如何減少家居剩餘藥物？
大家在新年前執拾家居時也許會發現一些過期藥物。這些過期藥物應該如何處理呢？

由於香港並沒有一個中央系統處理家居藥餘，坊間的建議就是將這些藥物包好，然後當成固體垃圾處理。至於大型的醫療機構則會安排藥物送去作化學廢物處理。然而，不適當處理藥物，例如將藥物傾倒於污水系統，會對環境造成污染。最近的研究發現，香港的河流中存在抗生素和糖尿病藥物的殘留物，這些殘留物最終可能會影響到人類的健康。即使過往某些連鎖藥房和非牟利機構進行過藥物回收計劃，令這些藥物可被妥善處理，但因為藥物不可回收再使用，最後也是浪費了本身應有的效用。

那麼我們可以源頭減「廢」嗎？大部分患有長期病患的病人家中總會有多餘的藥物，這可能是因為有需要時服用的藥物並沒有完全服用，或者覆診後轉了藥，舊的藥物已經不再需要。市民在看醫生前，可以先了解自己是否真的需要再取藥，如果家中已有足夠的藥物，可以避免重複取藥，減少浪費。

另外，將配藥周期縮短也可以減少因病情變化或藥物更換而產生的藥物浪費。每次取短期藥物不僅可以獲得較新的藥物，還能將因轉藥而多出藥物的機會減到最低。

這些措施不僅有助於保護環境，還能減少公共資源的浪費。希望大家可以減少家中多餘藥物的產生，從源頭減少藥物浪費，共同為環保出一分力。

2025年02月24日
譚宛婷
香港大學李嘉誠醫學院
藥理及藥劑學系講師

<刊載於《am730》>

Proper Disposal and Reduction of Household Medication Waste in Hong Kong
As households thoroughly clean for the Lunar New Year, many may discover expired or unused medications tucked away in drawers or cabinets. Proper disposal of these pharmaceuticals is essential—not only for household safety but also for environmental protection.

Hong Kong currently lacks a centralised system for the disposal of household pharmaceutical waste. As a result, the prevailing recommendation is to securely wrap expired medications and dispose of them with general solid waste. In contrast, large healthcare institutions typically manage pharmaceutical waste through chemical waste treatment processes. Improper disposal methods, such as flushing medications down the toilet or sink, pose significant environmental risks. Recent studies have detected residues of antibiotics and diabetes medications in local rivers, raising concerns about long-term ecological impacts and potential threats to human health. Although some non-profit organisations and pharmacy chains have previously launched drug take-back initiatives, these programs are limited in scope. Moreover, since returned medications cannot be reused or used in patients who benefit from them, their therapeutic value is ultimately lost.

Reducing pharmaceutical waste at its source is crucial to addressing this issue more sustainably. Patients with chronic conditions often accumulate surplus medications due to changes in prescriptions or incomplete courses of treatment. Before collecting new prescriptions, patients are encouraged to review their existing supplies and consult their healthcare providers to avoid unnecessary refills.

Another effective strategy is shortening the duration of prescription cycles. Dispensing medications in smaller quantities allows for more timely adjustments in treatment plans and minimises the risk of surplus medications due to changes in a patient’s condition. Minimising medication waste conserves public healthcare resources and contributes to environmental sustainability.

By adopting more mindful practices—such as reviewing medication needs before doctor visits and supporting shorter prescription cycles—individuals can play a meaningful role in reducing pharmaceutical waste. Together, we can take proactive steps to protect our environment and ensure the responsible use of medical resources.

