Calendar 2005–06

Research Institutes and Centres 103 of the Chinese University. A non-profit private company founded in 1989 with a donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, it is an outward- looking, market-aligned downstream development organization and a leading force in promoting the development of biotechnology- and Chinese medicine- based industries in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific Region. Its mission is to advance applied research and to provide a vital link between technology transfer and product commercialization. The institute’s activities are focused on: • product development and contract manufacturing service for Chinese medicine- based formulations for therapeutic treatment or as health supplement products; • contract research and manufacturing services of biomolecules and other biologics for product evaluation and clinical trial; • a Biotechnology Incubation Centre to assist commercialization of entrepreneurial R&D; • GMP consultation service to assist the bio-manufacturing industry in GMP implementation. The institute has established international accredited state-of-the-art infrastructures for the development of biotechnological, biopharmaceutical, and Chinese medicine applications. It also has built up the infrastructure and product development capabilities for modernizing Chinese medicine. It works with the CUHK School of Chinese Medicine, and Institute of Chinese Medicine, and other universities to develop products. Institute of Chinese Medicine (ICM) Tel.: 2609 6140 Fax.: 2603 5248 E-mail: icm@cuhk.edu.hk Website: http://www.icm.cuhk.edu.hk Having inherited the fine tradition and research strength of the former Chinese Medicinal Material Research Centre, and drawing on the rich experience in clinical trials from the Prince of Wales Hospital, the ICM aims to elevate Chinese medicine research in Hong Kong to a higher plane. Set up in January 2000, the ICM’s six sections are Clinical Trials, Standardization and Safety of Chinese Medicines, Natural Products, Drug Development, Information, as well as Public and General Education. The Clinical Trials Section, based at the Prince of Wales Hospital, engages in multilateral trials of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. It conducts evidence- based and scientific clinical trials in the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines and treatments with the support of its Centre for Clinical Trials on Chinese Medicine. The Standardization and Safety of Chinese Medicines Section is experienced in authentication work, and is involved in the quality control and safety assurance of various Chinese medicinal materials and health foods. It also helps local and overseas organizations to analyse suspected cases of poisoning. In 2003, a joint