Guided by our Strategic Development Plan, we are building a portfolio in line to our programme directions.  During the start-up phase, we have initiated a few projects in collaboration with local universities and Mainland parties. We are also in the process of setting up a Chinese Medicine Laboratory and associated research and quality testing network to support our funded research and industry development. At present, nine projects have commenced research.

Our prime focus for research in Chinese medicine is on aging and unmet medical needs of global medical concern. In our next phase of development, we will target research that related to endocrinology and neuroscience, leveraging the research strengths and business interests within and outside Hong Kong. Other worthy areas of investigation will also be considered.

Please click Project Highlights for information.

With reference to the “ State of the Mission and the Way Forward ” document, the HKJCICM would solicit the “Expression of Interest” or “Research Proposals” from eligible research-based organization(s) or companies. Please read the document for details of the submission and the engagement process.

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Ageing-related Chinese Medicine Research & Applications: Endocrinology and Neuroscience

I. Potential Research Partners or Implementation Agents

(A)  Metabolic syndrome - a major clinical profile which leads to serious complications like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

To advance development of Chinese medicine, the HKJCICM will research for evidence base selected Fu Fangs or Chinese medicines used for the treatment of “xiao ke” or diabetes-related metabolic syndromes. In collaboration with the CM Laboratory of the HKJCICM and its research network, high quality preparations with defined specifications will be produced and evaluated first for their potential efficacy in appropriate animal models. The HKJCICM now solicits Expression of Interest from eligible research partners to work on the following objectives:

Objectives

1. To determining the efficacy of these preparations in models of metabolic syndrome or borderline type II diabetes in which risk factors or biological markers such as glucose, lipid, body fat or BP etc can be modulated.
   
2. Subject to the success of #1, the effective preparation will be used to determine if taken chronically, whether the onset of diabetes or its related metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular complication can be delayed or prevented.
   
3. By extending the observation through the research of CM and the respective components, HKJCICM will target applications from IP generation derived from these studies.

(B) Cognitive and memory enhancement

The HKJCICM solicits Expression of Interest from eligible research partners to further research and develop CM-based medicines or products for enhancing the quality of life for the ageing population. The line of research focuses on cognitive and memory enhancement aspects integrated with TCM philosophy of nourishing and restoring the balance of the whole body. Proof of concept will be evaluated using animal models leading to clinical application.

(C) Health problems experienced by peri-menopausal women

The HKJCICM solicits Expression of Interest from eligible research partners to further research and develop CM-based medicines or products based on TCM that are effective in addressing the health problems experienced by peri-menopausal women. The line of research focuses on preclinical demonstration of efficacy using animal models leading to product development.

II. Proposal Abstracts From Companies and Research-based organisations

HKJCICM welcomes companies and research-based organisations registered in Hong Kong to submit proposal abstracts and supplementary information to the HKJCICM. The HKJCICM also encourages partnership with Mainland and international research-based organisations.

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The Chinese Medicine Laboratory and Associated Research and Testing Network for QA and QC of CM

I. Collaborating Laboratory on Research of Quality of CM

The HKJCICM will further develop its CM Laboratory and intensify research leading to the development of more analytical methodologies and chemical markers for quality control of CM. The HKJCICM will expand the research and testing network and establish strategic partnerships with leading research-based laboratories in the field.

The HKJCICM now solicits Expression of Interest from eligible research laboratories for collaboration.

II. Research Collaborations for Enhancing the Quality of CM-based products

Through the Laboratory and its network, the HKJCICM aims to establish research collaborations or undertake contract research for CM industries and the research community worldwide.