THE SECRETARY FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
VISITS EMERGING VIRAL DIAGNOSTICS’ PRODUCTION SITE
IN MARS CENTRE
Mr. Alfred Sit, JP, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Ms. Rebecca Pun, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, and Dr. Sunny Chai, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (“HKSTP”) visited Emerging Viral Diagnostics’ (“EVDL”) production site in MARS Centre at Taipo InnoPark by HKSTP.
MARS Centre at Taipo InnoPark by HKSTP houses companies with a focus on scientific research and development (R&D) and advanced manufacturing, and is especially tailored for production of medical device. The setup fits for production that requires high standards of precision, hygienic procedures as well as quality and it is a perfect match with EVDL’s innovation – Automated Multiplex Diagnostic System (the “System”). Dr. Terence Lau, President of EVDL, Executive Vice President and President of Diagnostic Division, Avalon BioMedical Management, has walked our honourable guests through the production site as well as the technology of EVDL’s System. During the tour, Dr. Lau, Mr. Alfred Sit, Ms. Rebecca Pun and the management of HKSTP had a fruitful discussion on the potential of EVDL’s System and some short-term and long-term development plans.
Demonstration of the Automated Multiplex Diagnostic System. The System can simultaneously detect 40+ pathogens causing respiratory tract infection, including SARS-2-CoV (COVID-19), in around an hour in a single test.
EVDL’s System is a multiplex Point-of-Care diagnostic tool that can simultaneously detect 40+ pathogens causing respiratory tract diseases in around an hour in a single test, including SARS-2-CoV (Covid-19) and its mutants. The technology is based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) with high sensitivity and specificity. Designed as a platform technology, its potential is limitless covering not only infectious respiratory diseases but also other medical and non-medical applications. The System is composed of three major elements: analytical device, microfluidic cartridge and control software. The production site in MARS Centre, including an ISO-certified cleanroom facility, will be customized for the production of reagents and assembly of microfluidic cartridge. Together with another workshop in Hong Kong for the manufacturing of analytical device and setting up of the control PC, the System will be a good demonstration of “Innovated, Designed and Made in Hong Kong” empowered by HKSTP, in alignment with the HKSAR’s re-industrialization plan and policy. We believe this will be one of our strengths in entering into the Greater Bay Area and the international markets.
Mr Alfred Sit (centre), JP, The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Ms Rebecca Pun (third right), JP, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Dr Sunny Chai (second left), the Chairman of the Board of Directors of HKSTP and Dr. HL Yiu (first right), Head of Re-Industrialization of HKSTP, took a group photo after the tour. The visit was accompanied by Dr. Terence Lau (third left), President of Emerging Viral Diagnostics and the research team.
The visit was a continuation of HKSTP’s launch success of its world-class flagship Advanced Manufacturing Centre (“AMC”) at Tseung Kwan O InnoPark in mid-April 2022, during which EVDL’s System was featured and Dr. Terence Lau was interviewed. With InnoPark’s pledge to “turn research into market-ready offerings”, we are confident the journey ahead will be a lot smoother. Having said that, we continue to strive for excellence in research & development, technology translation and advanced manufacturing.
Click below for the full press release by HKSAR and interview video by HKSTP:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/05/P2022050500586.htm?fontSize=1