Novel Stem Cell-based Technology for Antiviral Discovery
Overview
With our proprietary Expanded Potential Stem Cell (EPSC) technology, we have developed a novel stem cell-based platform for rapidly identifying antiviral drug candidates. Our current high-content screening focuses on pathogenic coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza.
Commercialisation opportunities
Comprehensive CRO Services, co-development, technology/IP licensing
Problem addressed
Virologists and the pharmaceutical industry have traditionally relied on animal and/or abnormal cancer cell lines for viral studies and antiviral drug screening. These models have limitations in evaluating drug efficacy and safety in healthy humans, especially pregnant women.
Innovation
- Building upon our proprietary human Expanded Potential Stem Cell (hEPSC) technology, we have developed hEPSC-derived human trophoblast stem cell (hTSCs) models for antiviral screening and safety evaluation.
- These cells exhibit high susceptibility to multiple viruses and demonstrate exceptional sensitivity to antiviral drugs even at low concentrations, making them ideal for vast applications and drug screens.
Key impact
- Demonstrates an efficient, improved accuracy and cost-effective approach in drug screening
- Replaces reliance on animal or cancer cell lines with the world’s first Expanded Potential Stem Cell (EPSC) technology
- Provides valuable in vitro placenta models for testing the safety of various compounds
- Identifies promising drug candidates at the earliest stages, even before clinical trials, and validate and optimizes the development of health and antiviral products
Award
- HKU DeepTech 100 2023
- Silver Medal in the 48th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, 2023
- 2nd Runner up in the HKU MedTech Hackathon Hong Kong 2024
Application
- Ideal System for virology research of diverse viruses and discovery of potentially broad-spectrum antivirals
Project Members
- Professor Pengtao Liu - CTSCB Managing Director
- Professor Gordon Dougan - CTSCB Co-Director
- Professor Fang Liu - CTSCB Senior Scientific Director
- Dr. Degong Ruan - CTSCB Junior PI
Patent
- China patent No. 202111041730.2 (Granted)
- China patent NO. 202210631030.7 (Granted)
- US patent No. 18/345,934
- China patent No. PCT/CN2023/105028
- US patent No. US 10, 745, 670 B2
The Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology (CTSCB) gives Hong Kong a foot in the door in one of the most exciting areas of scientific and medical research. A team of world-leading scientists and clinicians, many of whom are authoritative voices in their respective fields, will work together to elevate stem cell technology to a new height. Leveraging on a world-leading patented technology in establishing Expanded Potential Stem Cells (EPSCs) from multiple mammalian species, including mouse, pig and human, the CTSCB team will devote their efforts to translating discoveries into regenerative medicine, organ transplantation and genomic medicine for the benefit of people around the world. The Centre will develop the next-generation stem cell technology for producing mature and functional cells for regenerative medicine. The use of patented technology enables in-depth study of human diseases such as autoimmune disease, liver and cardiovascular illnesses, and leads to faster development in cell-based therapy, organ transplantation and drug discovery.
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