HKUMedXelerate2026 Top 10 Showcase (2nd Edition): First-in-Class Approaches to Liver Cancer
25 September 2026
HKUMed
Liver cancer remains a major health challenge in Hong Kong and across the region, standing out as one of the most difficult solid tumours to manage. In this second edition, we highlight two pioneering Faculty research teams pursuing first-in-class strategies to transform liver cancer treatment:
1️⃣ Killing from the Root - First-in-Class Cancer Stem Cell Inhibition Platform (Led by Prof. Stephanie Ma):
Backed by over 20 years of research into cancer "stemness"—a core driver of therapy resistance and tumour recurrence.
Focuses on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with an innovative portfolio featuring a neutralizing antibody targeting ANXA3 and a small molecule covalent inhibitor targeting AGPAT4.
The team has also pioneered the use of secretory ANXA3 levels (alone or with AFP) as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCC.
2️⃣ Δ42PD1 Antibody: A Novel Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer (Led by Prof. Zhiwei Chen):
Targets Δ42PD1, a PD-1 variant isoform that acts on TLR-4 signaling on cancer cells to trigger IL-6 release, accelerating T-cell exhaustion and driving immune evasion.
Orimmune’s anti-Δ42PD1 platform specifically blocks this interaction and synergizes with anti-PD-1 drugs to alleviate the inflammatory microenvironment and reverse T-cell exhaustion.
Offers a next-generation precision solution for tumours resistant to current checkpoint inhibitors.
Stay tuned as we continue our showcase next Tuesday, turning our focus to breakthrough projects in cardiometabolic disease led by Prof. Hung-Fat Tse and Prof. Yu Wang!
#HKUMed #HKUMedXelerate #TechnologyTransfer #BiomedicalInnovation #LiverCancer #CancerResearch #Immunotherapy #TranslationalResearch #Startups
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