Hong Kong Researchers Develop Nasal Spray for Stroke Aid, Wins Geneva Invention Prize

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong developed a nasal spray that delivers neurotherapeutic powder directly to the brain as first aid for ischemic stroke patients, according to a South China Morning Post report. The medicine, known as NanoPowder, is designed to reduce brain damage by more than 80 percent and improve stroke survival rates.

The innovation won the Special Grand Prize and a gold medal at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in 2026.

The nasal spray was developed by the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong and the university’s Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre. Aviva Chow Shing-fung, a professor with the department of pharmacology and pharmacy at the University of Hong Kong, led the research team. Clinical trials for the nasal spray are expected by 2030.

The nasal spray is intended for initial use by paramedics, before being rolled out to high-risk groups in care facilities and eventually to the general public through pharmacies. The article detailing the development was published on 5 May 2026 at 5:25pm and was written by Kristen Cheung, as reported by the South China Morning Post.