Investigation Reveals Unlicensed Cancer-Prevention Injections Sold in Hong Kong
HK01 · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
An HK01 investigation has uncovered the sale of unlicensed WT1 cancer-prevention injections in Hong Kong, with companies promoting these unregistered products on mainland social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu. The investigation found that organizations operating from non-clinic locations are administering the injections to customers, many of whom travel from mainland China. The Health Department stated it considered WT1 not suitable for Hong Kong, yet advertisements for these products remain active online despite previous regulatory actions.
Key Points
- Unlicensed WT1 injections marketed as "cancer-prevention vaccines" are being sold by organizations including Asia Regenerative Medicine and Asia Pacific Medical Center
- The products are manufactured by German company Miltenyi Biotec for laboratory use only, not direct human injection
- A promoter identified as Lo Yuen-yee claimed the injections have "no side effects, only no effect" during sales pitches
- HK01 reporters observed at least six customers at Asia Pacific Medical Center within one hour, with most speaking Mandarin and some specifically attending for WT1 injections
- In 2021, HK01 exposed a similar case involving a registered doctor smuggling cell therapies from Shenzhen, but no one was prosecuted or disciplined
- The Medical Council declined to comment on whether any investigation was conducted or concluded regarding the 2021 case
Why It Matters
This investigation reveals persistent gaps in Hong Kong's healthcare regulation, where unlicensed treatments continue to operate despite media exposure and official warnings. The lack of accountability following the 2021 smuggling case appears to have emboldened operators to adopt more overt marketing tactics, putting public health at risk and undermining confidence in Hong Kong's medical profession .
This investigation reveals persistent gaps in Hong Kong's healthcare regulation, where unlicensed treatments continue to operate despite media exposure and official warnings. The lack of accountability following the 2021 smuggling case appears to have emboldened operators to adopt more overt marketing tactics, putting public health at risk and undermining confidence in Hong Kong's medical profession .