Management Committee of the Institute of Chinese Medicine

Composition

Chairman:

• Prof. Jack Cheng

Members (ex officio):

• Directors, Institute of Chinese Medicine
• Deputy Directors, Institute of Chinese Medicine
• Dean of Medicine
• Dean of Science
• Conveners/Co-Conveners of the 6 Sections under the Institute
• Managing Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology Limited
• Chairman of the Research Committee
• Director of the School of Chinese Medicine
• Director of the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Bursar or his representative
• (Other co-opted members as necessary)

>>Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference

• To be responsible for the efficient and effective management of the Institute and its related facilities, and in this regard be accountable to the Vice-Chancellor of the University.
• To formulate policies on the future development of the Institute and recommend strategic plans for the furtherance of the goals and objectives of the Institute.
• To formulate policies and recommend strategic plans for the development of Chinese medicine projects of the University with a view to efficiently utilising the expertise and resources (financial or otherwise) available to the University and consolidating and coordinating various units/personnel related to Chinese medicine in the University to avoid duplication of efforts.
• To establish and promote collaboration with external bodies for furtherance of the goals and objectives of the Institute.
• To establish and review guidelines for the management of the programmes and facilities of the Institute.
• To identify and secure new/additional resources (including endowment funds, donations, subscriptions, and competitive research grants) for sponsoring the programmes and projects of the Institute.
• To approve and monitor the budget of the Institute.
• To coordinate and support the professional and community-relations programmes and activities of the Institute.
• To undertake any other duties prescribed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University.

>>Composition

Clinical Trials Section

There are many areas in scientific medicine that present with problems which do not yet have effective solution. Examples include viral infections like hepatitis, chronic conditions like musculoskeletal pain, allergic conditions like asthma and dermatitis and, of course, untreatable cancers.

We believe that since scientific medicine, with so many years of remarkable advances, has yet failed to find the optimal means of treatment, we could seriously search for possible alternative means.

The Clinical Trials Section is based at the Prince of Wales Hospital. It is open to colleagues in the scientific stream as well as the Chinese medicine stream, to advise on projects requiring evidence-based clinical trials and possible partnership.

Projects being pursued include: herbal preparation for treating drug addicts, Chinese medicine approach to the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, herbal supplement to improve performance of athletes and acupuncture for chronic pain. Future targets include hepatitis, lung cancer, asthma and rheumatoid activities.

>>Membership list

Clinical Trials Section

Membership List

Co-Conveners:

• Prof. P.C. Leung
  Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology

Members:

• Prof. Cynthia Chan, Department of Community & Family Medicine (Family Medicine)
• Prof. K.M. Chan, Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology
• Prof. L.W. Chan, Department of Surgery
• Prof. Brian Tomlinson, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics
• Prof. C.J. Haines, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Prof. Christopher W.K. Lam, Department of Chemical Pathology
• Prof. Leung Ka Lau, Department of Surgery
• Prof. Tony Mok, Department of Clinical Oncology
• Prof. C.P. Pang, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
• Prof. J.Y. Sung, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics
• Prof. Rita Y.T. Sung, Department of Paediatrics
• Prof. Jinling Tang, Department of Community & Family Medicine
• Prof. Michael C.F. Tong, Department of Surgery
• Prof. Y.K. Wing, Department of Psychiatry
• Prof. C.K. Yeung, Department of Surgery
• Prof. Joseph Lau, Centre for Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Research
• Mr. Andrew Chan, Faculty of Medicine

October 2004

>>Objectives

Standardization and Safety of Chinese Medicines Section

The mission of the Section is to promote the modernization of Chinese medicines relating to the areas of (i) authentication, (ii) quality assurance / control, (iii) standardization, and (iv) safety, through scientific research and target-oriented investigations.

