1. Home
  2. Staff
  3. University Academic Staff
  4. Prof LI Philip Hei Profile

Professor LI Philip Hei

Prof Philip LI

Chief of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology
Clinical Assistant Professor

  • MBBS, MRes(Med), MD, PDipID, PDipMDPath, MRCP, FHKCP, FHKAM (Medicine), FRCP (Edin, Glasg, Lond), FRCPath, FAAAAI
email liphilip@hku.hk
email 2255-5995
email ORCID
Biography

Professor Philip Li was the first locally trained Specialist in Immunology & Allergy in Hong Kong and currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). He is also Division Chief of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology at both HKU and HKU-Shenzhen Hospital. Additionally, he is the President of the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy, Board Director of the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology (APAAACI) and Secretary of the Internation Societies Council of the European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (EAACI).

Prof Li has special interests in drug allergy, immunodeficiency and urticaria/angioedema. Notably, he established Hong Kong’s first specialist Immunology & Allergy training centre and leads the territory-wide Drug Allergy Delabelling Initiative (HK-DADI). As head of the Immunology & Allergy services of the Hong Kong West Cluster/HKU, he has steered the institution towards accreditation as both an Urticaria and Angioedema Centre of Reference & Excellence, as well as both a World Allergy Organization and APAAACI Centre of Excellence.

His research in drug allergy has earned notable recognition, including the distinguished Patrick Manson Gold Medal for the best MD thesis, and the Richard Yu Lectureship bestowed by the Hong Kong College of Physicians. In recognition of his advocacy work for patients with rare diseases, Prof Li was honored with the Humanitarian Award by the Hong Kong Red Cross. His commitment to academia has been acknowledged with the Faculty Teaching Medal and the Early Career Teaching Award under the Teaching Excellence Award Scheme. His substantial clinical contributions have been acknowledged with the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Public Service and the HKUMed Clinical Service Excellence Award.

Prof Li's influence is clearly demonstrated through his significant contributions to various local and international guidelines. These include guidelines on chronic urticaria, hereditary angioedema, and his role as the lead author of the clinical pathway for penicillin allergy testing in the Asia Pacific region. He has authored over 160 peer-reviewed articles in the disciplines of allergy, immunology, and autoimmunity. Additionally, he lends his expertise to the Editorial Boards of Vaccine, Frontiers in Allergy, Therapeutic Advances in Allergy & Rhinology, Immune System, Asia Pacific Allergy, and the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology.


