Founders of Hong Kong genetics firm turn research project into action plan to improve care for patients of hereditary brain disease
- Duo behind Codex Genetics specialise in DNA sequencing and want to cut waiting time and cost for tests on spinocerebellar ataxia sufferers
An academic quest by two founders of a Hong Kong genetics firm has blossomed into an action plan to cut waiting time and costs for tests on patients with a hereditary brain disease.
Aldrin Yim Kay-yuen, who was involved in a project on spinocerebellar ataxia carried out by scientists and postgraduate students at Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the idea of applying his knowledge to improving patient care crossed his mind in 2013.
As part of the research team, the former biochemistry postgraduate student delved into the profiles of patients. “I found that every case was a human story. I then thought that data gathered from our patients should be used to help them,” Yim said.
His view was echoed by teammate Allen Yu Chi-shing, who was then also a biochemistry student at the university. “We wanted to do more in addition to writing academic papers.”