ACE NanoMed is proud to announce that the groundbreaking research on the mRNA drug for treating nasopharyngeal cancer, titled " New mRNA drugs for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (治療鼻咽癌 mRNA 新藥物) " has been recognized as one of the top 10 innovative science news stories in Hong Kong. This accolade highlights the public’s growing concern about nasopharyngeal cancer and its significant societal impact. The selection is part of the annual "Hong Kong Top 10 Innovative Science News" organized by the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre since 2020, celebrating significant research achievements in the region.
The 2024 selection process invited participation from local universities, tech innovation hubs, research parks, and major media outlets. The Centre curated a pool of 70 noteworthy local science and research stories from the past year, allowing the public to vote online for the top ten.
Nasopharyngeal cancer, commonly known as "Guangdong tumor," is prevalent in South China and primarily associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Professors K.W. Lo and Anna Tsang, CUHK’s professors & founders of ACE NanoMed, together with the research teams, have developed an innovative mRNA-based therapy targeting EBV to selectively eliminate cancer cells carrying the virus. This research addresses a pressing public health concern, offering hope for improved treatment options.
Preliminary results in mouse models demonstrate promising therapeutic effects, with potential synergies when combined with immunotherapy. This breakthrough not only provides a new treatment avenue for nasopharyngeal cancer but also offers insights into treating other EBV-related cancers. The findings have been published in the prestigious international journal Nature Communications.
Professor Anna Tsang stated, "Our research represents a significant advancement in the fight against nasopharyngeal cancer, a disease that greatly affects our community. We are honored to receive this recognition and remain committed to translating our research into effective therapies that can benefit society at large."