Selected publications
  1. Impact of a drug allergy education course for non-specialists: findings from ADAPT – a randomized crossover trial
    Lucas M, Mak HWF, Lee JTY, Kulkarni R, Chan SSC, Li PH (Corresponding author).
    Allergy. 2024 Aug 7. doi: 10.1111/all.16270.
  2. Penicillin Allergy in China: Consequences of Inappropriate Skin Testing Practices and Policies
    Shi W, Liu N, Huang JX, Xiao H, Meng J, Li PH (Corresponding author).
    Clin Exp Allergy. 2024 Jul 25. doi: 10.1111/cea.14546.
  3. Enhancing patient-reported outcome measures for drug hypersensitivity: a validated 6-item Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for Patients with Drug Hypersensitivity (DrHy-Q6)
    Mak HWF, Chiang V, So SWM, Wong JCY, Lam DLY, Lee E, Yim JSH, Romano A, Li PH (Corresponding author).
    J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024 Jun;12(6):1584-1591.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.02.016.
  4. Prospective, multi-centre, head-to-head comparison between allergists vs non-allergists in low-risk penicillin allergy delabelling: effectiveness, safety and quality of life (HK-DADI2)
    Wong JCY, Kan AKC, Chik TSH, Chu MY, Li TCM, Mak HWF, Chiang V, Li PH (Corresponding author).
    J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024 Apr 16:S2213-2198(24)00394-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.04.010.
  5. Recapitulating primary immunodeficiencies with expanded potential stem cells: Proof of concept with STAT1 gain of function
    Li X, Chan VSF, Smith KGC, Ming C, Or CS, Tsui FTW, Gao B, Cook MC, Liu P, Lau CS, Li PH (Corresponding author).
    J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024 Apr;153(4):1125-1139. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.11.914.
  6. Identifying longitudinal and region-specific patterns in drug allergy labels by analysis of 7.3 million individuals in Hong Kong
    Chiang V, Kan AKC, Saha C, Au EYL, Li PH (Corresponding author).
    BMC Med. 2024 Jan 26;22(1):30. doi: 10.1186/s12916-024-03250-0.
  7. Epidemiology, management and treatment access of hereditary angioedema in the Asia Pacific Region: outcomes from an international survey
    Li PH (Corresponding author), Pawankar R, Thong BYH, Fok JS, Chantaphakul H, Hide M, Jindal AK, Kang H, Latiff AHA, Lobo RC, Sonomjamts M, Nguyen VD, Shyur S, Zhi Y, Maurer M.
    J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2023 Apr;11(4):1253-1260. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.12.021.
  8. Comparative effectiveness, safety and real-world outcomes of a nurse-led, protocol-driven penicillin allergy evaluation from the Hong Kong Drug Allergy Delabelling Initiative (HK-DADI)
    Kan AKC, Hui HKS, Li TS, Chiang V, Wong JCY, Chan TS, Kwan IYK, Shum WZ, Yeung MSC, Au EYL, Ho CTK, Lau CS, Li PH (Corresponding author).
    J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022 Sep 17 doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.08.052.
  9. Prospective study on the efficacy and impact of Cascade Screening and Evaluation of HAE (CaSE-HAE)
    Wong JCY, Chiang V, Lam K, Tung E, Au EYL, Lau CS, Li PH (Corresponding author).
    J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022 Aug 11 doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.07.035.
  10. Prevalence, Incidence, and Sensitization Profile of β-lactam Antibiotic Allergy in Hong Kong
    Li PH (Corresponding author), Yeung HHF, Lau CS, Au EYL.
    JAMA Netw Open. 2020 May 1;3(5):e204199. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4199.

Book Authorships
  1. Living with allergies - “與過敏症自在同行”
    Li PH, Ho MHK, Lam E.

Book Chapters
  1. Management of antibiotic allergy
    Li PH.
    Interhospital Multi-disciplinary Programme on Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (IMPACT) 6th Edition, 2024
  2. Immunology & Allergy; Handbook of Internal Medicine
    Li PH.
    Hospital Authority Handbook of Internal Medicine 9th Edition, 2024
  3. Immunology & Allergy; Handbook of Internal Medicine
    Li PH.
    Hospital Authority Handbook of Internal Medicine 8th Edition, 2019