24 February 2025
Ms Tam Yuen Ting Eliza
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong

https://www.med.hku.hk/zh-hk/media/knowledge-exchange/newspaper-columns/2025/feb/am730_20250224

藥到病除的「藥到」
不時聽到「藥到病除」，究竟「藥」怎樣「到」？「到」哪裡？又怎樣做「到」「病除」？

給藥的途徑，最常見是口服和注射，口服方式對病人最為方便，本文先談口服藥物怎樣去「到」體內不同地方。

口服藥物可呈固體或液體狀，吞下後首先經過胃部、腸道，後者中的小腸為主要吸收藥物進血液的位置。接著，藥物透過(小腸血管中的)血液被帶到肝臟，也有小部分藥物未被吸收而直接經腸道由糞便排出。

肝臟細胞中含有種類豐富的酵素，一般會對不同藥物進行化學分解，分解後的藥物通常會失去藥性。未被分解的藥物才會經肝臟靜脈被帶到心臟，再經心臟輸出到身體各器官。

心臟會把一部分藥物輸送到有「病」的地方，也會輸送藥物到如腎臟等，繼而把藥物排出體外。而有一些藥物也會再次被送到肝臟，在該處接受再一次化學分解。因此，身體循環系統內的藥物，會隨時間過去而逐漸減少。

這也解釋到為何一般療程，病人需要定時服用或注射藥物，以維持體內有一定分量的藥物，透過血液供應足夠藥物到有「病」的身體部位產生藥效。

要留意的是，當專業醫護人員按病況決定給藥的安排後，病人務必要謹慎遵照指示服藥。同一種藥物的劑量及效果可能因為該藥是藥丸(藥錠)或膠囊而有所不同。

至於藥物可做「到」的藥效，會因病情、個別藥物而異，但藥物的作用原理大致相同，這方面就留待下一次再說明。

2025年02月17日
梁偉文博士
香港大學李嘉誠醫學院
藥理及藥劑學系高級講師

<刊載於《am730》>

What Happens to a Drug after We Take It?
There is a common phrase in Chinese that literally translates into "drug reaches, disease treated", but how does a drug “reach" its target site to treat a disease?

Drugs are commonly administered by oral and injectional routes, with oral administration being the most convenient for the patient. This article will discuss how oral drugs reach various parts of the body. Oral drugs can be in solid or liquid form. After swallowing, they first pass through the stomach and intestines, with the small intestine being the primary location for the absorption of the drug into the bloodstream. A small portion of the drug may not be absorbed and may be directly excreted via the intestines as faeces before absorption.

Next, the drug is transported to the liver by blood vessels in the small intestine. Liver cells contain a variety of enzymes that chemically break down many drugs. Most drugs lose their biological activity afterward. Only the original, active drugs are transported from the liver via the hepatic vein to the heart, and then from the heart to various organs of the body for potential drug action.

The heart sends a portion of the drug to diseased area(s) as well as to organs like kidneys, which then excrete the drug from the body. Some drugs are also transported back to the liver for further chemical breakdown. As a result, drug concentration in the body gradually decreases over time.

This process of repeated drug circulation and breakdown explains why patients often need to take or be administered drugs at regular intervals. The purpose is to maintain an adequate level of drug in the circulation, so that therapeutic effect can be achieved at the diseased body parts.

It is important to note that once a treatment plan has been determined by healthcare professionals, patients should carefully follow the instructions in taking the drug(s). The dosage and effectiveness of the same drug may vary depending on whether it is in pill or capsule form.

As for the effectiveness of drugs, that would vary depending on the specific condition and drug choices. However, the principle of how drugs work at their targets are largely the same. More on this will be explained next time.

17 February 2025
Dr Liang Willmann
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong

https://www.med.hku.hk/zh-hk/media/knowledge-exchange/newspaper-columns/2025/feb/am730_20250217

了解香港兒童免疫接種計劃　確保孩子應有保護
香港的兒童免疫接種計劃由衛生署推行，旨在通過免費接種疫苗來預防多種傳染病，包括乙型肝炎、白喉、破傷風、百日咳、麻疹、腮腺炎和德國麻疹等。該計劃涵蓋了從出生到小學階段的所有兒童，確保他們在成長過程中得到全面的保護。然而，許多家長對此計劃的了解仍然不足，可能導致一些兒童未能及時接種適當的疫苗。因此，我們希望通過這篇文章為家長們提供一些建議。

