This collaboration between HKU and SIIDB is a significant step towards enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for future public health challenges.-Fineline Info & Tech