It aims:

a) to foster and conduct basic and applied research to address some of the most challenging issues in Chinese medicines;

b) to provide support to the industrial sector in developing Chinese medicines by offering high quality research-based services;

c) to train research personnel in the areas of chemical and biological analyses of Chinese medicines;

d) to monitor and provide expert advice on the adverse effects of Chinese medicines; and

e) to provide collaborative opportunities in Chinese medicine research efforts with other institutions, industrial partners, and regulatory bodies.

>>Membership List

Standardization and Safety of Chinese Medicines Section

Membership List

Co-Conveners:

• Prof. C.T. Che, School of Chinese Medicine
• Prof. P.C. Shaw, Department of Biochemistry

Members:

1) Chemical Standardization and Analysis Area

• Prof. Paul P.H. But, Department of Biology (Analysis and standardization of herbal drugs)
• Prof. Dominic Chan, Department of Chemistry (Mass spectrometric analysis)
• Prof. C.T. Che, School of Chinese Medicine (Analysis and standardization of herbal drugs)
• Prof. Peter Cheung, Department of Biology (Food chemistry and analysis)
• Prof. Anthony Chung, Department of Biology (Gas chromatographic analysis)
• Prof. Yee Ping Ho, School of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical analysis)
• Prof. Ge Lin, Department of Pharmacology (Chemical analysis of herbs and biological samples)
• Prof. Po Keung Wong, Department of Biology (Organic and inorganic analysis)
• Prof. Jimmy Yu, Department of Chemistry (Metal analysis)

2) Molecular-based Authentication Area

• Prof. Paul P.H. But, Department of Biology (DNA fingerprinting and sequencing)
• Prof. S.W. Chiu, Department of Biology (DNA fingerprinting and sequencing)
• Prof. Hoi-Shan Kwan, Department of Biology (DNA fingerprinting and sequencing)
• Prof. P.C. Shaw, Department of Biochemistry (DNA fingerprinting and sequencing)
• Prof. Jun Wang, Department of Biochemistry (DNA fingerprinting and sequencing)

3) Biological Standardization Area

• Prof. Hsiao-Chang Chan, Department of Physiology (Epithelial system)
• Prof. T.B. Ng, Department of Biochemistry (Immunological system)
• Prof. P.C. Shaw, Department of Biochemistry (Biomarker generation and analysis)
• Prof. John Yeung, Department of Pharmacology (Warfarin and plate aggregating factor)
• Other colleagues specializing in bioassays

4) Safety and Potential Hazard Area

• Prof. Paul P.H. But, Department of Biology (Adverse drug effects)
• Prof. Hsiao-Chang Chan, Department of Physiology (In vitro and in vivo toxicology)
• Prof. Thomas Y.K. Chan, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics (Adverse drug reactions)
• Prof. W.Y. Chan, Department of Anatomy (Embryo toxicity)
• Prof. C.T. Che, School of Chinese Medicine (Determination and removal of contaminants)
• Prof. John Ho, Department of Biochemistry (Biochemical toxicology)
• Prof. Ken W.K. Liu, Department of Anatomy (Cellular toxicity)
• Prof. Vincent E.C. Ooi, Department of Biology (Hepatotoxicity)
• Prof. Brian Tomlinson, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics (Adverse drug reactions)

January 2003

>>Objectives

Natural Products Section

Herbs are a rich source of chemical compounds that may provide potentially useful base which leads to the discovery of new drugs. Guided by bioassays, this Section will attempt to focus on the isolation of organic molecules from Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as from other natural resources. The structures of these molecules will then be elucidated by employing modern spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography.

In addition to studies on natural products, this Section will also attempt to do the chemical syntheses and structure modification of selected molecules that exhibit significant bioactivity and/or unique structures in the hope of obatining less toxic and/or more potent drug candidates.