首先，家長應該熟悉香港兒童免疫接種計劃的接種時間表，確保孩子在適當的年齡接種相應的疫苗。這些訊息可以在衛生署的網站上找到，或者向家庭醫生或兒科醫生諮詢。家長應定期檢查孩子的疫苗接種記錄，確保沒有漏接的疫苗。如果發現有漏接的情況，應盡快尋求醫護人員的建議並安排補種。

此外，當計劃帶孩子出國旅行時，請務必檢查並確保孩子已接種所有必要的疫苗。雖然香港的兒童免疫計劃涵蓋了多種常見疾病，但某些國家可能存在其他風險，需要額外的疫苗接種。例如，某些地區可能需要黃熱病、傷寒或狂犬病疫苗。為了孩子的健康和安全，建議在出發前諮詢醫生或旅遊醫學專家，了解目的地的疫苗要求，並確保孩子的疫苗接種記錄是最新的。這樣可以有效預防疾病，讓旅程更加安心愉快。

疫苗接種是預防傳染病最有效的方法之一。通過接種疫苗，兒童可以獲得對多種嚴重疾病的免疫力，減少患病風險。此外，當大多數兒童接種疫苗後，社區內的傳染病傳播風險也會大大降低，達到「群體免疫」。這不僅保護了接種者，也保護了那些因健康原因無法接種疫苗的兒童。希望家長能夠提高對疫苗的認識，一起守護兒童的健康。

2025年02月10日
朱幗珮
香港大學李嘉誠醫學院
藥理及藥劑學系高級講師

<刊載於《am730》>

Understanding Hong Kong's Childhood Immunization Program to Ensure Proper Protection for Children
The Hong Kong Childhood Immunization Program (HKCIP), implemented by the Department of Health, aims to prevent various infectious diseases through the provision of free vaccinations for children. These include hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, and rubella etc. The HKCIP covers all children from birth to primary school, ensuring comprehensive protection as they grow. However, many parents may still be quite unfamiliar with the program, which may result in some children missing timely vaccinations. This article provides recommendations to help parents stay informed.

Firstly, parents should be familiar with the HKCIP immunization schedule to ensure that their children receive the appropriate vaccines at the right age. Information can be found on the Department of Health's website or by consulting family doctors or pediatricians. It is important for parents to check their children’s immunization records regularly to avoid missing any doses. If a child has missed a vaccine, parents should seek medical advice and arrange for catch-up vaccinations as soon as possible.

Additionally, when planning to travel abroad with children, parents should check and ensure that their children have received all the necessary vaccinations. While the HKCIP covers many common infectious diseases, some countries may pose additional risks that require extra vaccinations, such as yellow fever, typhoid, or rabies. To ensure children's health and safety, parents should consult a doctor or travel medicine specialist before departure to understand the vaccine requirements of the destination and update vaccination records accordingly. This helps prevent disease and ensures a safer, more enjoyable trip.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. By getting vaccinated, children gain immunity against serious illnesses and reduce health risks. Furthermore, when most children are immunized, the spread of infectious diseases within the community is significantly reduced, achieving herd immunity. This not only protects those who receive vaccines but also safeguards children who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Let’s all help raise awareness of vaccinations among our community to help protect our children's health against infectious diseases!

10 February 2025
Ms Chu Kwok Pui Jody
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong

https://www.med.hku.hk/zh-hk/media/knowledge-exchange/newspaper-columns/2025/feb/am730_20250210

醫療大數據對香港經濟的影響
上次我們提到公共大數據在醫療的應用會為香港帶來更多機遇，今次就討論一下香港如何能利用醫療大數據發展出新出路以及其對經濟的影響。

香港公共醫療衛生開支每年超過一千億港元，醫療大數據對經濟其中一個最直接的影響是提高醫療系統效率和降低成本。通過分析患者的病歷數據，醫生可更精確地診斷疾病，制訂更有效及個人化的治療方案。這不僅縮短了患者恢復時間，還減少不必要的醫療支出。此外，大數據還能幫助醫療機構改善資源分配。在不增加太多成本的情況下，機構可以通過分析大型醫院內部的營運數據，發現並改進流程中的瓶頸問題，從而提高醫療服務的質素和效率。

