HUTCHMED Establishes its International Research Centre at Hong Kong Science Park

(Hong Kong, 1 August 2024) – The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) welcomes HUTCHMED (China) Limited (HUTCHMED), a global biopharmaceutical company specialising in the discovery and development of novel oncology and immunology therapies, on its establishment of an international research and development (R&D) centre at the Hong Kong Science Park. The expansion exemplifies HUTCHMED’s ongoing commitment to advancing cancer treatment and fostering biotechnological innovations in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP; Gracie Ng, Chief of Staff of HKSTP; Dr Grace Lau, Head of Institute for Translational Research (ITR) of HKSTP; Dr Dan Eldar, Chairman of HUTCHMED; Dr Weiguo Su, CEO and CSO of HUTCHMED; Dr Michael Shi, Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer of HUTCHMED and notable representatives and guests from both HKSTP and HUTCHMED.

Founded in 2000, HUTCHMED has emerged from a trailblazer in novel drug discovery, to a major player in China’s biotech industry. Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and London Stock Exchange, Hong Kong remains the headquarters for HUTCHMED and is playing an increasingly important role to fuel its future growth.

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry said,” The Hong Kong Government’s commitment to enhancing Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities, particularly in the field of biotechnology, is unwavering. With our robust research capability, top-notch universities, advanced research facilities and increasingly vibrant ecosystem, Hong Kong is well-placed as one of the most desirable destinations to provide an integrated platform for biotech companies to innovate and translate their excellent R&D outcomes into clinical trials and commercialisation. The agglomeration of more biotech companies like HUTCHMED in Hong Kong will create synergies to further strengthen our city’s advantage in life and health technology industry.”

HUTCHMED plans to focus on translational research and AI-driven drug discovery and the development of therapeutics for novel targets and diseases with high unmet medical needs. Leveraging HKSTP’s thriving biotech ecosystem comprising over 270 companies, HUTCHMED is set to drive groundbreaking pharmaceutical interventions.

Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP said,” It is a thrilling moment as we welcome HUTCHMED’s landing at Science Park. HKSTP’s extensive network connects our companies with a global array of thousands of investors and partners, accelerating the development and deployment of innovative therapies. With HUTCHMED's expertise and commercialisation capabilities, the collaboration will provide invaluable insights to our local biotech firms and benefit the broader community.”

Dr Weiguo Su, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of HUTCHMED, said, “HUTCHMED has built a deep pipeline with multiple products approved in China and around the globe, with two of them also approved in Hong Kong. The establishment of the Research Centre in Hong Kong marks a new chapter for HUTCHMED. We believe it is an important step to accelerate and expand our global research and development activities. We are grateful for the support from the HKSAR government and the HKSTP, and look forward to working together in the future to bring more innovative therapies to patients worldwide.”

In January 2024, HUTCHMED became the first company to obtain marketing approval through HK Government’s "1+" mechanism for its drug ELUNATE® (fruquintinib), an oral therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. This milestone underscores HUTCHMED's leadership within the sector, offering hope and a new treatment option for local patients.

This state-of-the-art R&D centre at Science Park, together with HUTCHMED’s comprehensive experience and all-rounded capabilities, will propel the growth of local innovations, bolstering Hong Kong’s status as an international hub of biotechnology and life sciences.

Photo 1: HKSTP welcomes HUTCHMED on its establishment of an international R&D centre at Hong Kong Science Park. Distinguished guests include (from left) Dr Grace Lau, Head of Institute for Translational Research of HKSTP; Gracie Ng, Chief of Staff of HKSTP; Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP; Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Dr Weiguo Su, Director, CEO and CSO of HUTCHMED; Dr Dan Eldar, Chairman of HUTCHMED and Edith Shih, Director and Company Secretary of HUTCHMED.