From Lab to Life: Our Breakthrough Eczema Management

HK Research Delivers Tangible Patient Benefits Strategic Alliance with Anitch and Watsons HK Empowers the Local Community Propels HK Science to the Global Stage - Redefining Eczema Care for a New Era

[Hong Kong — February 12, 2026] Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) remains one of Hong Kong’s most persistent health challenges, affecting one in five residents. For decades, hundreds of thousands of patients have been trapped in a gruelling cycle of inflammation, itching, and drug dependency. Today, a decade-long research initiative led by the research team from the Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) marks a revolutionary milestone in global dermatology, transitioning a homegrown scientific breakthrough from the laboratory to the international stage.

Advancing Beyond Traditional Care: Decoding the “Virulence” Mechanism

Traditional eczema management often leans toward temporary symptom suppression or indiscriminate sterilization. While topical steroids or antibiotics offer short-term relief, they fail to address the underlying drivers of skin barrier damage and chronic relapse. Furthermore, prolonged use carries risks of skin atrophy and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

The research team from the Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, after more than ten years of in-depth research, has achieved a global first by decoding the core mechanism of recurrent eczema: the over-proliferation of S. aureus and its release of virulence factors. These toxins are the primary drivers of inflammation and the chief obstacles to skin barrier repair.

HKU Develops Plant-Based Formula “Anesinin”: A Paradigm Shift in “Coexistence” Management

Translating this discovery into a tangible solution, the HKU team has successfully developed Anesinin, a plant-based composite formula. The breakthrough of this technology lies in the fact that it does not blindly kill bacteria, Anesinin employs a high-tech “taming” mechanism that precisely inhibits the virulence factors of S. aureus without destroying the microbiome, neutralizing the triggers for itching and inflammation at the source. This breakthrough breaks the vicious cycle of eczema and offers a sustainable, drug-free alternative for long-term skin health.

A Landmark in “Gov-Industry-Academia-Research” Synergy:Developed in Hong Kong, Moving Toward the International Stage

Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine at HKU and Director of the InnoHK Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics (CVVT), stated: “This achievement is a testament to the power of the ‘Government-Industry-Academia-Research’ collaboration model. By bridging frontier research with industrialization and retail expertise, we have created a value chain that transforms top-tier science into profound social well-being.”

Professor Richard Kao of the Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, further explained: “Our decade of research on eczema and S. aureus has finally borne fruit. By discovering that the key to relapse lies in bacterial toxins rather than the bacteria themselves, we have shifted the treatment paradigm from ‘eradication’ to ‘coexistence.’ The birth of Anesinin, realized through industrialization and commercialization via the Anitch brand, marks the successful transformation of our research into an influential product. This is not only the pride of Hong Kong’s scientific research but also brings new beacon of hope for eczema sufferers worldwide.”

Empowering the Community: Strategic Launch at Watsons HK

To ensure this innovation is accessible to the public, Anitch has launched its eczema repair series featuring Anesinin at Watsons Hong Kong. Vincent Lo, Chief Pharmacist of Watsons Hong Kong, pointed out: “As a health and beauty retailer deeply rooted in the community, Watsons Hong Kong’s frontline pharmacists see firsthand the helplessness of patients dealing with chronic eczema. We often encounter patients looking for complementary, non-medicinal options to support their skin health over the long term. There is a clear demand for safe, science-backed solutions that work alongside traditional care. By partnering with Anitch to bring this science-backed innovation to our shelves, we are providing the community with a reliable, high-quality management tool that significantly improves quality of life.”

Hong Kong Scientific Research Leading International Health-Tech to New Heights

In strategic partnership with the InnoHK Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics and Antenovus at the Hong Kong Science Park, this homegrown solution is set to expand beyond Hong Kong into Greater China, Asia, and European markets through the Watsons network. The project is expected to respond to the vast demand of approximately 800 million eczema patients worldwide through accessible retail channels. This project not only demonstrates Hong Kong’s deep research heritage but also enhances the competitiveness of the city in the international health technology field.

This breakthrough in eczema management is more than an academic milestone; it is a people-centric social innovation that utilizes science to solve a major community pain point. It signifies that Hong Kong’s research is firmly moving from the laboratory into daily life, enhancing the quality of life and bringing the dawn of long-term health to countless families troubled by eczema.

Image Captions:

(From Left to Right): Mr. Herman Lau, Chairman of Antenovus Biotechnology Limited (Antenovus); Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Mr. Vincent Lo, Chief Pharmacist of Watsons Hong Kong; Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, and Managing Director of the InnoHK Centre for Virology, Vaccinology, and Therapeutics (CVVT); Professor Richard Kao, Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong; Ms. Winnie Chan, Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (Research Clusters) of the Innovation and Technology Commission; and Ms. Vivian Ng, Assistant Director of the Technology Transfer Unit at the University of Hong Kong.

(From Left to Right) Mr. Vincent Lo, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, and Professor Richard Kao celebrate the official launch

Professor Yuen Kwok-yung highlights the success of the “Gov-Industry-Academia-Research” model in bringing HK innovations to public life.

Professor Richard Kao presents the decade-long findings on S. aureus and the breakthrough mechanism of Anesinin.

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About Antenovus Biotechnology Limited (Antenovus)

Antenovus is a HKU biotechnology startup dedicated to providing natural, sustainable, and non-antibiotic solutions to combat microbial infections and related diseases. With advanced derivative technology originating from the University of Hong Kong, an internationally renowned scientific advisory team, and highly accomplished board members from diverse backgrounds, the company works together to realize a vision that integrates traditional wisdom and innovative technology, contributing to the improvement of human life by harnessing the power of nature.

About the InnoHK Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics (CVVT), HKU

CVVT is a research centre funded by the InnoHK initiative of the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government. Led by renowned virologist Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, the Centre brings together top international scientific research talents to focus on the development of respiratory virus vaccines, antimicrobial agents, and rapid diagnostic tool innovations It aims to proactively address emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats – such as COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and avian influenza – by translating research into practical applications to mitigate their impact on public health and the economy, ultimately establishing Hong Kong into a global hub for virology and vaccine R&D.

About Anitch 

Anitch is an innovative skincare brand in Hong Kong focusing on eczema care. It has developed a series of natural botanical products such as barrier repair body creams and emergency ointments containing the breakthrough ingredient Anesinin. It can effectively tame S. aureus, stopping it from discharging virulence factors, and soothing itching, inflammation, redness, and skin barrier damage caused by eczema. It is suitable for the whole family, including infants and young children. These products effectively promote microbiome balance and help long-term management of eczema symptoms to avoid recurrence. Many Hong Kong users have shared that their skin returned to health after use. All products are produced in Australian GMP standard factories.