Background
Gina Jiang, the managing director of the Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology (HKIB), has carved out a unique path in the world of translational medicine. Born to an orthopaedic surgeon and an oil painter, Jiang’s background is a blend of scientific rigor and creative thinking. She holds a degree in general medicine from Peking University but chose to focus on making new therapies accessible to patients rather than becoming a medical doctor or clinical researcher. Her 20-plus-year career has been dedicated to bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, ensuring that groundbreaking treatments reach those who need them most (https://www.scmp.com/postmag/passions/article/3301295/hong-kong-biotech-leader-forging-ahead-groundbreaking-cancer-therapies).
Key Insights
Translational Medicine and CAR-T Cell Therapy
Gina Jiang’s role at the HKIB is akin to conducting an orchestra, coordinating a diverse team of scientists, medical manufacturing experts, engineers, and clinicians. The institute is at the forefront of producing CAR-T cell treatments, a form of immunotherapy that involves genetically engineering T cells from a patient’s own white blood cells to attack cancer cells. This multimillion-dollar therapy is currently available to a select group of patients at the Prince of Wales and Hong Kong Children’s hospitals, offering hope to those who have not responded to conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation (https://www.scmp.com/postmag/passions/article/3301295/hong-kong-biotech-leader-forging-ahead-groundbreaking-cancer-therapies).
Building Medical Technology Companies
Jiang’s expertise extends beyond her role at the HKIB. She has a track record of building successful medical technology companies, including FGMi Inc., which focuses on analyzing patient needs to expedite the transition from research to application. Her approach is deeply rooted in understanding and addressing the specific needs of patients, a philosophy that has guided her throughout her career. In 2017, she co-founded Design Thinking Foundry, a social enterprise that places patient experience at the center of medical technology design. This innovative approach ensures that the technologies developed are not only scientifically sound but also user-friendly and effective in real-world settings (https://www.scmp.com/postmag/passions/article/3301295/hong-kong-biotech-leader-forging-ahead-groundbreaking-cancer-therapies).
The Impact of Cell Therapy
While cell therapy is not a miracle cure, it has shown promising results and brought hope to many patients. Jiang emphasizes the ongoing nature of the research and the visible improvements she has witnessed, which continue to motivate her and her team. The HKIB also produces other cell and gene therapy products, biologics, and traditional Chinese medicine, further expanding its impact on patient care (https://www.scmp.com/postmag/passions/article/3301295/hong-kong-biotech-leader-forging-ahead-groundbreaking-cancer-therapies).
Conclusion
Gina Jiang’s journey from a medical degree to a leading role in translational medicine exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary thinking and patient-centered innovation. Her work at the HKIB, particularly in the development and application of CAR-T cell therapy, is a testament to the potential of biotechnology to transform patient care. By bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical practice, Jiang and her team are making a significant impact on the lives of cancer patients in Hong Kong and beyond. Her commitment to understanding and addressing patient needs through initiatives like Design Thinking Foundry further underscores the importance of a holistic approach to medical technology. As the field of biotechnology continues to evolve, Jiang’s pioneering efforts serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future of healthcare (https://www.scmp.com/postmag/passions/article/3301295/hong-kong-biotech-leader-forging-ahead-groundbreaking-cancer-therapies).
