Establishment of Asia’s First Integrated Organoid-Based Precision Medicine Centre in Hong Kong, Aiming to Drive Translational Impact from Bench to Real-World Application
- CVVT
- 14 hours ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HONG KONG, China, 31 March 2026 – BiomOrgan Limited (BiomOrgan), InnoHK Centre for Virology, Vaccinology, and Therapeutics (CVVT), MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (MGI), and clinical oncology partner Professor Dora Kwong today announced the strategic collaboration and the establishment of PDOHub™ HK, Asia’s first integrated Organoid-Based Precision Medicine Centre. This strategic collaboration harnesses cutting-edge organoid technology, automation, and clinical expertise to accelerate precision medicine, inform clinical decisions, and advance translational research across oncology and infectious diseases.
Asia’s first integrated PDOHub™ HK
The Strategic Collaboration Agreement reflects the parties’ shared commitment to establish and operate a dedicated centre for patient-derived organoid (PDO)-based technologies that advance precision medicine, clinical decision-making, and translational research across multiple disease areas. PDOHub™ HK (PDOHub) will serve as a central hub for developing and scaling organoid‑based applications that connect cutting‑edge science with clinical practice. By enabling patient‑specific insights, the initiative empowers researchers and healthcare partners to accelerate discovery and refine therapeutic strategies across infectious diseases, oncology, and other emerging health challenges—positioning PDOHub as a leading organoid‑driven precision medicine centre in Asia.
A Decade of Organoid Innovation Powers PDOHub™ HK
Organoids—advanced 3D cell cultures derived from patient tissues—closely mimic the structure, function, and genetics of real organs, enabling precise disease modelling, drug testing, and personalised treatment insights. Named the 2017 Technology of the Year in Life Sciences by Nature Methods, organoids represent a transformative tool in biomedical research.
For nearly a decade, a research team led by Professor ZHOU Jie and Professor YUEN Kwok-yung from the Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), and CVVT has been at the forefront of organoid innovation. They established the world’s first comprehensive set of long-term expandable human respiratory organoid culture systems. They have further optimised this technology into a versatile platform that spans the entire respiratory tract, providing robust foundation for advanced respiratory disease research and translational applications. Professor YUEN Kwok-yung, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed and Managing Director of CVVT, said: “Our leadership in the field of emerging infectious diseases and nearly 10 years of organoid research have built a strong scientific foundation for PDOHub. Initially focused on research applications, we are now partnering with industry and clinical experts to translate this technology into precision medicine solutions that directly benefit patients and society.”
Joint effort by “Industry-Academic-Research” Synergy:
Under the collaboration, BiomOrgan and CVVT provide the scientific foundation for PDOHub operations. BiomOrgan leverages its patented platform and proprietary know-how to drive oncology PDO services, while CVVT contributes its patented platform for infectious disease applications. Together, they will lead business development and market engagement to expand PDOHub's presence and impact across local and international markets.
MGI will empower the initiative by co-developing the automation systems for organoid-based antibody testing and providing high-throughput sequencing platforms for patient-derived organoids. These technical contributions will enhance PDOHub’s ability to generate high-quality, data-driven insights and expand its capacity for advanced organoid-based research and innovation.
Professor Dora KWONG serves as PDOHub Honorary Clinical Advisor (Oncology), offering clinical insights to advance patient-centred tumour-organoid applications. She will guide therapeutic agent selection for organoid panels, clinical study design, and translational focus—identifying opportunities in early detection, treatment stratification, and long-term outcomes.
BiomOrgan is committed to supporting eligible cancer patients in accessing the Tumour Organoid Drug Sensitivity Test, an in‑vitro laboratory assessment that evaluates how patient‑derived tumour organoids respond to different therapeutic options. The programme provides clinicians with additional scientific insights that may be considered alongside other clinical inputs. Access is available for multiple cancer types, including esophageal, stomach, colorectal, triple‑negative breast, and lung cancers. Eligibility will be assessed in collaboration with participating clinicians to ensure equitable access.
The partnership extends into translational infectious-disease research, combining BiomOrgan and CVVT's patented organoid platforms for screening antiviral drugs and antibodies—and vaccine development with MGI's automation technologies. This joint effort builds faster, scalable laboratory systems to study virus-host interactions and evaluate the efficacy of antiviral drugs and vaccines, strengthening Hong Kong's pandemic preparedness through rapid scientific insights to improve public health.
Dr. ZHANG Yong, CEO of BiomOrgan Limited, said: “This collaboration marks a major step forward in strengthening Hong Kong’s position in organoid innovation and precision medicine. At BiomOrgan, we are dedicated to turning patient‑derived organoid technologies into real‑world solutions that drive scientific progress and public benefit. By enhancing our oncology and infectious disease platforms, PDOHub will offer faster, more actionable insights that support data‑driven decision‑making across research, healthcare, and public health.”
