How researchers want to develop drugs against autism and dementia from bacteria

Researchers in Hong Kong are working on producing drugs from bacteria to treat diseases such as autism and dementia. They plan to begin human trials as early as next year.

The centre, one of 29 government-funded R&D facilities under the InnoHK initiative in the Hong Kong Science Park, aims to use alternative approaches to find therapies for depression, autism and dementia.

“There are currently no solutions for these diseases,” said Professor Ng Siew Chien, co-director of the center and leading gastroenterologist.

“We see that many children and young people also suffer from depression at school, are stigmatized and have to take antidepressants.”