Guidelines
  1. Hereditary Angioedema with Normal C1 Inhibitor: an Updated International Consensus Paper on Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment
    Zuraw BL, Bork K, Bouillet L, Christiansen SC, Farkas H, Germenis AE, Grumach AS, Kaplan A, López-Lera A, Magerl M, Riedl MA, Adatia A, Banerji A, Betschel S, Boccon-Gibod I, Bova M, Boysen HB, Caballero T, Cancian M, Castaldo AJ, Cohn DM, Corcoran D, Drouet C, Fukunaga A, Hide M, Katelaris CH, Li PH, Longhurst H, Peter J, Psarros F, Reshef A, Ritchie B, Selva CN, Zanichelli A, Maurer M.
    Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2025 Mar 7;68(1):24. doi: 10.1007/s12016-025-09027-4.
  2. APAAACI clinical pathway on direct provocation testing for penicillin allergy delabeling
    Li PH (Corresponding author), Thong BYH, Pawankar R, Jeewandara C, Lobo RCM, Kang HR, Mahesh PA, Meng J, Munkhbayarlakh S, Pham DL, Rerkpattanapipat T, Tang MM, Wang JY, Yamaguchi M, Abdul Latiff AH, Rengganis I, Wang JY, Zhang L, Lucas M.
    Asia Pac Allergy 2023 Dec;13(4):142-147. doi: 10.5415/apallergy.0000000000000122.
  3. Hong Kong-Macau Severe Hives & Angioedema Referral Pathway
    Li PH (Corresponding author), Au EYL, Cheong SL, Chung L, Fan KI, Ho MHK, Leung AS, Chung MMH, Wong JCY, Coelho R.
    Front Allergy 2023 Dec 6;4:1290021. doi: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1290021.
  4. Hong Kong Drug Allergy Delabelling Initiative (HK-DADI) Consensus Statements for Penicillin Allergy Testing by Non-Allergists
    Li PH (Corresponding author), Wong JCY, Chan JMC, Chik TSH, Chu MY, Ho GCH, Leung WS, Li TCM, Ng YY, Shum R, Sin WWY, Tso EYK, Wu AKL, Au EYL.
    Front Allergy. 2022 3:974138. doi: 10.3389/falgy.2022.974138.
  5. Updated Consensus Statements on COVID19 Vaccine Allergy Safety in Hong Kong
    Chiang V, Leung AS, Ho MH, Au E, Lee TH, Wu AY, Wong GWK, Li PH (Corresponding author),
    Asia Pac Allergy 2022 Jan;12(1):e8. doi: 10.5415/apallergy.2022.12.e8.
  6. Consensus Statements on the Approach to COVID19 Vaccine Allergy Safety in Hong Kong
    Chiang V, Leung AS, Ho MH, Au E, Lee TH, Wu AY, Wong GWK, Li PH (Corresponding author),
    Front Allergy. 2021 Jul 14;2:690837. doi: 10.3389/falgy.2021.690837.
  7. Hong Kong Anaphylaxis Consortium Consensus Statements on Prescription of Adrenaline Autoinjectors
    Li PH (Corresponding author), Chua GT, Leung ASY, Chan YC, Chan KKL, Cheung KH, Chong PCY, Ho PPK, Kwan MYW, Lai JCH, Lam KK, Lam TSK, Leung TF, Li TY, Rosa Duque JS, So JLT, Wan KA, Wong HCY, Lam EH, Wu AYY, Lee TH, Ho MHK, Siu AYC.
    Asia Pac Allergy. 2021 Jan 6;11(1):e1. doi: 10.5415/apallergy.2021.11.e1.
  8. Hong Kong Institute of Allergy and Hong Kong Society for Paediatric Immunology Allergy & Infectious Diseases joint consensus statement 2018 on vaccination in egg-allergic patients
    Chua GT, Li PH, Ho MHK, Lai E, Ngai V, Yau FYS, Kwan MYW, Leung TF, Lee TH.
    Hong Kong Med J. 2018 Oct;24(5):527-531. doi: 10.12809/hkmj177137

Selected awards
  • Faculty Teaching Medal (LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU) 2025
  • Hong Kong Humanity Award (Hong Kong Red Cross) 2025
  • Early Career Teaching Award (Teaching Excellence Awards, HKU) 2024
  • COVID-19 Research Award (Health Bureau, Hong Kong) 2024
  • Best Presentation Award (Japanese Society of Allergology) 2024
  • Richard Yu Lectureship (Hong Kong College of Physicians) 2024
  • Top Author Award for Most Citations (The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology In Practice) 2024
  • Distinguished Research Paper Award for Young Investigators (Hong Kong College of Physicians) 2024
  • Silver Medal (Silicon Valley International Invention Festival) 2024
  • Top Downloaded Article (Clinical & Experimental Allergy) 2024
  • Sir Patrick Manson Gold Medal (LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU) 2024
  • Best Abstract in Basic Science & Translational Research (Medical Research Conference, Hong Kong) 2024
  • Best Abstract Award (World Allergy Congress) 2023
  • Research Team Award (Hong Kong College of Physicians)
  • Best Presentation Award in Oral Presentation (Japanese Society of Allergology) 2023
  • Top Downloaded Article (Contact Dermatitis) 2023
  • Clinical Service Excellence Award (LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU) 2022
  • Chief Executive’s Commendation for Public Service (Government of Hong Kong SAR) 2022
  • Best Abstract in Clinical Research (Medical Research Conference, Hong Kong) 2021
  • Award for Highest Score in Advanced Internal Medicine (Hong Kong College of Physicians) 2020
  • Best Abstract in Clinical Medicine (Oral) (Medical Research Conference, Hong Kong) 2020
  • Best Thesis Award (Hong Kong College of Physicians) 2019
  • Best Abstract in Clinical Medicine (Oral) (Medical Research Conference, Hong Kong) 2018
  • Best Abstract in Clinical Medicine (Poster) (Medical Research Conference, Hong Kong) 2018