大數據更能推動創新藥物研發和臨床試驗。傳統的藥物研發過程往往耗時且成本高昂，而大數據的應用正能改變現狀。通過分析大量的基因、病歷和實驗數據，研究人員可以更快發現新藥物的潛在目標，縮短研發周期。同時，醫療大數據能讓我們了解不同藥物的新功能，達到「老藥新用」的效果。

醫療大數據在政府公共衛生政策的制訂和實施方面也發揮了關鍵作用。政府可通過分析醫療數據了解疾病傳播趨勢、評估干預措施的效果，並制訂更加科學的防疫策略。例如新冠疫情期間，香港政府就曾根據港大醫學院研究團隊利用大數據分析出來的結果來制訂相關政策。另外，我們在2023年亦帶領一個多國的研究隊伍，利用大數據發現了2050年全球的髖骨骨折數目將會有兩倍的增長。這對全球的健康政策制訂都有重大的影響。

總括而言，醫療大數據在提升醫療效率、降低成本、推動創新和協助政策制訂等方面的應用，都為經濟增長提供了強勁的動力。未來，隨技術不斷發展，這些領域的潛力將進一步被挖掘，為香港及全球經濟帶來更多的機遇。因此，大數據不僅是醫療行業的變革力量，也是全球經濟發展的重要推手。各國政府、企業和科研機構應該加強合作，共同推進醫療大數據的發展與應用，實現醫療和經濟的雙贏。

2025年02月03日
黃志基教授及張正龍副教授
香港大學李嘉誠醫學院
藥理及藥劑學系

<刊載於《am730》>

The Impact of Healthcare Big Data on Hong Kong's Economy
Last time, we explored how public big data in healthcare is opening new opportunities for Hong Kong. Now, let’s delve into how Hong Kong can leverage healthcare big data to carve out new pathways and its profound impact on the economy.

Hong Kong’s annual public healthcare expenditure exceeds HK$100 billion, and one of the most immediate economic benefits of healthcare big data lies in boosting healthcare system efficiency and reducing costs. By analyzing patient records, doctors can diagnose conditions with greater precision and design more effective, personalized treatment plans. This not only accelerates patient recovery but also cuts down on unnecessary medical expenses. Additionally, big data enables healthcare institutions to optimize resource allocation. By analyzing operational data from large hospitals, institutions can pinpoint and address bottlenecks without significantly increasing costs, thereby enhancing both the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

Beyond efficiency, big data is revolutionizing drug development and clinical trials. Traditional drug discovery is often time-consuming and costly, but big data is changing the game. By analyzing vast datasets of genetic information, medical histories, and experimental results, researchers can more quickly identify potential drug targets, shortening development timelines. Moreover, healthcare big data can uncover new uses for existing drugs, enabling a “new uses for older drugs” approach that maximizes value and innovation.

Healthcare big data also plays a critical role in shaping public health policy. Governments can use data analytics to track disease trends, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and craft evidence-based strategies. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hong Kong government relied on big data analyses from the University of Hong Kong’s medical research team to inform policy decisions. Similarly, in 2023, our team led a multinational study using big data to project a doubling of global hip fracture cases by 2050—a finding with significant implications for global health policy.

In summary, the application of healthcare big data in improving healthcare efficiency, reducing costs, driving innovation, and informing policy provides a powerful engine for economic growth. As technology continues to advance, the potential in these areas will only deepen, creating further opportunities for Hong Kong and the global economy. Big data is not just transforming healthcare—it’s a key driver of economic progress. Governments, businesses, and research institutions must collaborate to advance the development and application of healthcare big data, unlocking a win-win for healthcare and economic prosperity.

