Cambridge medical robotics star CMR Surgical is targeting a sales boom in the massive Asia-Pacific region after launching its system in Hong Kong.

Its Versius robotics for keyhole surgery has been adopted in Hong Kong at CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) and Gleneagles Hospital (GHK).

CUHKMC was the first hospital in Hong Kong to introduce Versius where it is being used as part of a multidisciplinary robotic programme, including general surgery and urology. At Gleneagles, Versius has been used first in gynaecologic surgery, with plans to expand into general surgery and others as part of a multispecialty programme.

CMR Surgical CEO Per Vegard Nerseth says the latest successes could open up a major opportunity for the young business.

The broader APAC region takes in huge chunks of The Americas and countries from the Pacific Ocean to Southeast Asia, including China, South Korea and Vietnam.

Deploying Versius, both CUHKMC and GHK are offering robotic assisted surgery directly to patients through state-of-the-art specialty centres, bringing accessible surgical care to more patients.

With one of the longest life expectancies in the world, Hong Kong’s healthcare sector is a global leader in utilising high tech equipment and surgical solutions for patients, presenting a significant opportunity for Versius to be widely adopted in private and public hospitals.

APAC will be a major growth engine for surgical robotics where rapid digitalisation, rising demand and access to healthcare innovation will drive further adoption of health technology and innovations like Versius.

Per Vegard Nerseth said:

“We have eagerly awaited our launch in Hong Kong to offer the city’s world leading healthcare system access to pioneering new technology. I am thrilled that we have entered such a robust and innovative market. Hong Kong will be our springboard to the rest of APAC as we prepare for further developments in the region in due course and continue to set CMR Surgical on the global stage.”

Dr Patrick Lau, deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council says Hong Kong is a leader in embracing innovation and technology, including in healthcare.

Dr Lau said: “A novel robotic system such as Versius that will positively impact patients fits perfectly into this mould. We are delighted that CMR has chosen Hong Kong as the launchpad for the Asia Pacific region as we believe that Hong Kong offers biotechnology companies an ideal springboard from which to expand into rapidly growing markets in Mainland China, Asia and around the world.”

To further invest into the market, CMR has partnered with leading training centre, the CUHK Jockey Club Minimally Invasive Surgical Skills Centre (Jockey Club MISSC), located within the Prince of Wales Hospital, to deliver training and professional education to surgical teams.

The introduction of Versius in Hong Kong follows CMR Surgical’s expansion into a number of markets across Europe, Middle East, India and Australia where the system is being used to perform surgical procedures across a range of surgical specialities including gynaecology, colorectal surgery, thoracic, general surgery and urology.

Kin Cheung, head of Far East of CMR Surgical said: “The impact of the pandemic has been felt across healthcare systems globally, and Hong Kong is no exception to this.

“With Hong Kong’s can-do spirit as their guide, hospitals are looking for innovative solutions that help to address this strain while providing accessible technology options to their patients. CMR will continue to expand our presence in Hong Kong in order to fulfil our customers’ growing demand.”