Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Journal - HKPJ

21/05/2024

News & Short Communications
HKPharm J Volume 31 (1), Jan-Apr-2024 (2024-04-29): P.4-6

The Hong Kong government will publish the Pharmacy and Poisons (Amendment) Regulation 2024 on January 26th, 2024, to reinforce the sales control of codeine-containing medicines. The regulation will classify all medicines containing less than 0.2 percent of codeine as Part 1 Schedule 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations... https://hkpj.org/en/blog-detail.php?id=64&vol=75

Please visit the HKPJ website at https://hkpj.org/en/index.php

Conversations with Pharmacy Leaders in Hong Kong (2) – The Future of Pharmacy: Promoting the Roles of Pharmacists, Primary Healthcare and more

03/05/2024

Editorial
HKPharm J Volume 31 (1), Jan-Apr-2024 (2024-05-02): P.3

In this issue, we continue our journey on “Conversations with pharmacy leaders in Hong Kong”. Mr. William Chui shares his vision for the future of pharmacy, focusing on primary healthcare and hospital pharmacy. For Drugs & Therapeutics, an article titled "Overview of the drug therapy of psoriatic arthritis" presents a comprehensive review of psoriatic arthritis. On the article "Primary care pharmacy - a review of current situation and future in Hong Kong," by Stephen So et al. examined the current state of primary care pharmacy in Hong Kong and the potential avenues for future development are outlined.

Please visit the HKPJ website at https://hkpj.org/en/index.php

20/02/2024

Community pharmacies as venues for immunisation are not utilised as they should be in Hong Kong. A fully implemented pharmacy-based vaccination scheme can enhance vaccination coverage and minimise health costs. Currently, pharmacists’ role in immunisation in Hong Kong is mostly limited to stock management, cold chain assurance, and quality management within community vaccination centres. Even with training programmes in place, there is still a long way for pharmacists in Hong Kong to be authorised as independent vaccinators. With at least 13 countries already enlisting their pharmacists to contribute to immunisation in various ways, Hong Kong can take reference from their policies or programmes to devise local guidance for pharmacybased vaccination.

Review of Pharmacy-Based Vaccination in Hong Kong
Primary Care and OTC
HKPharm J Volume 30 (2), May-Aug-2023 (2023-12-27): P.54

Community pharmacies as venues for immunisation are not utilised as they should be in Hong Kong. A fully implemented pharmacy-based vaccination scheme can enhance vaccination coverage and minimise health costs. Currently, pharmacists’ role in immunisation

20/02/2024

Over the past 20 years, a rising prevalence of Crohn’s disease (CD) has been observed in Asian countries including Hong Kong. Apart from anti-TNF agents adalimumab and infliximab, some newer agents such as vedolizumab for anti-α4β7 integrin receptors, and ustekinumab for anti- interleukin (IL)-12 and anti-IL-23 are also available in Hong Kong. This review aims to summarize the four monoclonal antibodies (mABs): adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab and vedolizumab, in terms of indications, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, dosing regimen, efficacy and adverse effects. The key clinical features of the mABs in treating CD are also discussed.

Drugs & Therapeutics
Review of Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Crohn’s Disease
HKPharm J Volume 30 (2), May-Aug-2023 (2023-12-21): P.43-52

Over the past 20 years, a rising prevalence of Crohn’s disease (CD) has been observed in Asian countries including Hong Kong. Apart from anti-TNF agents adalimumab and infliximab, some newer agents such as vedolizumab for anti-α4β7 integrin receptors, and

20/02/2024

Exploring the Different Pathways of Pharmacy – An Interview with Dr. Ann LeungIn this interview, Dr. Ann Leung talks about her experience as a clinical pharmacist in Canada and her views on Hong Kong’s pharmacy education.

In this interview, Dr. Ann Leung talks about her experience as a clinical pharmacist in Canada and her views on Hong Kong’s pharmacy education. In addition, she shares her teaching experience at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and discusses the new Mast

20/02/2024

Over the past 20 years, a rising prevalence of Crohn’s disease (CD) has been observed in Asian countries including Hong Kong. Apart from anti-TNF agents adalimumab and infliximab, some newer agents such as vedolizumab for anti-α4β7 integrin receptors, and ustekinumab for anti- interleukin (IL)-12 and anti-IL-23 are also available in Hong Kong. This review aims to summarize the four monoclonal antibodies (mABs): adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab and vedolizumab, in terms of indications, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, dosing regimen, efficacy and adverse effects. The key clinical features of the mABs in treating CD are also discussed.

