The ICCF-HKTDC survey of 172 Italian companies reveals strong interest in Asian expansion, with 77% planning further growth in the region — particularly in innovation/technology, healthcare, and retail/wholesale sectors. The Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong remain the top destinations. The majority of respondents believe Hong Kong can play a significant role in facilitating their future Asian expansion.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration recently adopted import and export restrictions on a central nervous system stimulant.

The risk of developing oral cancer rises with age, peaking in those over 65 years of age. Today’s standard treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or combinations of these. LightOx, a med-tech innovator, based in the UK, has developed a non-invasive, light-activated gel tailored to detect pre-cancerous oral lesions at the earliest stage. The company shares its technological innovation and business strategy with HKTDC Research.

Health Canada is seeking public input through 17 January on a proposal to amend the Medical Devices Regulations (Establishment Licences) in an effort to modernise the regulatory framework for medical device establishment licensing while maintaining oversight of the supply of medical devices in Canada.

On 17 October, the Guangdong Medical Products Administration released revised data collection interface integration guidelines and interface technical specifications for the data circulation management of Hong Kong and Macao-registered drugs and medical devices imported “for urgent clinical use” in Mainland areas of the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong holds significant advantages when it comes to expanding its biopharmaceutical sector. SinoMab aims to take advantage of these top-class scientific research capabilities, and combine them with resources from the Chinese mainland and overseas to commercialise biopharmaceutical innovations and expand into global markets.

The State Council recently adopted regulations on clinical research, clinical translational applications, and the supervision and administration of new biomedical technologies in China. The legislation will come into effect on 1 May 2026.

Enhanced collaboration in clinical research between technology firms and mainland medical institutions fosters technological innovation and facilitates the accumulation of clinical data, thereby expediting the development and implementation of advanced medical technologies and products. Furthermore, Hong Kong’s legal framework, which aligns closely with international standards, provides an optimal environment for enterprises to engage in negotiations with overseas partners.

The United States has delayed implementing a 100% tariff on Singapore’s patent pharmaceutical exports as stakeholders negotiate exemptions. Initially scheduled to take effect on 1 October, the tariff applies to patented and branded pharmaceutical exports, unless Singapore-based companies set up production facilities in the US.

AI technology is currently applied across various fields, including the biomedical sector. In Hong Kong, certain biomedical research and development companies have reduced product development timelines for new medicines by utilising AI platforms. These technologies have contributed to faster drug discovery and development, enabling medicines described as “first-in-class” to progress to clinical research and market introduction more quickly.