News

Advancing Integrative Medicine: Key Insights from the 14th GP‑TCM RA Annual Meeting

We are proud to share the success of the 14th Annual Meeting of the GP‑TCM Research Association (GP‑TCM RA), held July 7–9, 2026, at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Under the theme "Bridging East and West: Global Collaboration in Integrative Medicine," the event united global leaders to shape the future of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). 🎤 Featured Presentations: Our team made significant contributions to the dialogue: Prof. Jerry Yeung (Associate Director of RCMI) delivered a pivotal talk on "Major Interventions in Clinical Practice Guidelines of Major Depressive Disorder," offering critical insights into evidence-based mental health care. Prof. Simon Ming Yuen Lee (RCMI Management Committee & GP‑TCM RA President‑Elect) presented on "Natural Products and Neuroprotection," highlighting the potential of TCM in protecting neurological health. Prof. Lee also emphasized the Association's commitment to strengthening international collaboration and advancing scientific rigor across the integrative medicine landscape. 🔬 Key Themes: The three-day agenda covered a vast spectrum of topics, including: ✅ Quality Control & Pharmacology ✅ Regulatory Science & Industry Perspectives ✅ Clinical Practice Guidelines ✅ Acupuncture-Moxibustion & Meridian Science ✅ Translational Research & Scientific Publishing Through poster sessions, networking, and an awards ceremony, participants forged new partnerships and reaffirmed the need for harmonized standards to drive the modernization of TCM globally. A huge thank you to all speakers, attendees, and partners for making this event a resounding success!

Advancing Global Standards for Chinese Materia Medica

Our team recently represented our institution at the 14th Meeting of the International Advisory Board (IAB) on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS), convened by the Department of Health (DH). Associate Director Dr. Mok Kam Wah Daniel, RCMI International Advisory Board (IAB) Chairman Prof. Che Chun Tao, and IAB Member Prof. Rudolf Bauer joined over 60 experts from the Chinese Mainland, overseas, and Hong Kong for the event held on July 14. Key Outcomes: Standards Review: The board successfully concluded a review of safety and quality standards for 16 types of Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) commonly used in Hong Kong. Safety Testing: Experts examined updated safety testing requirements for CMM. Future Development: The meeting included strategic discussions on the future development of the HKCMMS framework. Since 2002, the DH has implemented the HKCMMS project in phases to ensure the safety and quality of commonly used CMM. Site Visit: On July 15, IAB members visited the permanent premises of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI). The visit provided an overview of the institute's work in: Establishing quality standards Researching and developing innovative testing methods Supporting the industry in CM identification Promoting CM culture

🌿 Unlocking the Gut-Brain Axis: A Recap of RCMI's Latest Event

On July 13, 2026, the RCMI community gathered for a fascinating deep dive into the complex interactions between herbal extracts and the human gut microbiota. We were honored to host Prof. Rudolf Bauer (Emeritus Professor, University of Graz; PAIR Fellow, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), a global leader in pharmacognosy and ethnopharmacology. Key Takeaways from the Session: 🔬 The Symbiotic Relationship: Gut microbiota are not just passive residents; they actively metabolize plant constituents, often turning them into the true active principles of herbal medicine. 🧪 Research Platform: Prof. Bauer showcased a cutting-edge platform combining LC-HRMS and 16S rRNA sequencing to track these metabolic shifts. 💊 Case Studies Presented: STW 5: Rapid metabolic turnover by fecal microbiota creates anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic products, explaining its efficacy in functional GI disorders. St. John's Wort (STW 3-VI): Flavonoids and hypericins act as prodrugs, transformed by the microbiome to influence the gut-brain axis in treating depression. Valerian Extract: Metabolites like enterolactone and phenylpropionic acid derivatives were linked to reduced depressive symptoms and improved sleep. The Verdict: Gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation is a critical factor in the pharmacological activity of herbal medicinal products. A huge thank you to Prof. Bauer for sharing his insights and for his continued leadership in bridging traditional medicine with modern microbiome science.