3 February 2025
Professor Wong Chi Kei Ian & Professor Cheung Ching Lung
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong

https://www.med.hku.hk/zh-hk/media/knowledge-exchange/newspaper-columns/2025/feb/am730_20250203

甜蜜的真相：蔗糖攝取量與二型糖尿病
二型糖尿病(T2D)是一種慢性代謝失調，特徵是由於胰島素抵抗或胰島素分泌不足導致高血糖。過去數十年來，T2D的發病率持續增加，而不良飲食習慣在其發展過程中扮演重要角色。如果不加以控制，T2D可導致各種併發症，包括心血管疾病、神經損傷(神經病變)、腎臟損傷(腎病變)、眼睛損傷(視網膜病變)和足部問題。T2D還會增加中風、心臟病發和其他嚴重健康問題的風險，嚴重影響生活品質。

胰島素是一種由胰臟分泌的激素，對於調節血糖水平非常重要。當我們進食，尤其是吃含有蔗糖等碳水化合物的食物時，血糖濃度就會上升。此時，胰腺會釋放胰島素，幫助細胞吸收血液中的葡萄糖轉化為能量或儲存。然而，對於胰島素抵抗的患者，細胞對胰島素的反應變差，導致血糖水平升高。蔗糖或食糖是葡萄糖和果糖的雙糖。過量攝取蔗糖會導致體重增加、胰島素抵抗和發炎，這些都是T2D的危險因素。飲用大量含蔗糖的飲料或吃零食的人更容易產生胰島素抵抗。為了降低罹患T2D的風險，必須注意日常飲食中的蔗糖攝取量。限制含糖食物和飲料(如汽水、糖果、糕點和加工零食)的攝取量，有助控制血糖水平和降低胰島素抵抗的風險。想吃甜食時，可選擇低糖水果或小量蜂蜜或楓糖漿等甜味來自天然來源的食物。

對於T2D患者而言，改變飲食習慣在控制血糖水平方面扮演重要角色。除了減少蔗糖攝取量之外，低加工食品和高纖維的均衡飲食也有助改善胰島素敏感性和整體代謝健康。此外，可接受藥物如二甲雙胍、磺酰尿類或胰島素治療，以幫助控制血糖水平。定期運動、體重管理和血糖監測也是T2D管理的重要部分。總而言之，蔗糖攝取量與T2D發病率的關係強調了選擇健康飲食的重要。只要注意糖的攝取、選擇低加工食物並遵循均衡飲食，就能降低罹患T2D的風險，並改善整體健康。

2025年01月27日
吳曉萍博士
香港大學李嘉誠醫學院
藥理及藥劑學系研究助理教授

<刊載於《am730》>

The Sweet Truth: Sucrose Intake and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. Over the past few decades, the incidence of T2D has risen steadily, with poor dietary habits playing a significant role in its development. If left unmanaged, T2D can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular diseases, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), and foot problems. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and other severe health conditions, significantly impacting quality of life.

Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. When we consume carbohydrates, especially foods containing sucrose, blood glucose levels rise, prompting the pancreas to release insulin. This hormone helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream to produce energy or store it for later use. However, in individuals with insulin resistance, cells respond poorly to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Sucrose, or table sugar, is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose. Excessive sucrose intake contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation—all key risk factors for T2D. Individuals who frequently consume sucrose-laden beverages or snacks are more prone to developing insulin resistance. To reduce the risk of T2D, it is crucial to monitor daily sucrose intake. Limiting sugary foods and drinks (e.g., sodas, candies, pastries, and processed snacks) can help stabilize blood glucose levels and mitigate insulin resistance. When craving sweetness, opt for low-sugar fruits or small amounts of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

For those already diagnosed with T2D, dietary modifications are pivotal for managing blood glucose. Beyond reducing sucrose intake, a balanced diet rich in minimally processed foods and high in fiber can improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. Medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin therapy may also be prescribed to regulate blood glucose. Regular exercise, weight management, and consistent blood sugar monitoring are equally vital components of T2D care. In conclusion, the link between sucrose consumption and T2D underscores the importance of mindful dietary choices. By moderating sugar intake, prioritizing whole foods, and maintaining a balanced diet, individuals can lower their risk of T2D and enhance their overall well-being.

