Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Developing Innovative Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing global health challenge, driven in part by a rapidly aging population. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, yet much of its complex biology remains to be uncovered. It leads to progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and difficulties in daily tasks and communication, placing a heavy burden on patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare systems.

In recent years, the approval of anti-amyloid drugs for Alzheimer’s disease has brought new hope and has highlighted a fundamental point: the earlier we can track disease biology, the more effectively we can intervene. Despite major progress in the field, there remains a critical need for more accessible diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, and a deeper understanding of the disease’s molecular mechanisms.

The InnoHK Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (InnoHK HKCeND) was established in 2020 to bridge the gap between world-class research and clinical impact in neurodegenerative diseases.

Building on the pioneering work of the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience (currently the State Key Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders) at HKUST, InnoHK HKCeND aims to advance neurodegenerative disease research and translate scientific discoveries into innovative diagnostics and therapeutics to revolutionize disease management and improve quality of life worldwide.

Led by prominent HKUST scientists, InnoHK HKCeND is dedicated to delivering innovative diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, addressing the urgent health challenges of global population aging.

Supported by the InnoHK initiative, InnoHK HKCeND brings together leading scientists worldwide to advance collaborative, multi-disciplinary research on neurodegenerative diseases.

Our blood testing technologies for early detection and personalized management of Alzheimer’s disease have been translated into practical applications, benefiting the community.

InnoHK HKCeND recognizes that Alzheimer’s disease is a multifactorial condition influenced by various biological processes, including immune function, vascular health, and metabolism. The Center employs a comprehensive, integrative approach aimed at identifying biomarkers for the disease and uncovering therapeutic targets for effective drug development. Through diligent biomarker discovery and mechanistic research, researchers at InnoHK HKCeND have made significant strides in elucidating the biology of Alzheimer’s disease. They have particularly advanced blood-based biomarkers for diagnostic purposes and identified novel targets for therapeutic strategies, paving the way for more precise and personalized disease management.

To expedite the translation of laboratory insights into real-world applications, the Center is advancing three interrelated research programs:

• Identifying genetic and protein biomarkers: This program focuses on building an integrative human multi-omics database to uncover critical genetic and protein biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Uncovering novel therapeutic targets: Researchers aim to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease and identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to innovative treatment options.
• Developing advanced research tools: The Center is dedicated to creating innovative tools that enhance Alzheimer’s disease research and facilitate the development of new therapeutics.

By integrating advanced technology platforms with comprehensive multi-omics data and diverse model systems, these programs provide a robust foundation for innovative drug and diagnostic development, driving progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Collaboration with academic, research, clinical, and industry partners is an integral part of the Center’s strategy. In parallel, the Center is nurturing the next generation of life science leaders through training and career opportunities, contributing to the growth of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem.