Outstanding Achievements From CVVT at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva
- CVVT
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
We are incredibly proud to announce that the InnoHK Centre for Virology, Vaccinology, and Therapeutics (InnoHK CVVT) has been awarded five medals at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva for our advancements in biomedicine and biotechnology.
From March 11th to 15th, CVVT made its mark on the global stage, sending five teams to the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2026. They joined over 1,000 innovations from more than 40 countries, showcasing the depth of talent within our research center.
Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury:
A Novel Immunisation Method and Powder: Gaining Immunity Against the Three Major Respiratory Viruses Through Home-Based Toothbrushing
This invention introduces a home-based immunisation method integrated into weekly toothbrushing using a specific 3-in-1 powder that induces mucosal protection against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV after five once-weekly brushing applications.
Principle Investigator:
Prof. Raven Kin-Hang KOK, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU
Gold Medal Invention:
Development of a Functional Nasal Mucociliary Organoid Model: Benchmarking the Next Generation of Pre-Clinical Disease Modelling
We have developed a validated mucociliary nasal organoid with accurate architecture and diverse cell types, surpassing existing models. Its surface features actively beating cilia and a mucin layer, demonstrating a functional mucociliary system, this is an unprecedented achievement first shown by our work. This model has been effectively used in infection studies, drug testing, and genetic disease modeling. As a benchmark of functional organoids, it offers a faster, cost-effective platform for human clinical trials, reducing variability and advancing medical research.
Principle Investigators:
Prof. Man Lung YEUNG, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU
Prof. Jade Lee-Lee TENG, Associate Professor, Applied Oral Sciences & Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, HKU
Gold Medal Invention:
Sialic Acid-Anchored Neutralizing Antibody Against Diverse Pathogenic Influenza Viruses
Researchers at the Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), have developed a novel bispecific broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb), M‑SiaB, which provides potent protection against both seasonal influenza and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in preclinical models. By simultaneously targeting the influenza virus and its receptor on human cells, M‑SiaB overcomes key limitations of existing antibody therapies and represents a promising new strategy for pandemic influenza preparedness.
Principle Investigators:
Prof. Zhiwei CHEN, Chair Professor of Immunology & Immunotherapy; Suen Chi-Sun Professor in Clinical Science; Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine; Director of AIDS Institute, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU
Prof. Runhong ZHOU, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU
Gold Medal Invention:
Design of a Toxin Export System-Targeting mRNA Vaccine Against Staphylococcus aureus Infection
The emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has underscored the urgent need for a vaccine. Our vaccine targets a unique toxin export system, which is highly conserved among S. aureus clinical isolates. The blockade of this export system by vaccine-induced antibodies results in the accumulation of toxins inside S. aureus and the subsequent death of the pathogen. The use of mRNA-LNP technology circumvents the sophisticated protein purification of vaccines, making it economically feasible for large-scale production.
Principle Investigator:
Prof. Jian-dong HUANG, Professor, L & T Charitable Foundation Professor in Biomedical Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU
Silver Medal Award:
The Mini Tongue: Modeling Taste, Sensing the Future
The "Mini Tongue" is the first functional organoid that replicates all five human tastes in real time. Its realistic, self-renewing structure offers potential for future tissue repair. Ready for market, it serves as a biosensor for the pharmaceutical industry to screen drug palatability and for the food sector to optimise flavors efficiently. It also models taste-loss conditions such as Long COVID, accelerating research while setting a new ethical standard for product development and disease therapy.
Principle Investigators:
Prof. Jade Lee-Lee TENG, Associate Professor, Applied Oral Sciences & Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, HKU
Prof. Man Lung YEUNG, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU
Participation in events like the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva is more than just an opportunity to showcase our work, it is a reaffirmation of why CVVT exists.
As we welcome our researchers home, we remain determined in our mission to push the boundaries of innovation, transforming bold ideas into tangible solutions for the control and prevention of infectious diseases.