Professor ZHOU Jie, Founder of BiomOrgan and Principal Investigator in CVVT, added: “The launch of PDOHub represents a turning point in our vision to bring cutting‑edge academic research into clinical impact. Through the integration of MGI’s automation and sequencing strengths with our organoid platforms, we are opening new possibilities in precision medicine and developing strategies against infectious diseases.”
Mr Duncan YU, President of MGI, states: “At MGI, we are committed to empowering global life science community with advanced, user-friendly and intelligent tools. The collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing global health through cutting-edge technology and scientific innovation. By integrating our sequencing platforms and intelligent laboratory workflows into PDOHub™ HK, we are establishing a standardized, high-quality paradigm to make precision oncology more accessible. Together with BiomOrgan and CVVT, we aim to accelerate the translation of organoid-based research, driving biomedical innovation across Hong Kong, GBA and wider Asia-Pacific region. ”
Professor Dora KWONG, Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed, commented: “Understanding cancer biology in depth is key to designing the next generation of patient‑centred therapies. Tumour‑organoid platforms open new ways to explore disease behaviour and refine treatment strategies. I’m pleased to contribute clinical insights as PDOHub drives science‑led progress in this rapidly advancing field.”
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Image Captions:
1. Logo of PDOHub
2. Signing Ceremony
Front Row (Left to Right): Professor KWONG Lai Wan Dora, Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed; Dr ZHANG Yong, CEO of BiomOrgan Limited; Professor ZHOU Jie, Founder of BiomOrgan and Principal Investigator of CVVT; Dr LIU Xin, Vice President of MGI. Back Row (Left to Right): Dr. Paul WANG, Director of Techno-Entrepreneurship Core, HKU; Professor YUEN Kwok-yung, Managing Director of CVVT and Chair Professor in the Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed; Mr YU Tak Kin Duncan, President of MGI; Mr TU Haiming, Member of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC.
3. Professor YUEN Kwok-yung and Professor ZHOU Jie, along with the officiating guests, unveiled the Asia’s First Integrated Organoid-Based Precision Medicine Centre - PDOHub
(Left to Right): Dr HUANG Lin, Chief Scientific Officer of BiomOrgan Limited; Dr Andrew LEE, Assistant Director of CVVT; Dr LIU Xin, Vice President of MGI; Dr ZHANG Yong, CEO of BiomOrgan Limited; Mr YU Tak Kin Duncan, President of MGI; Dr LO Ching Man, Maggie, Chief Manager (Life and Health Technology), OASES; Professor YUEN Kwok‑yung, Managing Director of CVVT and Chair Professor in the Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed; Professor ZHOU Jie, Founder of BiomOrgan and Principal Investigator of CVVT; Mr TU Haiming, Member of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC; Dr. Paul WANG, Director of Techno-Entrepreneurship Core, HKU; Professor KWONG Lai Wan Dora, Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed; Mr Benson TO, Chief Operating Officer of BiomOrgan Limited.
About BiomOrgan Limited
BiomOrgan is a Hong Kong-based life science company founded in 2021 at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks. A spin-off from the Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, it is the first company in the Asia-Pacific region to develop and commercialize a leading respiratory organoid platform. Leveraging proprietary organoid technology and high-efficiency culture systems, BiomOrgan supports academic, pharmaceutical, and biotech partners in accelerating biomedical research, disease modelling, drug screening, and therapeutic development.
About InnoHK Centre for Virology, Vaccinology, and Therapeutics (CVVT), HKU
CVVT is an R&D Centre funded by the InnoHK initiative under the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Pepublic of China. Led by renowned virologist Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, the Centre brings together top international scientific research talents in the development of respiratory virus vaccines, antimicrobial agents, rapid diagnostics, and organoid modelling technology. It aims to proactively address emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats by translating research into practical applications to mitigate their impact on public health and the economy.
About MGI
Founded in 2016, MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. As one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers, MGI empowers global users with scalable sequencing capabilities ranging from Gb to Tb levels. MGI also stands out as one of the only providers of a full-stack product portfolio that spans three core segments: SEQ ALL (short- and long-read sequencing), GLI (Generative Lab Intelligence), and Multi-Omics.
About Professor Dora KWONG
Professor Dora Kwong is a Clinical Professor of Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine at HKUMed, known for her leadership in treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), as well as other head and neck and upper GI cancers. She introduced IMRT for NPC in Hong Kong and helped establish concurrent chemoradiotherapy as standard care. Her work spans advanced radiotherapy, multidisciplinary cancer treatment, and research on biomarkers that improve early detection, treatment precision, and long‑term quality of life.
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