Health-tech Innovator Leverages Hong Kong’s Strengths for Global Impact
Base Therapeutics aims to use its Hong Kong office to access overseas markets, attract global talent and foster closer ties with international partners.
As an international financial hub, Hong Kong boasts a robust legal system, an international business environment and rich talent resources, all of which provide a favourable development setting for health-tech enterprises.
Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation and technology (I&T) environment provides a fertile ground for Base Therapeutics to thrive. Founded in 2021, Base Therapeutics is a health-tech enterprise focused on gene editing and cell therapy. Since its establishment, the company’s products and therapies have shown great potential in treating cancers, autoimmune diseases and chronic metabolic diseases.
To enhance its research, product development, and business capabilities, as well as to facilitate its global expansion plans, the Shanghai-based company established an office and research and development (R&D) centre in Hong Kong in July 2024.
Thriving I&T Ecosystem Propels Growth
“As an international financial hub, Hong Kong boasts a robust legal system, an international business environment and rich talent resources, all of which provide a favourable development setting for health-tech enterprises,” said Dr Forrest Xu, CEO of Base Therapeutics. Xu added that Base Therapeutics’ expansion to Hong Kong represents a significant step in the company’s global strategy.
With its office located in the government-funded Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Base Therapeutics benefits from a robust research environment and extensive business network. “We have also received a wide range of support from the government, including tax incentives, R&D funding, and talent introduction policies, which have been crucial in attracting I&T companies like Base Therapeutics to this city,” Xu said. “InvestHK offers invaluable support for our setup and expansion in Hong Kong. Their services ensure a smoother transition and enable us to thrive in this dynamic ecosystem.”
Realising Global Vision via Hong Kong
In addition to its business-friendly environment, Hong Kong’s strategic position in relation to both Mainland China and the rest of the world provides a key advantage for companies with a global vision.
“Base Therapeutics’ overseas expansion plans will be driven through its Hong Kong office,” Xu said. “In particular, the city’s positioning in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Belt and Road Initiative plays a pivotal role in the company’s plans to expand its market opportunities and promote the internationalisation of innovative therapies.”
Having recently commenced its operations in Hong Kong, Base Therapeutics is actively recruiting R&D staff, doctors and other personnel. “We believe that Hong Kong has a rich talent pool of talents capable of providing the scientific research, management, and operational expertise needed by the company,” said Xu, adding that the company will leverage Hong Kong’s international education background and multicultural environment to find high-quality candidates with an international mindset.
“By harnessing Hong Kong’s advantages, Base Therapeutics will drive forward its efforts in innovating and applying gene editing technology, advancing the gene and cell therapy industry, and developing groundbreaking therapies for diseases that currently lack effective treatments,” Xu concluded.
Fast Facts
- The company’s key solutions include the AccuBase® Base Editing System, a technology that is free-to-operate (FTO) worldwide
- In November 2024, the world’s first base-edited NK cell product received clinical trial approvals from both the US and Chinese regulatory authorities
- In September 2024, the company announced the completion of its A2 round of funding to support its R&D efforts
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