The National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore and Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, have launched the Singapore-Shanghai Medical Innovation Centre (SSMIC) to foster collaborative healthcare innovations. Announced on 15 October during the 6th Singapore-Shanghai Comprehensive Cooperation Council meeting in Shanghai, the centre will focus on advancing breakthroughs in cell and gene therapy and orthopaedics.
The SSMIC is the first initiative from a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two hospitals in 2024, aiming to establish a framework for clinical cooperation. Co-chaired by Aymeric Lim, CEO of NUH, and Ning Guang, President of Ruijin Hospital, the centre will serve as a hub for developing medical technologies and conducting translational research.
Initial projects include clinical trials for a novel Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, which uses a patient’s immune system to target cancer cells. This personalised treatment aims to offer new hope to patients who have not responded to first-line cancer treatments. In orthopaedics, the focus will be on using 3D printing for musculoskeletal tumour resection and reconstruction, aiming to improve surgical outcomes and patient recovery.
Professor Aymeric Lim stated, “Through the SSMIC, we look forward to partnering with RJH with a common mission to advance real-world change in healthcare.” Ning Guang added, “With the support from Shanghai government and Singapore stakeholders, I have the faith that we will succeed.”
The SSMIC is designed to be a dynamic platform, with plans to expand its scope and explore further collaborations, ensuring a continuous pipeline of clinical breakthroughs.