Review of Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Crohn's Disease
Drugs & Therapeutics
HKPharm J Volume 30 (2), May-Aug-2023 (2023-10-25): P.36-37

Over the past 20 years, a rising prevalence of Crohn’s disease (CD) has been observed in Asian countries including Hong Kong. Apart from anti-TNF agents adalimumab and infliximab, some newer agents such as vedolizumab for anti-α4β7 integrin receptors, and

20/02/2024

Clinical guidelines recommend the use of high-intensity statins in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Yet, most clinical trials were conducted in mainly Caucasian population. This study investigated the relationship between statin intensity (low, moderate or high potency), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment and safety outcomes within 1 year of statin therapy in Chinese ACS patients.

Safety and efficacy of high-potency statin in Chinese patients with established cardiovascular disease
Drugs & Therapeutics
HKPharm J Volume 30 (3), Sep-Dec-2023 (2024-02-19): P.70

Clinical guidelines recommend the use of high-intensity statins in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Yet, most clinical trials were conducted in mainly Caucasian population.

20/02/2024

Professor Ian Wong, currently the Head of Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy at The University of Hong Kong, shares his secret to his success as a pharmacist, educator, and researcher.

Pharmacy Education & Practice
HKPharm J Volume 30 (3), Sep-Dec-2023 (2024-02-19): P.68

Professor Ian Wong, currently the Head of Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy at The University of Hong Kong, shares his secret to his success as a pharmacist, educator, and researcher. After establishing his career as a pharmacist focusing on resea

20/02/2024

With the advancement in data technology, the use of real-world data (RWD) is becoming a common approach in healthcare research. The potential of real-world evidence (RWE) in complementing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has been acknowledged by regulatory authorities such as FDA and EMA. In near future, RWD/RWE will play a larger role in supporting regulatory decisions, such as drug approvals and expansion of indications. This article aims to provide pharmacists with an overview of RWD/RWE in terms of its strength and pitfalls. There will also be elaborations on the application possibilities of RWD/RWE in the whole drug product lifecycle, and the current status of real-world studies in Hong Kong. The integral role of pharmacists in understanding, communicating, and generating real-world data will also be discussed.

The Trend to Watch – Real-World Data & Real-World Evidence
Pharmacy Education & Practice
HKPharm J Volume 30 (1), Jan-Apr-2023 (2023-09-29): P.7

With the advancement in data technology, the use of real-world data (RWD) is becoming a common approach in healthcare research. The potential of real-world evidence (RWE) in complementing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has been acknowledged by regulato

20/02/2024

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterised by the appearance of well-delineated red and silvery scaly plaques that varies in extent from a few patches to generalised involvement. Research has shown that psoriasis is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. It is a chronic relapsing disease which requires long term therapy. The choice of therapy for psoriasis depends on the disease severity, relevant comorbidities, patient’s preferences and evaluation of patient’s response. Mild to moderate psoriasis can be managed by topical agents including corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues, while moderate to severe psoriasis will require phototherapy or systemic treatment. This article provides an overview of the background and treatment therapies of psoriasis, from the conventional topical and oral medications to the promising new therapy of biologics.

Overview of the drug therapy for Psoriasis
Drugs & Therapeutics
HKPharm J Volume 30 (1), Jan-Apr-2023 (2023-10-01): P.16

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterised by the appearance of well-delineated red and silvery scaly plaques that varies in extent from a few patches to generalised involvement. Research has shown that psoriasis is caused by b

20/02/2024

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is indicated as an adjunct for chronic weight management. Evidence showing favourable effects in cardiometabolic risk factors using subcutaneous semaglutide was also documented, which underlies its potential benefits on cardiovascular health.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is clinically defined as heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction larger than 50%. There are currently no standardized treatment regimens for obese patients with HFpEF. Semaglutide, a g

20/02/2024

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the evolution of Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Journal. In February, we will embark on an exciting journey as we introduce the soft launch of our online website, marking a new chapter in our commitment to providing accessible scholarly content. With the rapid advancements in technology and the changing landscape of publishing, we recognize the need to adapt and embrace the opportunities presented to us. As we strive to cater to the diverse needs of our audience, we have made the decision to transition from a traditional hard copy format to an online platform. Starting from next issue (Volume 31, Number 1), Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Journal will be available online only.

Please visit the new HKPJ website at https://hkpj.org/

Editorial
HKPharm J Volume 30 (3), Sep-Dec-2023 (2024-02-19): P.63

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