Dr Chong Wai Po awarded Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP-MSTB)

We are excited to share that Dr Chong Wai Po, Associate Professor from the School of Chinese Medicine, has received more than HK$2.4 million of funding from the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) (Mid-stream, theme-based).

Dr Chong’s project, titled “The Role of Interleukin 24 in Regulating Ocular Inflammation: A Novel Cytokine for the Treatment of Autoimmune Uveitis,” will explore how Interleukin 24 (IL-24) can mitigate eye inflammation and prevent vision loss resulting from the immune system erroneously targeting the body's own tissues. His research team includes Dr Ren Kangning from the Faculty of Science and other collaborators from Hong Kong and the USA. The research team has verified the safety and efficacy of IL-24, and will further explore the mechanisms of IL-24 while developing an innovative delivery method for controlled and sustained release. This project aims to establish the foundation for clinical trials to assess IL-24 as a potential therapeutic option for eye inflammation.

The Innovation and Technology Support Programme seeks to advance innovative research and foster collaboration across disciplines among UGC-funded universities and top research institutes worldwide. Its goal is to enhance research capabilities and create practical solutions that positively impact society.

We extend our congratulations to Dr Chong for securing this significant funding, which will advance the field of biomedicine and benefit numerous individuals.