20 January 2025
Professor Wu Xiaoping Amber
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong

https://www.med.hku.hk/zh-hk/media/knowledge-exchange/newspaper-columns/2025/jan/am730_20250127

高膽固醇的危害與管理
膽固醇是維持身體正常功能的重要元素，但當血液中的膽固醇過高時，可能會在血管壁上積聚，導致血管狹窄、硬化甚至閉塞。這種情況可能引發冠心病、心肌梗塞和中風，最終甚至可能導致半身不遂或死亡。

根據香港衛生署的報告，約51.9%的成年人有高膽固醇（總膽固醇≥5.2mmol/L），其中36.2%的人並不知情。年齡愈大，患病率愈高，55至64歲的人群中，患病率達72.1%。

為了預防高血脂症，除了調整飲食和增加運動外，必要時還應根據醫生的指示服用降膽固醇藥物，如他汀類藥物（Statins）。這類藥物能顯著降低心臟病和中風的風險，研究顯示，按醫囑服用可以將風險減半。儘管有些人擔心副作用，但實際上，因服用他汀類藥物而出現的嚴重副作用非常罕見，只有約四分之一的人會感到輕微不適，最常見的是肌肉疼痛或無力，其預防心臟病的益處遠超過風險。

對於曾經患有心臟病、中風或高壞膽固醇的人士，使用他汀類藥物是值得考慮的。我們的最新研究顯示，75歲以上的老年患者使用他汀類藥物仍然有顯著益處。

為了鼓勵市民及早預防，醫衛局推出了「慢性疾病共同治理先導計劃」，針對45歲以上、未有已知糖尿病或高血壓的居民，提供篩查和後續服務。這項計劃近期將擴展至高血脂篩查服務，並將降膽固醇的藥物列入基本藥物名單，以幫助更多人檢測和管理膽固醇水平。

最後，由於降膽固醇的藥物的功效會隨著個人風險而變化，在服用藥物前應與家庭醫生討論自己的風險和偏好。

2025年01月20日
尹旭輝教授
香港大學李嘉誠醫學院
藥理及藥劑學系和臨床醫學學院家庭醫學及基層醫療學系助理教授

<刊載於《am730》>

The Harms and Management of Hypercholesterolemia
Cholesterol is an essential element for maintaining normal physiological functions. However, excess blood cholesterol levels can lead to plaque accumulation on arterial walls, resulting in lumen narrowing, hardening, or even occlusion. These changes may precipitate coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, hemiplegia, or death.

According to a report by the Department of Health, approximately 51.9% of adults exhibit hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol ≥5.2 mmol/L), with 36.2% unaware of their condition. The condition escalates with age, affecting 72.1% of individuals aged 55–64 years.

Beyond dietary modifications and increased physical activity, statins are recommended for lipid management under medical supervision. Statins significantly reduce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks; studies indicate good drug compliance can halve these risks. Although concerns about adverse effects exist, severe complications are exceedingly rare. Mild symptoms, such as myalgia or weakness, occur in approximately one-quarter of users, yet the cardioprotective benefits far outweigh these risks.

Statin use is worth considering for individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, stroke, or elevated LDL cholesterol. Our latest research underscores their efficacy even in elderly patients aged ≥75 years.

To promote early prevention, the Health Bureau, launched the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme, targeting residents aged ≥45 without prior diabetes or hypertension diagnoses for screening and follow-up. This initiative has expanded to include blood lipid testing in addition to DM and HT screening to achieve full coverage of the "three highs", with cholesterol lowering drugs incorporated into the Essential Medicines List to enhance to enhance accessibility and affordability.

The efficacy of lipid-lowering therapy varies with individual risk profiles. Pre-treatment consultation with a family physician is essential to evaluate personal risks and preferences.

