The gastrointestinal research group of the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong won the 2007 State Scientific & Technological Progress second-class award for its achievement and innovation in the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding. An award presentation ceremony was held on January 8 by the National Office of Science and Technology Awards in Beijing.

A total of 662 entries competed for the 2007 State Scientific and Technological Progress Award (SSTPA), which is conferred on scientists who have made outstanding contributions in the implementation of technology-development and social public-welfare projects. The project, entitled “Innovative Non-surgical Treatments of Peptic Ulcer Bleeding”, led by Prof Joseph Sung Jao-yiu of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics has revolutionized the management of this global healthcare problem. Other team members include Prof Francis Chan Ka-leung, Prof James Lau Yun-wong, Prof Enders Ng Kwok-wai, and Prof Phillip Chiu Wai-yan, Prof Lee Yuk-tong, and former Dean of Medicine, Prof Sydney Chung Sheung-chee.

The research team has made major breakthroughs in the following areas:

• Development of novel endoscopic treatment of bleeding peptic ulcers;
• Use of anti-bacterial therapy in curing peptic ulcers;
• Pioneering the use of adjuvant pharmacological therapy to improve the outcome of bleeding ulcers after endoscopic hemostasis;
• Formulation of novel strategies for the prevention of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated ulcer complications; and
• Development of novel endoscopic suturing device (known as Eagle Claw) for severe ulcer bleeding.

With these therapeutic advancements, the mortality of peptic ulcer bleeding in Hong Kong plunged from 10% in the 1980s to 4.4% in 2005. This research work has also led to the revision of international treatment guidelines for peptic ulcer disease and significantly reduced the need of surgery, blood transfusion, hospital stay, life-long medication, ulcer occurrence and relapse.