>>Membership List

Natural Products Section

Membership List

Co-Conveners:

• Prof. Henry N.C. Wong, Department of Chemistry
• Prof. Thomas C.W. Mak, Department of Chemistry

Members:

• Prof. Paul P.H. But, Department of Biology (Analysis and standardization of herbal drugs)
• Prof. C.T. Che, School of Chinese Medicine (Analysis and standardization of herbal drugs)
• Prof. K.P. Fung, Department of Biochemistry
• Prof. Sherlock Lam, Department of Chemistry
• Prof. Clara Lau, Institute of Chinese Medicine
• Prof. Lee Hung Kay, Department of Chemistry

May 2003

>>Objectives

Drug Development Section

This Section aims to facilitate and engage in the development of Chinese medicine and nutraceutical products suitable for international marketing. It will initially concentrate on the development of Chinese herbal products for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases.

The Section has already organized a scientific team within CUHK. They all have expertise in the development of herbal components. Currently, attempts are being made to augment the Section's existing facilities through internal and external collaboration, as well as securing additional funding from various sources. A number of herbal products have already been identified for development and it is anticipated that contracts will be signed with several local companies in the near future.

In addition to in-house drug development, we welcome outside collaboration. Our resources will be made available to interested companies or institutions. For example, those interested in developing new formulations can be supported by our Formulation Laboratory. This Laboratory is directed by two pharmaceutical scientists with relevant industrial experience. Our special Drug Evaluation Laboratory can also assist in evaluating Chinese herbal products using established analytical techniques routinely used for western drugs.

>>Membership List

Drug Development Section

Membership List

Co-Conveners:

• Prof. Walter K.K. Ho, Department of Biochemistry (Cholesterol lowering)

Members:

• Prof. W.Y. Chan, Department of Anatomy (Morphological changes)
• Prof. D.T.W. Yew, Department of Anatomy (Cancer/neuroactivity/toxicity assay)
• Prof. Edwin H.Y. Chan, Department of Biochemistry
• Prof. Z.Y. Chen, Department of Biochemistry (Cholesterol lowering/anti-oxidants)
• Prof. W.T. Cheung, Department of Biochemistry (Cardiovascular activities/cell signalling)
• Prof. K.P. Fung, Department of Biochemistry (Anti-tumor/cardiotonic effects)
• Prof. K.N. Leung, Department of Biochemistry (Immunopharmacological activities)
• Prof. P.C. Shaw, Department of Biochemistry (DNA array assay for gene activities)
• Prof. C.C. Wan, Department of Biochemistry (Anti-viral/cardiovascular)
• Prof. J. Wang, Department of Biochemistry (Mutation analysis)
• Prof. M. Waye, Department of Biochemistry (Gene activity)
• Prof. Paul P.H. But, Department of Biology (Anti-viral)
• Prof. Vincent E.C. Ooi, Department of Biology (Anticancer/immunity/anti-viral)
• Prof. Lam Wai Kei, Department of Chemical Pathology
• Prof. C.T. Che, School of Chinese Medicine (Pharmacognosy)
• Prof. Anthony Chan Tak Cheung, Department of Clinical Oncology
• Prof. J.L. Tang, Department of Community & Family Medicine (Survey studies)
• Prof. Y.T. Zhang, Department of Electronic Engineering (Drug delivery system)
• Dr. Lawrence Baum, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
• Prof. W.Y. Chan, Department of Anatomical & Cellular Pathology (Morphological changes)
• Prof. H.K. Ng, Department of Anatomical & Cellular Pathology (Morphological changes)
• Prof. Fok Tai Fai, Department of Paediatrics
• Prof. Ge Lin, Department of Pharmacology (Pharmacokinetics)
• Prof. J.H. K. Yeung, Department of Pharmacology (Drug metabolism/defense mechanism/toxicity)
• Prof. A.H.L. Chow, School of Pharmacy (Formulation and quality control)
• Prof. Y.P. Ho, School of Pharmacy (Analytical assay)
• Prof. H.C. Chan, Department of Physiology (Anti-diarrhea/epithelial secretion)
• Prof. R.R. Fiscus, Department of Physiology (Apoptosis/vasoactive agents/cardiovascular)
• Prof. Y. Huang, Department of Physiology (Antihypertensive/vasoactive factors)
• Prof. X.Q. Yao, Department of Physiology (Cardiovascular/immunosystem/inflammation)
• Prof. L.Y. Chow, Department of Psychiatry (Genotyping)
• Prof. A Burd, Department of Surgery (Wound healing)
• Dr. A.E. James, Laboratory Animal Services Centre (Animal testing)