20 January 2025
Professor Wan Yuk Fai Eric
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong

https://www.med.hku.hk/zh-hk/media/knowledge-exchange/newspaper-columns/2025/jan/am730_20250120

人工智能在藥物流行病學中的潛力
作為一名現役藥物流行病學學者，我可能十年內就會失業了。這並非因為我好逸惡勞，渴望提早退休所產生的妄想，而是由於近年我和同事們逐漸了解到人工智能(下稱AI)在協助科研方面的龐大潛力；事實上，以現時一日千里的技術發展，AI於可見將來對增進科研工作效能很可能發揮極大的作用，長遠甚至可以取代我們大部分的日常工作！

那藥物流行病學學者的日常工作是甚麼呢？簡而言之，我們主要以流行病學處理數據的方法，結合海量的醫療健康數據，為各種藥物的安全和效用提供真實世界的證據。舉例說，由發展本港醫療大數據的先驅，港大醫學院黃志基教授和我所帶領的團隊就是全球首支科研隊伍以醫療大數據，驗證注射復必泰疫苗後心肌炎風險輕微增加的科學假設，並且取得極為有力的實證支持。這一系列研究為政府的公共衛生政策提供了堅實的科研基礎，直接影響了政府對青少年接種疫苗的相關決定。另外，我領導的小團隊近日亦進行了全球首個隊列研究，揭示了一種高效抗精神病藥物與血癌風險的微小關聯，提供了修訂用藥指引的科學基礎。這些研究每一項都別具重要意義，全部都與日常用藥安全，乃至病人褔祉有密切關係。

這些研究每項都是我們團隊絞盡腦汁精心設計，力臻完美的成果，花費的時間可一點也不短。但是試想，若果AI可以基於我們的成果，在研究員的嚴謹監管下對包括電腦分析代碼、研究設計方法等進行機器學習，並將其自動化，那科研的效能將可提升不知多少倍，用藥安全的科學基礎亦可迅速增強。這將對病人福祉和人口健康帶來莫大裨益。想想也感到振奮！

所以，我希望失業！超越我們，取代我們吧，AI！

2025年01月13日
黎子駿教授
香港大學李嘉誠醫學院
藥理及藥劑學系和臨床醫學學院家庭醫學及基層醫療學系助理教授

<刊載於《am730》>

The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacoepidemiology
As a practicing pharmacoepidemiologist, I might be out of the job within the next decade. This is no fantasy born of laziness or a desire for early retirement, but rather a realization—shared increasingly among my colleagues—of the immense potential artificial intelligence (AI) holds in supporting scientific research. Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, AI is likely to significantly enhance research efficiency in the near future, and may eventually replace much of our daily work.

So, what does a pharmacoepidemiologist do? In short, we apply epidemiological methods to large-scale health data to generate real-world evidence on the safety and effectiveness of medications. For example, the team I co-lead with Professor Chi-Kei Wong at the University of Hong Kong’s LKS Faculty of Medicine was the first in the world to use medical big data to validate the hypothesis that there is a slight increase in the risk of myocarditis following the BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings provided strong empirical support and formed a solid scientific basis for public health policy, directly influencing the government’s decisions on adolescent vaccination.

More recently, my small team conducted the world’s first cohort study revealing a minor association between a highly effective antipsychotic drug and the risk of hematologic malignancy (blood cancer). This research offers a scientific foundation for revising medication guidelines. Each of these studies is of great significance, closely tied to medication safety and patient well-being.

These projects were meticulously designed by our team and took considerable time to complete. But imagine if AI, under the careful supervision of researchers, could learn from our work—absorbing our analytical code and study designs—and automate these processes. The efficiency gains would be enormous, and the scientific foundation for medication safety could be rapidly strengthened. The potential benefits for patient welfare and public health are truly exciting. So yes, I hope to be replaced. Surpass us, AI!”