Patents
A METHOD AND KIT TO DETERMINE TISSUE OR CELL ORIGIN OF CFDNA AND USE THEREOF TO TRACE TISSUE DAMAGE IN DISEASES
  • 63/704,370
CELLULAR DISEASE MODEL FOR INBORN ERRORS OF IMMUNITY AND USE THEREOF
  • 63/605,400

Grants as Principal Investigator
  • General Research Fund (Research Grants Council, Hong Kong) 2024
    Project: Recapitulating and repairing inborn errors of immunity using a novel personalized stem cell platform – 17111924
    Amount: HK$1,461,315
  • Young Investigator Research Grant (Hong Kong College of Physicians) 2024
    Project: Provocation After Nurse-Directed Assessment (PANDA): Randomized, head-to-head study comparing nurse-led direct provocation test vs. standard of care for low-risk penicillin allergy in Hong Kong
    Amount: HK$80,000 
  • Seed Fund for Basic Research (University of Hong Kong) 2024
    Project: Feasibility of a Penicillin Allergy Nurse-led Diagnostic Assessment Service (PANDAS)
    Amount: HK$46,520 
  • HKIA Research Grant (Hong Kong Institute of Allergy) 2024
    Project: Feasibility of a Penicillin Allergy Nurse-led Diagnostic Assessment Service
    Amount: HK$60,000 
  • Croucher Summer Course (Croucher Foundation) 2023
    Project: Translational Immunology
    Amount: HK$1,800,000 
  • Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology Project Fund (Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology) 2022
    Project: PULSE – Personalizing and Understanding Lupus with Subphenotype Exploration
    Amount: HK$200,000 
  • Health and Medical Research Fund (Food and Health Bureau) 2021
    Project: HKU Optimizing Protection and Effectiveness (HOPE) of COVID19 Vaccines – COVID1903011
    Amount: HK$12,511,372 
  • Knowledge Exchange Fund (Knowledge Exchange, HKU) 2020
    Project: A Book to Empower Allergy Patients in Hong Kong – “Living with Allergies”
    Amount: HK$150,000 
  • Love Can Help Fund (LKS Foundation) 2020
    Project: A study of feasibility and cost-effectiveness of subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement for antibody deficiency patients in Hong Kong
    Amount: HK$700,000 
  • Enhanced New Staff Start-up Research Grant (LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU) 2020
    Project: Impact of delabelling false penicillin allergy in Hong Kong
    Amount: HK$380,000 
  • Seed Fund for Basic Research (University of Hong Kong) 2020
    Project: Delabelling false penicillin allergy in Hong Kong
    Amount: HK$150,000 
  • Young Investigator Research Grant (Hong Kong College of Physicians) 2019
    Project: Impact of penicillin allergy testing in Hong Kong
    Amount: HK$50,000 

Key Offices
  • Secretary of the International Societies Council of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (since 2025)
  • President of the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy (since 2024)
  • Assistant Chair of Department of HKU-Shenzhen Hospital (since 2024)
  • Board Member of the Specialty Board in Rheumatology/Immunology & Allergy (Hong Kong College of Physicians) (since 2024)
  • Member of the Sri Lanka Expert Committee to Investigate Recent Incidence of Drug Allergies and their After Effects (since 2023)
  • Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology Drug Allergy Committee (since 2023)
  • Board of Directors, Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (since 2022)
  • Member of the Department of Health Expert Committee on Clinical Events Following COVID-19 Immunization (since 2021)
  • Regional Medical Advisor of Hereditary Angioedema International (HAEi) (since 2020)
  • Convener of Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology Immunology Special Interest Group (since 2020)
  • Executive Committee Member and Advisor of Hong Kong Allergy Association (since 2019)