#Hong Kong #Health Technology #HKBU #Terence Lau

HKBU’s Automated Multiplex Diagnostics System: A WHO-Endorsed Healthcare Innovation

In a significant recognition of its innovative approach to healthcare, the Automated Multiplex Diagnostics System developed by Professor Terence Lau, the Interim Chief Innovation Officer at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), has received a commendation from the World Health Organization (WHO). The system has been included in the WHO's 2024 Compendium of Innovative Health Technologies for Low-Resource Settings. This acknowledgment highlights its potential to enhance health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to effective healthcare technologies is limited.

Addressing the Healthcare Challenge

The WHO's Compendium aims to identify viable health technologies that can improve access to effective healthcare, especially in environments that lack resources. With the increasing burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes, the need for innovative healthcare solutions has never been more critical.

The Automated Multiplex Diagnostics System stands out due to its ability to detect 42 different respiratory pathogens within a remarkably short timeframe of approximately 1.5 hours. This capacity is particularly valuable for rapid diagnosis and subsequent treatment protocols.

Technological Features and Advantages

What makes this diagnostic system unique is its all-in-one design, which incorporates an analytical machine, a microfluidic reagent cartridge, and advanced software. This innovative setup automates conventional laboratory-based PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) processes, which traditionally require numerous resources and trained personnel.

Professor Lau explains that the system's proprietary design allows it to detect various pathogens, including 28 viruses, 11 bacteria, and 3 fungi, without needing extensive laboratory facilities. This feature is particularly advantageous for healthcare settings in regions that may not have access to high-end medical equipment.

Additionally, the system boasts significant cost advantages, reduced turnaround time for testing results, and the capability to analyze multiple targets simultaneously. Recognized as one of the leading prototypes in the compendium, it has achieved a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 8, indicating that it has successfully undergone large-scale testing.

From Research to Market

Since its inception in 2015, the project has evolved significantly, especially spurred by the urgency for decentralized diagnostics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the global demand for timely health assessments, the system was further refined to identify up to 40 targets, including the virus responsible for the outbreak.

The startup co-founded by Professor Lau plays a pivotal role in the commercial viability of the system. Currently, they have established ISO 13485 accredited production facilities in Hong Kong and Mainland China, making quality healthcare solutions accessible to various hospitals and clinics.

A Vision for Equitable Access

Professor Lau expresses a vision that extends beyond just diagnostics, stating, "With this system, we will be able to provide a comprehensive solution that can eventually promote equitable access and decentralized testing for an effective and high-quality healthcare system, which WHO emphasizes." The aim is to ensure that even the most remote communities can access necessary healthcare diagnostics swiftly and reliably.

The project's impacts have also rippled through the research community, culminating in clinical evaluations conducted in public hospitals. Additionally, surveillance research initiatives have commenced in China, focusing on detecting emerging pathogen trends and potential outbreaks.

Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, encapsulates the spirit of this project, emphasizing the journey from academic research to real-world implementation, showcasing the commitment of HKBU scientists to leverage their expertise for societal benefits, not just within Hong Kong but across the globe.

As health challenges continue to evolve, innovative solutions like the Automated Multiplex Diagnostics System represent a crucial step towards ensuring healthcare equity and accessibility for all, particularly those in low-resource settings. As WHO continues to advocate for such technologies, the partnership between academia, industry, and public health sectors will play a vital role in transforming such innovative groundwork into practical health solutions.