2024 Policy Address: HK to be hub for health innovation

It will also engage with Shenzhen to collaborate on clinical trials.

The government will leverage both technological and institutional innovation to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub, according to Chief Executive John Lee's Policy Address. 

Key reforms aim to expedite the approval processes for drugs and medical services, enhance clinical trial infrastructure, and promote the application of biomedical research in clinical settings.

The "1+" drug approval mechanism will speed up the registration process and be extended to all new items, including vaccines and advanced therapy products. The government will begin preparatory work for regulating medical devices, with plans to establish a Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation, adopting “primary evaluation” and measures to facilitate research and development.

Hong Kong will also engage with Shenzhen to create the Greater Bay Area Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform, fostering cross-border medical innovation. A Real-World Study and Application Centre will be established to integrate local health and medical data, enhancing cooperation on the use of Hong Kong-registered drugs and devices in public hospitals.