Hong Kong biotechnology provides its expertise for epidemic prevention and control
Donation of ERT-PCR technology for new coronavirus detection

On 3^rd March 2020 - Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization (HKBIO) cooperated with various biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to hold a press conference in Hong Kong Science Technology Parks Corporation, announcing that Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited will be donating its independently developed ‘ERT-PCR technology for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus testing’ to the community. The ‘ERT-PCR technology for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus testing’ will be available for free use for all medical and scientific institutions in need, and if required technical support can be provided. By making this technology publicly available, it will be more readily implemented thus, effectively alleviating problems such as inaccurate detection, high false negative rates, and long waiting times for patients.

In the opening speech, Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited Chairman Albert Yu said: “Accurate diagnosis of potential viral infections is necessary in effective intervention against infectious outbreaks, and is especially important to reduce chances of transmission. It needs rapid accurate detection. We have donated our ERT-PCR technology, in hopes to provide our own strengths and contribute to the community. We are working towards fighting the new coronavirus epidemic in collaboration with all sectors in the community to protect the safety and health of the public. "

In the two-month struggle with the new coronavirus epidemic, multiple countries have made the effort to control this epidemic. However, the spread of the virus continues, with the number of confirmed new cases multiplying every day. Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited’s ERT-PCR technology is most suitable for this situation because the technology is both highly accurate and sensitive, further its ability to analyze a large number samples at one time makes this method of detection effective and efficient. When the outbreak of SARS was at large 17 years ago, Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited with Philip K.H. Wong Foundation’s support developed an enhanced fluorescence real-time PCR (ERT-PCR) technology and successfully applied it in clinical diagnosis. In response to this new coronavirus epidemic, Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited held a special R & D group meeting on "New Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection" in Hong Kong and Beijing, and planned to provide an improved method for detection for public use. Despite the limited resources and urgent timeframe, Hai Kang Life’s Hong Kong and Beijing R & D teams worked together to overcome all technical difficulties and successfully developed a rapid detection method suitable for the new coronavirus, in order to provide a more sensitive and accurate platform to be utilized in prevention and control.

Hai Kang Life Cooperation Limited Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Ye Zhaoyang, with R & D team members Dr. Timothy Ho and Dr. Jodie Xu introduced the ERT-PCR technology at the press conference: "Our team has only one aim and that is to focus all our energies into sharing our expertise and experiences to do more for ourselves, family and community in order to win this battle."

Q&A

Q:　What is the difference between ERT-PCR and other detection technologies?
A:　ERT-PCR is at least ten times more sensitive than other methods. It uses an extra set of primers and an additional round of amplification of the target sequence to increase sensitivity and specificity.

Q:　 Is ERT-PCR the most sensitive nucleic acid detection method in the world?
A:　 The sensitivity of ERT-PCR has already reached the highest level of sensitivity, and requires only one copy of the target sequence in order to be detected. We will continue to use clinical samples for validation.

Q:　Current methods can be completed in one hour. Why does the ERT-PCR test take 3-4 hours? How much does it cost?
A:　Compared to the current method ERT-PCR involves an additional round of amplification of the target sequence to increase sensitivity, so it takes more time. Needless to say, we need to sacrifice time in exchange for sensitivity. In terms of cost, considering only the cost of reagents, each reaction is about HK $ 50.

Q:　Why is ERT-PCR technology not on the market?
A:　ERT-PCR technology is patented by Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited, we are working on expanding its application in different fields. In general, the commonly used RT-PCR and other methods are sufficient for their particular purposes. However, in the current epidemic situation, we think it should be the first choice as a detection method.

Q:　If the new coronavirus mutates, can you successfully detect it?
A:　This is dependent on the location of the mutation. The materials used to target COVID-19 are designed from the conserved regions of the sequence which have a low chance of mutating. Therefore, if a new strain of coronavirus emerges, we are most likely able to detect the conserved sequences ensuring the integrity of the technique. Nevertheless, we are confident in any additional approaches needed for precise differentiation.

Q:　How is ERT-PCR technology operated and applied?
A:　We have prepared operation manuals and video guides for the use of ERT-PCR technology. If required, we can provide training to technicians with the relevant operating experience. Due to its high sensitivity, ERT-PCR technology detection can be applied to the general community and medical teams involved in combatting coronavirus for early diagnosis.

Video guidance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDb4nn4dQsE


In addition, Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization was joined by other biotech and pharmaceutical companies: Philip K.H. Wong Foundation, GeneHarbor (Hong Kong) Technologies Limited, Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited, eNano Health Limited, Cellomics International Limited and Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited, to provide resources against the new coronavirus epidemic by donating masks, alcohol hand rubs, and nutritional supplements to those in need.

Donation summary:

Philip K.H. Wong Foundation: 10,000 masks
Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited: 10,000 masks
GeneHarbor (Hong Kong) Technologies Limited: total of HK$ 150,000 worth of their NMN9000 supplement
Cellomics International Limited: 100 alcohol-based handrubs

 

Finally, Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization (HKBIO) will host the first ever Hong Kong International Biotechnology Exhibition BIOHK2020 from August 19 to 22, 2020. We invite you to attend Hong Kong's first international biotechnology convention which includes Exhibitions, Conference and Pitch Sessions, One2One Partnering Program.

Exhibition: Pitch and Connect your company to the international biotech scene and vast China market for trading and collaboration opportunities

Conference and Pitch Sessions: Share and Inspire through invaluable discussions about the latest regional and international research findings and industry trends

One2One Partnering: Promote and Establish your company as ‘one to watch’ in the biotech marketplace by identifying and meeting prospective partners

Please contact us or send us questions of interest and concern. Our team will always be here to help you and look forward to seeing you in August 2020!
 
Visit BIOHK2020 website for more details：www.bio-hk.com or Contact us (Email：info@bio-hk.com  | Tel：2799 7688)