Call for funding model to draw investment from drug makers

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 2, 2026

AstraZeneca has urged Hong Kong to implement a new healthcare funding model to expand patient access to personalized medicine and lung cancer screening, highlighting its investment of over HK$200 million in local clinical trials. This approach is vital as lung cancer remains the city's deadliest cancer, and enhanced early detection and innovative treatments could significantly improve survival rates and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a medical research hub.

Hong Kong has the potential to attract increased global investment in biotechnology by developing a new financial model for healthcare funding, according to AstraZeneca, a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, England. Over the past three years, the firm has conducted more than 60 clinical trials in Hong Kong, investing over HK$200 million in the city’s research and development sector.

David Fredrickson, executive vice-president of AstraZeneca’s oncology business, said in an interview that Hong Kong remains a critical hub for medical research due to its strong scientific community and modern regulatory framework. However, he emphasized the need for updated funding mechanisms, including public financial support, to enable wider patient access to personalized medicine and innovative treatments.

Fredrickson highlighted lung cancer screening as a key area for development. He noted that early detection significantly improves patient outcomes, citing that the five-year survival rate for stage 1 lung cancer can reach approximately 80 percent, compared to around 15 percent for those diagnosed at the advanced stage 4. According to the Hospital Authority, lung cancer was the most common and deadliest form of cancer in Hong Kong in 2023, with 6,111 new cases and 3,880 deaths recorded.

The company’s call for action aligns with the Hong Kong government’s current focus on lung cancer screening. The chief executive has prioritized the initiative, and the Cancer Coordinating Committee, led by Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau, commissioned a local university to develop suitable lung cancer screening strategies for the city. Presently, Hong Kong’s government-backed screening programs include cervical, colorectal, and breast cancers but exclude lung cancer.

Fredrickson also pointed out that lung cancer screening programs exist in about 11 regions worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Taiwan, reflecting a growing global emphasis on early detection.

Beyond screening, the AstraZeneca executive stressed the necessity of integrating personalized medicine and sustainable funding for innovative drugs to improve lung cancer treatment outcomes. He expressed confidence that combining these elements would enable Hong Kong to make meaningful progress against lung cancer, benefiting patients and solidifying the city’s position as a leader in oncology research and development.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.