P R E S S   R E L E A S E

The Chinese University of Hong Kong has been a pioneer in Chinese medicine study in Hong Kong, with substantial research findings and an active and internationally recognized record established over a twenty-seven year period.  To help establish a modernized Chinese medicine industry in Hong Kong, the University has set up the Institute of Chinese Medicine (ICM) in January 2000, which is the only research body in Hong Kong capable of offering coherent chain-line research and production of Chinese medicine.

The mission of ICM is to establish evidence-based Chinese medicine and perform multiple functions of authentication, quality control, safety assurance, clinical trials, drug development, information centre and public and general education.  ICM will further consolidate and enhance the comprehensive and well-established programmes in Chinese medicine undertaken by the Faculties of Medicine, Science and Engineering as well as various departments/units at the University.  It will operate as a synergistic collaboration of all parties active in the research and development of Chinese medicine both locally and internationally.

The Institute is directed by a Management Committee and comprises the following five sections:

a) Clinical Trials Section: enhances closer collaboration between Chinese and Western medicine and strengthens the clinical value of Chinese medicine, in turn, develops optimal treatment methods;
b) Drug Development Section: facilitates the development of Chinese medicinal and nutraceutical products aimed for international market, provides bioavailability of pharmacokinetics studies, formulation and process development of Chinese medicinal products;
c) Information Section: develops Chinese medicine database and builds an information network of Chinese medicine via Internet;
d) Public and General Education Section: enhances public understanding of Chinese medicine; and
e) Standardization and Safety of Chinese Medicine Section: involves in authentication, quality assurance and control, standardization and research on safety and potential hazards of Chinese medicine.