January 2003

>>Objectives

Information Section

The mission of the Section is to build up an advanced IT environment to promote the development of the Institute of Chinese Medicine.

The Section, taking full advantage of the recent developments in information technologies, aims to enhance and better facilitate internal communication as well as external information collection and release. Plans and projects have been developed to apply the latest information technologies to promote the development of Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong.

The main ongoing projects of the Information Section include “On-line Course Series of Chinese Medicine” and “Modernization of Compound Formulae of Chinese Medicine”. On top of launching projects, the Section also makes effort to support other departments in Chinese medicine related research. One of the examples is establishment of “簡帛醫藥文獻小組”.

Template of Cross-reference between Herbs from the Excavated Medicine documents and Hong Kong Flora

>>Membership List

Information Section

Membership List

Co-Conveners:

• Prof. K.P. Fung, Department of Biochemistry
• Prof. Michael M.Y. Chang, Department of Information Engineering

Members:

• Prof. Paul P.H. But, Department of Biology
• Prof. C.T. Che, School of Chinese Medicine
• Prof. S.T. Kwok, Deparment of History
• Prof. Li Wen Jung, Department of Automation & Computer-Aided Engineering
• Prof. Thomas C.W. Mak, Department of Chemistry
• Prof. P.C. Shaw, Department of Biochemistry
• Prof. Christopher Yang, Department of Systems Engineering & Engineering Management
• Prof. Zhang Yuanting, Department of Electronic Engineering

July 2007

>>Objectives

Public and General Education Section

Promoting public awareness and understanding of Chinese medicines is crucial to the future development of Chinese medicine. The Public and General Education Section aims to enhance the public's understanding of Chinese medicine and strives to gain recognition for Chinese medicine locally and internationally through organizing exhibitions, expanding the University's Chinese medicine museum and herbal garden, and participating in the planning and development of large-scale Chinese medicine garden projects.

The Public and General Education Section has started growing medicinal plants throughout the CU campus to enhance students and the public's understanding of Chinese medicine. It will also participate in the proposed Chinese medicine garden project in Ma Wan.

As an integral part of the academic establishment, The Chinese University of Hong Kong has a School of Chinese Medicine. The principal goal of the School is to provide undergraduate and professional training in modern Chinese medicine, including offering postgraduate programmes to first degree holders and registered Chinese medicine practitioners who wish to pursue higher studies or more specialized training in Chinese medicine. At the same time, the School offers diploma courses, as refresher training, for practicing herbalists who are preparing to sit for the accreditation examination for professional registration. With a view to enhancing the standard of the Chinese medical practice and preparing the professionals for the accreditation examination, the School of Chinese Medicine and the School of Continuing Studies have jointly launched a series of Chinese medicine training courses for practitioners with different qualifications and working experience. Apart from formal courses, the School also actively engages in organizing forums, seminars and workshops to promote the public understanding of Chinese medicine.

>>Membership List

Public and General Education Section

Membership List

Co-Conveners:

• Prof. Kenneth K.C. Lee, School of Pharmacy
• Prof. Jimmy C.M. Yu, Department of Chemistry

Members:

• Prof. Siu Wai Chiu, Department of Biology
• Prof. Glen K.C. Hui, Department of Chemistry
• Prof. Vivian W.Y. Lee, School of Pharmacy
• Prof. Joyce H.S. You, School of Pharmacy

March 2001

>>Objectives