During a recent interview at the “Thousand Forms, Hundred Recipes” Medical Institution Formulation Transformation Roadshow held in Jinhua, Pan’an, from September 29 to 30, we had the opportunity to speak with several key participants about the future of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in research and development.
Xu Xuqing, Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission, emphasized the benefits of TCM formulations, highlighting their broad efficacy, affordability, and enhanced safety. He pointed out that these formulations are becoming increasingly vital as supplements to commercial pharmaceuticals, especially in times of public health crises. “During emergencies, TCM formulations often take center stage because they are simple, convenient, effective, and economical. These characteristics have gained significant recognition and preference among the public,” Xu stated.
Launched in March 2022, the “Thousand Forms, Hundred Recipes” initiative aims to boost TCM formulation development and expertise at the grassroots level. This project unites various stakeholders, including the Zhejiang Provincial Drug Administration and the Technology Department, to establish policies that ease the registration and insurance pricing for TCM formulations. To date, 48 traditional process filings have received regulatory approval, and one medical institution has obtained a new license.
Dr. Gao Xiangfu, President of the Zhejiang Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, discussed the project’s role in fostering collaboration with private companies. “Our hospital recently entered into two transformation agreements with businesses totaling 11 million yuan. With research outputs expected to surpass 50 million yuan by 2024, it’s clear that the demand for innovative formulations—like the highly sought-after Ume Su 2.0—is driving this expansion,” he explained.
He noted the significance of translating research into concrete benefits for hospital staff, saying, “The strength of knowledge is evident in our research results. We encourage our employees to innovate by sharing 80% of the profits with the teams that generate those results.”
Luan Jianlong, Party Secretary of Nanjing District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, expressed pride in the new TCM formulations rolled out in the past year. “Our hospital has introduced eight new internal preparations, including Ke Ping Granules and Gout Capsules. These popular remedies not only benefit our patients but also made a substantial impact when we presented them at the inaugural Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Night Market in Nanjing Ancient Town.”
Currently, over 60 types of TCM formulations are in active use at more than 40 grassroots healthcare facilities in Zhejiang, with a total trading volume surpassing 20 million yuan in 2023.
As the conversation wrapped up, Xu Xuqing shared a forward-thinking vision for TCM, urging the development of a system for innovative TCM scientific research and transformation that aligns with clinical needs, ultimately leading to novel TCM drugs. “We need to enhance the application of our research findings and establish a robust framework for transforming TCM scientific achievements and formulations to facilitate clinical applications of innovative TCM solutions,” he concluded.
The event also featured the unveiling of the “2023 Zhejiang Province Medical Institutions TCM Formulation Development Report,” along with various rankings related to TCM formulation metrics.
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