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GD-HK Cooperation on Prevention and Control of Avian Flu
- scientific research of the well-known
traditional Chinese herbal recipe “Xiasangju”
The Centre for Chinese Medicine R&D (CCM) of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has recently developed an advanced technology to extract effective liposoluble ingredients from traditional Chinese herbal recipe "Xiasangju"(夏桑菊). The herbal recipe has been proved effective in preventing flu virus and avian flu virus from entering body cells. An agreement has been signed between HKUST and Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Co Ltd (GPC) to formalize the collaboration in this project.
The signing ceremony was held on 28 December 2007 in HKUST. Under the agreement, HKUST would transfer the patented technology to Guangzhou Xing Qun Pharmaceutical Company Limited (XQP), a subordinate enterprise of GPC. The agreement would further enhance the cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong in combating human and avian flu.
Acting President of HKUST Prof Roland Chin remarked in his speech that he was glad to see this new co-operative initiative between HKUST and XQP. It represents a perfect marriage of traditional Chinese medicine with the latest technology to break new grounds in combating disease. Prof. Karl Tsim, Head of CCM at HKUST and the principal scientist of the project, elaborated on the project. He pointed out that during the SARS period in 2003, CCM of HKUST had already started the scientific research on the curing effect of Chinese medicine on avian flu. It has been confirmed with scientific evidence that the effective portion of Xiasangju can prevent and cure Influenza A and B. He anticipated that a new influenza drug will be developed by HKUST and GPC for human and animal consumption in the near future.
Chairman and General Manager of XQP Mr Guang-feng Su said that this project had put together the strength of a leading international university and a renowned pharmaceutical enterprise in mainland China. The joint effort will expedite the modernization and internationalization of Chinese medicine.
The Patent
According to the information of State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), HKUST submitted a patent application titled “Traditional Chinese medicine effective part for treating influenza virus and its preparation process” in January 2006. The invention discloses an effective portion of traditional Chinese medicament for resisting influenza virus, which is prepared from selfheal, mulberry leaf and wild chrysanthemum flower through disintegration and supercritical CO2 extraction. The effective portion could be applied in the preparation of drugs against Influenza A virus subtype H3N2, highly pathogenic Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 and Influenza virus B. With the promising efficacy of the effective portion, it is claimed that it could be used in the preparation of anti-influenza drugs or hygiene products for both human and animals.
Xiasangju
Xiasangju is a combination Chinese medicine consisting of selfheal, mulberry leaves and chrysanthemum. It originates from the recipe of “Sang Ju Yin” devised by Wu Jutong, a famous Chinese epidemiologist of Qing Dynasty. The recipe proved to be effective in combating a plaque outbreak in 1814 in JiangZhe region, and had been used for the suppression of numerous endemic outbreaks thereafter. The key function of the drink is to relieve body aches and has detoxification benefits to the human body. The drink is consumed as a common “cooling tea”. It is now officially classified as a National Cultural Heritage (Non-matter) in China.
Cooperation of HKUST and GPC
The Centre for Chinese Medicine R&D of HKUST was established in August, 2006. It was set up to develop a systematic approach, through an integration of biosciences and engineering, for the manufacturing of quality-assured traditional Chinese medicine products. It is also designed to establish a core traditional Chinese medicine facility at HKUST in collaboration with local industry for traditional Chinese medicine modernization.
Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Company Limited (GPC) is one of the listed companies of Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (GPH), which is rated as one of the Top 50 Leading Enterprises in Guangdong Province and has gained great support from the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Guangzhou Municipal Government. GPC is principally engaged in the manufacturing and retailing of Chinese and Western medicine and is one of the largest manufacturers of Chinese medicine in mainland China. Its subordinate enterprises, Guangzhou Xing Qun Pharmaceutical Company Limited owns five national newly-invented manufacturing technologies.
HKUST and GPH had in November 2006 established collaborative relationship in the research and development of "Xiasangju". In December 2007, the two parties further cooperated on the patent project of prevention and treatment of avian flu. The collaboration will help promote the modernization and internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine.
Sources:
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology www.ust.hk
Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited www.gpc.com.cn
State Intellectual Property Office, PR www.sipo.gov.cn
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