Joint effort to explore innovative cancer treatment solutions and broaden options for customers
HONG KONG, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AXA China Region Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited, together with AXA International Reinsurance (Shanghai) Company Limited ("AXA"), is pleased to announce the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Biotech Services Holdings Limited ("China Biotech Services"). The collaboration aims to explore innovative cancer treatment technologies, including Boron Neutron Capture Therapy ("BNCT") and related services, with the goal of providing customers with a broader range of diversified treatment options.
BNCT is a targeted radiotherapy that involves administering a boron-containing drug as a targeting agent. After the tumour absorbs the boron-containing drug, it is then irradiated with a neutron beam, triggering a nuclear reaction in the boron atoms. This reaction causes the boron atoms to undergo nuclear fission, releasing high-energy particles that selectively destroy tumour cells while sparing the surrounding healthy cells. BNCT offers greater precise than traditional radiotherapy, effectively targeting cancer cells without damaging nearby normal cells. It is particularly suitable for treating malignant tumours resistant to traditional radiotherapy or those that have recurred, such as malignant gliomas (brain tumours) and recurrent head and neck cancers. Additionally, BNCT shows potential efficacy for melanoma, liver cancer, and malignant pleural mesothelioma. In 2020, BNCT was approved in Japan as a clinical treatment covered by the national health insurance system and has since been incorporated into the public healthcare system.[1] Currently, BNCT is conducting a Phase I clinical trial in Japan for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, exploring treatments for earlier-stage patients and covering more types of cancer.[2]
Notably, head and neck cancer encompasses a range of common malignancies, including nasopharyngeal, oral, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancers. According to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there has been a steady rise in new cases of head and neck cancers over the past decade. In 2022, there were 1,464 new cases involving the lip, oral cavity, pharynx, and nasopharynx, with approximately two-thirds of patients being male. The highest incidence was recorded among individuals aged 45 to 65, indicating a pronounced gender and age-related prevalence.[3]
Janet Lee, Chief Life and Health Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said, "AXA remains deeply committed to a customer-first philosophy, offering comprehensive and high-quality medical protection tailored to individual needs. We continuously track healthcare trends and integrate cutting-edge medical solutions into our insurance plans to ensure our services remain relevant and impactful. We are delighted to collaborate with China Biotech Services to jointly explore innovative medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, further enhancing our insurance offerings and deliver exceptional health protection and a wide range of care options to customers in need. This collaboration underscores AXA's dedication to providing excellent health protection and diversified medical solutions."
About AXA Hong Kong and Macau
AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 50 markets and serving 95 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.
As one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong, we offer integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance. We are the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Our aim is to not only be the insurer to provide comprehensive protection to our customers, but also a holistic partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve. At the core of our service commitment is continuous product & service innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers' needs and leveraging and investing in technology and digital transformation.
We embrace our responsibility to be a driving force against climate change and a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first to address the importance of mental health through different products and services and thought leading iconic research. Our overall Sustainability Strategy, with emphasis on climate strategy and biodiversity commitment, is developed based on TCFD recommendations. We are committed to integrating environmental, social and governance factors across our business and strive to contribute to a sustainable future through 3 distinct roles - as an investor, an insurer and an exemplary company.
About China Biotech Services Holdings Limited
China Biotech Services Holdings Limited is a leading company listed on the Hong Kong GEM. It was included in the MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index in May 2018.
The company is dedicated to establishing a cutting-edge biotechnology platform integrating cancer diagnosis and treatment. Building upon its existing third-party testing business and expanding through strategic collaborations and mergers & acquisitions, CBSH focuses on two core domains: precision diagnostics and precision therapeutics. It maintains a dedicated focus on pioneering technological fields including Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and CAR-T cell therapy.
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