People to People Ambassador Programs Journals

People to People Ambassador Programs
Pharmacology Professional Delegation to China

Friday, May 13
Submitted by H. Osswald

Today was the first professional day of our delegation of pharmacologists to China. The program was organized so that pharmacologists from the U.S., Canada, Germany and Italy could get information about the activities and institutional organization of the pharmacologists in China.

The morning was spent at the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of the Beijing Medical Center of the Beijing University. We were welcomed by Huimin Qi, who is the administrative director of the Institute. We listened to a careful and extensive presentation about the history and development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by a graduate student (rochan.han@gmail.com). We learned that TCM was already in practice 2,000 years before Christ (BC). The first systematic collection of diseases and their respective herbal preparations (pharmacopoeia) with cures for diseases like ulcers, sleeplessness and high blood pressure, was written in 659 AD and contained 850 drugs, although earlier compilations of medicinal plants and recipes existed, e.g. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (1 BC-2 AD). Later monographs include Ben Cao Gang Mu (Herbal Systematics) by Li Shi-Zhen, 1518-1593 and the 3-volume Zhong Yao Da Ci Dian (Encyclopedia of Chinese Materia Medica) by Jiangsu Institute of New Medicines, 1977. The principles of TCM are based on the nature of the herbs (cold, cool, warm, hot) and their taste (sweet, sour, bitter, salty and pungent). These characteristics of the herbs served to re-establish the balance between Yin (passive force) and Yang (active force), which is considered to be deranged by the spiritual forces of the disease, and thus restores the proper level of Qi (life force). In additional to this principle of balance, TCM has led to the discoveries of several substances that carry potent pharmacological actions. This first presentation was discussed in terms of its application to clinical trials with double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies that are used in Western countries to establish therapeutic efficacy. It was pointed out that the individual problems of a patient affecting undisturbed circulation of Qi through the meridians of his body would make it nearly impossible to test a large cohort of more that 5,000 people because the physicians practicing TCM have to strictly follow the signs of imbalance of the individual patient. Thus, philosophies (Ying and Yang; Qi and meridians: wood, fire, earth, water and metal) are used to decide the appropriate methods to cure diseases.

The second lecture by Huimin Qi introduced us to the Institute and described the organization of phase I - phase III clinical studies and the involvement of the SFDA, the Chinese Administration of Food and Drug Regulations. The delegation members had the chance to see the facilities that were established in the ward for phase I and phase II clinical, and were impressed with the high standard of drug testing in clinical studies in humans (international standards, China GCP). The director, Dr. Yong-Hong Xiao, then gave his presentation about the Institute.

(There was an interesting news report in the current Nature about clinical trials in China: Chinese clinical trials: Consenting adults? Not necessarily. Nature 435:138, 2005)

After lunch the delegation was hosted by Dr. Gaunhua Du at a visit to the Institute of Materia Medica (IMM) of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Dr. Du, who is the associate director of the Institute, gave an impressive overview of the IMM mission of research and development and manufacture of new drugs, and of his National Center for Pharmacology Screening, which focuses on the isolation and characterization of compounds from traditional Chinese medications. Compounds are extracted, identified, synthesized and then evaluated by high through put screens and toxicology assessments. The delegation was able to see where they store thousands and thousands of herbs and other traditional remedies. All members were impressed by the facilities and the successes they have had in bringing drugs to market. The delegation members expressed their gratitude for being informed about the excellent development of pharmacological sciences (including clinical pharmacology) in Beijing.

Guest Program
Submitted by Lucie Chemtob

After a plane trip that took us halfway around the world, this first visit for the guests to the Temple of Heaven seemed really appropriate. There were four of us: Patricia and Jeanne from Florida, Elke from Germany and myself from Montreal.

Our guide, Leonard, told us that the Temple was built in 1530 and it was a place where the Emperors came to perform rites and make sacrifices. It is a place of worship for the following year of good harvest. The place where the Temple is located is square, representing earth, while the Temple is round, representing Heaven.

The first highlight is the entrance gate, which is designed using the four primary colors: blue for the sky, green for the earth, red for prosperity and yellow for the dynasty (power). As we walked in we saw a group of women dancing and softly moving fans. There were also two or three men drawing calligraphy on the sidewalk with water and brushes. The second highlight is the circular alter. To reach the three-tiered marble terrace we went up nine steps, three times. Nine is the number for longevity in Chinese culture. The third highlight is the imperial vault, inside of which were kept the ceremonial stone tablets. The vault is surrounded by the circular echo wall. The fourth highlight is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest symbolizing the five elements of nature: earth, water, fire, wood and metal.

At the end of the visit, we took a short walk in the garden to the sound of an improvised group of musicians. The visit was very informative and pleasant.