Calendar 2006–07

Research Institutes and Centres 333 • 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.: 3163 4370 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 laboratory for standardization and R&D of traditional Chinese medicine was set up with the National Engineering Research Centre for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China. The Natural Products Section, guided by bioassays, focuses on the isolation of organic molecules from Chinese medicine, and other natural resources, and the elucidation of the structures of these molecules. It also works to obtain less toxic and more potent drug candidates. The Drug Development Section, coordinated by the School of Pharmacy, develops Chinese medicines with proven efficacy into drugs. The Chinese Medicine Museum of the Information Section houses over 2,500 kinds of medicinal materials, and its Chinese Medicine Resource Centre contains professional publications in the field, as well as major manuscripts related to Chinese

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