13 January 2025
Professor Lai Tsz Tsun Francisco
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong

https://www.med.hku.hk/zh-hk/media/knowledge-exchange/newspaper-columns/2025/jan/am730_20250113

公共大數據在醫療研究中的應用：改變臨床實踐和政策的力量
隨著科技的進步，公共大數據在醫療研究中的應用愈來愈廣泛，並且正在深刻地改變臨床實踐和政策制訂。公共大數據是指從不同來源收集的大量健康相關數據，包括電子病歷、基因組數據、健康應用程式數據等。

首先，公共大數據的應用使得臨床實踐更加精準和個性化。通過分析大量患者數據，醫生可以更深入了解疾病的發展規律，從而制訂更有效的治療方案。例如，我們基於香港的醫療大數據，開發了不同可以幫助醫生預測某些疾病的高風險人群的預測工具，提前為患者進行干預。另外，基於大數據的分析更可優化用藥，從而提高治療效果，同時減低患者遇上副作用的風險。

其次，公共大數據在政策制訂中也發揮了重要作用。政府和醫療機構可以利用大數據來監測公共健康狀況，評估醫療政策的效果，並制訂更加科學合理的公共衛生政策。例如，在新冠疫情期間，香港政府委託我們進行全港性新冠疫苗大數據分析，此項分析幫助我們了解疫苗的成效及副作用。在疫情快速傳播之下，數據加強了我們對疫苗的了解，幫助制訂更有效及更安全的疫苗接種方案。

此外，公共大數據還促進了醫療研究的進步。研究人員可以通過分析大量數據，發現新的疾病標誌物，開發新的治療方法，從而推動醫療技術的創新。例如，香港政府近年開展的香港基因組計劃可幫助研究人員發現多種與疾病及藥效相關的基因變異，為精準醫療奠定基礎，為香港帶出創新的醫學發展。

總括而言，公共大數據在醫療研究中的應用不僅改變了臨床實踐，還對政策制訂產生深遠的影響。隨著數據技術的不斷發展，我們有理由相信，公共大數據在未來的醫療領域中將發揮愈來愈重要的作用，為人類健康帶來更多福祉，為香港帶來更多機遇。

2025年01月06日
黃志基教授及張正龍副教授
香港大學李嘉誠醫學院
藥理及藥劑學系

<刊載於《am730》>

The Application of Public Big Data in Medical Research: Transforming Clinical Practice and Policy
As technology advances, the use of public big data in medical research is becoming increasingly widespread, fundamentally reshaping clinical practice and policymaking. Public big data refers to vast collections of health-related information gathered from diverse sources, such as electronic medical records, genomic databases, and health app data.

First, public big data is driving more precise and personalized clinical practices. By analyzing extensive patient datasets, doctors can better understand disease patterns and tailor more effective treatment plans. For instance, leveraging Hong Kong’s Healthcare Big Data, researchers have developed predictive tools that help clinicians identify high-risk groups for certain diseases, enabling earlier interventions. Moreover, data-driven insights optimize medication use, enhancing treatment outcomes while minimizing the risk of adverse side effects.

Second, public big data plays a pivotal role in shaping health policy. Governments and healthcare institutions can harness these datasets to monitor public health trends, evaluate the impact of medical policies, and craft evidence-based public health strategies. A prime example is during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Hong Kong government commissioned a territory-wide big data analysis of COVID-19 vaccines. This analysis provided critical insights into vaccine efficacy and side effects, enabling more effective and safer vaccination strategies amid rapid disease spread.

Furthermore, public big data is accelerating medical research breakthroughs. By analyzing large-scale datasets, researchers can identify new disease markers and develop innovative treatments, pushing the boundaries of medical technology. For example, Hong Kong’s recent genome project has enabled researchers to uncover genetic variations linked to diseases and treatment responses, laying the groundwork for precision medicine and fostering cutting-edge medical advancements in the region.

In summary, the application of public big data in medical research is transforming both clinical practice and policymaking. As data technologies continue to evolve, there is every reason to believe that public big data will play an increasingly vital role in healthcare, delivering greater benefits to human health and unlocking new opportunities for Hong Kong’s medical landscape.

6 January 2025
Professor Wong Chi Kei Ian & Professor Cheung Ching Lung
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong

https://www.med.hku.hk/zh-hk/media/knowledge-exchange/newspaper-columns/2025/jan/am730_20250106