5 May 2025
Professor Victor Lee, Chairperson of Clinical Oncology at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), in collaboration with ZERO Biotech, has been awarded a gold medal at the prestigious Inventions Geneva 2025 for their innovative platform designed for the administration of Lutetium-177 DOTATOC peptide receptor radionuclide therapy(PRRT).
The winning platform represents a significant advancement in the delivery of targeted radiotherapy for neuroendocrine tumors. This innovative system optimizes the administration of Lutetium-177 DOTATOC, a specialized radiopharmaceutical that targets somatostatin 2 receptors on cancer cells. The platform was already implemented to treat over 15 Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) patients, supported by the generous sponsorship of Li Ka Shing Foundation “Love Can Help” Medical Assistance Programme.
The invention addresses key challenges in radioactive drug handling and administration, improving treatment outcomes for patients while reducing side effects, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
The winning of the award not only gives confidence for this HKU-ZERO biotech partnership to bring local innovations to an international arena, but also builds the foundation for alliance of the university and the company to co-develop novel radiopharmaceuticals to benefit patients in the globe in the future.
The Inventions Geneva exhibition, known for showcasing groundbreaking innovations in healthcare and technology, attracts participants from over 40 countries annually.
