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Tech tycoon donated 100 million yuan to ALS research
NDTV··21 Jun
Cai chairs Beijing Aisikang Medical Technology and has donated more than 100 million yuan to ALS research, establishing four charitable funds and several laboratories. His team advances more than 300 drug programmes. China has about 200,000 ALS patients, many vulnerable to scams while seeking treatment. Officials expect further briefings as reviews continue this week.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Cai communicates only through eye-tracking technology after seven years with motor neurone disease.
- He donated more than 100 million yuan to ALS research and runs Beijing Aisikang Medical Technology.
- China has about 200,000 ALS patients vulnerable to treatment scams.
What's Happening
- Former JD.com vice-president Cai Lei, 48, works nearly 12 hours daily on drug development.
- His team advances more than 300 drug programmes and reported progress on experimental drug RAG-17.
- Four carers help with basic movement as muscle atrophy causes pain after sitting.
Research Against Time
- No drug yet halts ALS progression nearly two centuries after the disease was identified.
- Cai and wife Duan Rui raise funds through her Breaking the Ice Station social media account.
- They built an online platform connecting patients with carers without agency fees.
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