Biopharma innovator pioneers next-generation ‘One-pill Solution’ for cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) diseases
Leveraging traditional medical knowledge and integrating it with modern, cutting-edge technologies, the company is developing a “one-pill solution” to tackle type 2 diabetes and other interconnected cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases.
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Diabetes is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most serious health challenges: nearly 589 million adults were living with the disease in 2024 and that number is expected to soar to 853 million by 2050. This means one in every eight adults will be affected, with 90 percent facing type 2 diabetes (T2D).
To help address this crisis, biopharmaceutical company HighTide Therapeutics Inc (HighTide) has unveiled a new molecular entity, HTD1801. It will be integrated into a one-pill solution designed to treat interrelated chronic cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) diseases such as T2D and disorders affecting other vital organs.
Her relatives’ experience inspired her to explore differentiated therapeutics that leverages active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine and translating them into Western pharmaceutical solutions. “We expect HTD1801 to become the backbone therapy for CKM diseases. It’s the world’s only clinical stage compound addressing CKM diseases through our unique dual mechanism,” she says.
World-first potential
HTD1801 was designed to target the CKM disease spectrum caused by insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. A first of its kind, it tackles the root causes of metabolic diseases through a dual mechanism: boosting the body’s energy regulator while calming harmful inflammation – all in a one-pill solution.
HighTide chemically fused two natural compounds – berberine and ursodeoxycholate (a bile acid) – into a breakthrough single molecule that delivers greater therapeutic effects than either ingredient alone. HTD1801 has the potential to simultaneously control blood sugar, improve liver and kidney function, and reduce inflammation in one unified pharmaceutical solution. To test its efficacy and safety, HighTide successfully completed over 10 clinical trials for HTD 1801 worldwide.
She expects to secure approval for a new drug application in China in 2027, while also pursuing global development through international partnerships.
Liu credits HighTide’s achievements to its integrated multidisciplinary team: “We constantly motivate each other. We all share a commitment to innovate drugs that improve patient outcomes worldwide.”
Advancing global standards in Hong Kong
Harnessing the expertise of local innovation and technology enterprises, Hong Kong has the potential to set a global standard for medicine originating from China and Asia – comparable to existing international benchmarks.
With advanced infrastructure, a well developed I&T ecosystem, and a diverse international talent pool, Hong Kong is also strengthening its regulatory science in pharmaceuticals. “The city’s regulatory agencies facilitate global development through clinical trials, building Hong Kong into a hub,” Liu says. “In the long term, this may help bring agencies on par with globally recognised ones such as the United States Food and Drug Administration. One day, Hong Kong may stand alongside Boston and San Francisco as a biotech innovation hub.”
Keep Up with faith in tradition
Reflecting on HighTide’s progress, Liu emphasises that traditional knowledge is not in conflict with modern science. “Sometimes traditional knowledge can be the foundation of modern science,” she says.
Technology evolves rapidly, and the biotech industry is driven by scientific and technological breakthroughs. “To stay competitive and create meaningful impact, we believe it’s essential to maintain a strong passion for innovation and continuous technological evolution,” Liu notes. “This mindset propels us to adapt quickly, explore new solutions, and translate emerging technologies into real world applications that benefit patients and society.”
As Hong Kong’s largest I&T ecosystem, HKSTP is home to more than 2,600 tech companies and nearly 25,000 dedicated innovators.
Resources and photo by : HighTide Therapeutics