DoRCMI Presented at the 27th Vitamin D Workshop

We are honored to announce that Prof. Wong Man-sau, Director of Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) presented her talk titled "Takeda G Protein-coupled Receptor 5 (TGR5) is Involved in Mediating the Effect of Lithocholic Acid (LCA) on Vitamin D and Bone Metabolism" at the 27th Vitamin D Workshop, held from June 30 – July 3, 2026, in Strasbourg, France. This prestigious gathering is organized by the Vitamin D Workshop, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating scientific information on the functions and health benefits of Vitamin D. The event is proudly supported by an NIH Conference Grant, bringing together approximately 100 of the world's leading experts in the field. 🔬 Our Key Presentation: We unveiled a significant discovery regarding the role of TGR5 (Takeda G Protein-coupled Receptor 5) as a critical mediator in regulating Vitamin D metabolism within bone tissues. Our findings build upon our previous work on Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (a traditional Chinese medicine) and its bioactive ingredient, Oleanolic Acid. Presenting at an NIH-supported, non-profit forum allowed us to engage in high-level discourse with global leaders. We extend our gratitude to the organizers and attendees for the stimulating discussions on bridging traditional medicine insights with modern metabolic pathways.  

Strengthening Cross-Strait TCM Collaboration: Our Management Committee's Visit to Taiwan

From June 3–6, 2026, members of the RCMI Management Committee, led by Director Prof. Wong Man-sau, embarked on a strategic visit to Taiwan to deepen our academic and research partnerships in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and natural products. This productive trip was dedicated to fostering in-depth dialogue and exploring future opportunities with leading institutions across the island. Our key engagements included: Chang Gung University & Chang Gung University of Science and Technology: Engaged in detailed dialogues with the Institute of Natural Products to explore joint research avenues and academic exchanges. China Medical University (Taichung): Held a symposium between RCMI and CMU, toured the renowned Li-Fu Museum of Chinese Medicine and the Department of Chinese Medicine, and met with Prof. Yen and the university president to discuss strategic collaboration. Academia Sinica: Visited the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center to meet Prof. Shyur and discuss advancements in biotech applications for herbal medicine. Ministry of Health and Welfare: Met with representatives at the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine (NRICM) to align on national health strategies and the future development of TCM in Taiwan. The trip proved incredibly fruitful, allowing us to connect with top TCM experts, gain valuable insights into Taiwan's advancements in the field, and lay a solid groundwork for significant future collaborations. We look forward to turning these discussions into tangible projects that will ultimately benefit the global TCM community. Online coverage: Central News Agency - https://polyu.me/3SuVwVT 台灣新新聞報 - https://polyu.me/4utSm1X PC home - https://polyu.me/4fuSEC5 MSN - https://polyu.me/4vxJF7L   #TCM #TraditionalChineseMedicine #AcademicCollaboration #Research #Taiwan #ProfWongMansau #NaturalProducts #HigherEducation #HealthcareInnovation

Strengthening Global Partnerships for Traditional Medicine Innovation

On May 27, 2026, the Director of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine and Innovation (RCMI) visited the Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited. This strategic visit served as a pivotal step in the collaborative network that has been developing between CEVR, RCMI, and the Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited. The core focus of these ongoing discussions is to develop TCM-based solutions for eye diseases. During the visit, the delegation joined key representatives from the University of Waterloo. Together, the partners convened to expand their research network and advance the following initiative: 🔬 The Mission: Developing novel, TCM-based solutions specifically for Eye Diseases. By uniting the expertise of CEVR, RCMI, and the Center, the collaboration aims to bridge traditional wisdom with modern drug development to improve global eye health outcomes.

PolyU Researchers Pioneer Protein-Based Data Storage to Tackle AI Data Explosion

 An interdisciplinary team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a major breakthrough in molecular data storage, demonstrating a sustainable, high-capacity alternative to traditional digital media. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, detail a method for storing and retrieving digital data using de novo designed unnatural proteins. The Challenge: The AI Data Surge With AI driving exponential data growth, current storage solutions face limits. DNA storage, while promising, suffers from low capacity (4 nucleotides) and degradation. Peptide-based methods offer higher capacity (20+ amino acids) but are costly to synthesize and limited in sequence length. The Solution: Engineered Proteins Led by Prof. Yao Zhongping (Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology) and Prof. Francis Lau (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering), the team developed a protein-based framework that overcomes these hurdles: Unmatched Efficiency: The new method achieves 30 times the storage density of peptide-based systems at just 10% of the cost, leveraging biological expression in E. coli for scalable production. Superior Stability: Unlike DNA, which degrades in solution or acid, the engineered proteins remain readable for extended periods. Advanced Functionality: The team introduced random access (retrieving specific data without decoding the whole set) and encryption (securing data via affinity tags), adding layers of security previously unavailable in molecular storage. How It Works Inspired by the stability of collagen, the team designed a protein "backbone" to host data-bearing amino acid sequences. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and proprietary algorithms, they successfully reconstructed full sequences from digested fragments, converting them back into accurate bit strings with error correction. This research, supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council, builds on PolyU's previous success in peptide storage for space exploration, marking a significant step toward a sustainable, secure, and high-capacity future for global data management.    Read the full study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-70061-7 Press release: https://polyu.me/4daJaKD Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4wMwzoX Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/42w9YPv (subscription required) Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4doi6GJ Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4do8rA2  

Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science: A Recap of Our Seminar on CHM Clinical Trials

Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science: A Recap of Our Seminar on CHM Clinical Trials On May 13th, we were honored to host Prof. Lao Lixing from the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine for an insightful session titled "Clinical Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine: Methodology and Challenges." While Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Asia for millennia, integrating it into the Western evidence-based paradigm presents unique hurdles. Prof. Lao provided a masterclass on how to navigate these complexities to generate high-level evidence. Key takeaways from the session included: The Evidence Gap: Why Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) remain the gold standard, yet high-quality evidence for CHM is still scarce due to formula complexity. From Farm to FDA: A deep dive into the rigorous research methodology, covering herbal formula identification, raw material authentication, extraction methods, and quality control. Navigating Challenges: An honest discussion on the specific difficulties of conducting Phase I and II clinical trials under FDA guidelines. Prof. Lao shared valuable insights from his team's collaborative work with the University of Maryland and the University of Hong Kong, highlighting the path forward for integrative medicine. A huge thank you to Prof. Lao for expanding our understanding of how to scientifically validate traditional remedies for a global audience. #IntegrativeMedicine #TCM #ClinicalTrials #EvidenceBasedMedicine #ChineseHerbalMedicine #Research #FDA #May13Seminar

🚀 From Diagnosis to Prevention: Prof. MA Cong on the Future of AI in Healthcare

At the recent 6th Asia Healthcare Summit, Prof. MA Cong of PolyU shared his vision for a smarter healthcare future. As an Associate Professor and RCMI member, he joined a panel to explore how digital innovations and AI are reshaping the industry. Prof. Ma identified four key pillars giving Hong Kong a competitive edge: world-class scientific research, proactive government support, a mature healthcare network, and rigorous IP protection. He also pointed to the newly established Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation as a catalyst for bringing new local drugs to market faster. According to Prof. Ma, the journey of medical AI in Hong Kong has evolved rapidly. Starting with lung imaging in 2021, the technology has expanded to cover stroke and ophthalmic screenings. Today, the focus is on predicting genetic risks and preventing diseases before they occur. This shift represents a fundamental move away from reactive treatment toward proactive prevention. Beyond diagnostics, Prof. Ma noted that AI is crucial for optimizing hospital workflows, enabling personalized care plans, and guiding public health decisions. On the research front, Prof. Ma's team is making waves by combining generative AI with structural biology to tackle antibiotic resistance. They have successfully pinpointed active molecules for five difficult-to-treat infections, with two potential drugs already entering preclinical safety evaluations. These efforts highlight Hong Kong's commitment to building a dynamic ecosystem for health technology innovation.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/42r4lC8 Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4uFLbV5 Chinese Daily - https://polyu.me/4dEsLye    

🌿 Leading the Way in Sustainable Chinese Medicine: Prof. Wong Delivers Plenary at HKU Conference

We are proud to announce that Prof. Wong recently delivered a prestigious plenary speech at the 4th Conference for Wildlife Protection in Chinese Medicine 2026, organized by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) School of Chinese Medicine. In her address, titled "Exploration of the Substitution Applications of Chinese Herbal Medicines and Nutrients for Endangered Wildlife Products," Prof. Wong highlighted critical strategies for preserving biodiversity while maintaining the efficacy of traditional therapies. Key takeaways from his presentation included: 🔹 The scientific validation of herbal and nutrient-based alternatives. 🔹 Ethical frameworks for sourcing sustainable ingredients. 🔹 The future roadmap for reducing reliance on endangered wildlife in TCM. Congratulations to Prof. Wong on sharing vital insights with the global community! 🌏🐾 #WildlifeProtection #SustainableTCM #HKU #ChineseMedicine #Conservation #ProfWong #EndangeredSpecies #GreenMedicine