Collaborations

Eu Yan Sang also collaborates with reputable institutions to propel the TCM industry forward.

To support independent scientific research for the modernisation of the TCM industry, Eu Yan Sang has joined forces with the Innovation and Technology Fund in Hong Kong, universities and hospitals.

Collaborative research initiatives include:

Bak Foong Pills Bio-active Research with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

This HK$10-million university-industry collaborative project commenced in June 2000, and was undertaken by the Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center of CUHK.

Over a period of three years, the study investigated the pharmacological mechanisms underlying Bak Foong Pills - a well-known women's wellness product based on a century-old traditional formula.

Findings from the study confirmed the beneficial effects of Bak Foong Pills and elucidated possible mechanisms in seven key areas, which led to the proposal of a new formula for treating postmenopausal syndrome. This resulted in a new product, MenoEase Pills.

It was demonstrated through this interdisciplinary research project, that the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine could be explained in scientific terms. The potential of existing TCM products was subsequently enhanced.

Anti-flu TCM Research with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

In 2003, Eu Yan Sang announced a series of community initiatives to use TCM as an alternative therapy for preventing the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong.

Due to the collaboration efforts of TCM experts in China and Hong Kong, and The Institute of Chinese Medicine at CUHK (with endorsement from the Hospital Authority), we successfully developed a new anti-flu TCM formula. Today, this formula is being produced and marketed under the product name – Anti-Viral Formula (Kang Du Bu Fei Pills) and it is very effective for cold & flu symptoms.

Clinical Research in conjunction with Hospitals and Universities

Although clinical research is a core component of Western medical doctrine, it was only adopted by the TCM industry in the recent years. Eu Yan Sang pioneered the incorporation of clinical trials into its R&D process, from as early as the 1990s.

Working with hospitals in Beijing, Wuhan and Guangzhou in mainland China, Eu Yan Sang’s Bak Foong Pills and Bo Ying Compound were tested under several clinical studies. Extensive clinical research continues to be carried out through collaborations with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

"An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica in Hong Kong" with Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)

The prevalence of conflicting terms in the Chinese Materia Medica (owing to geographical, language and customary differences) is a key industry issue that needs to be addressed.

In 2003, Eu Yan Sang and the School of Chinese Medicine of Hong Kong Baptist University jointly announced the launch of "An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica in Hong Kong".

This was the first work which set the standards and benchmarks for the Chinese Materia Medica, commonly used in Hong Kong.

The book contains information on about 500 commonly used herbs. These herbs are illustrated with photographs or microscopic images, together with detailed descriptions of the origin, properties and efficacy of these Chinese herbs and natural medicines.

This university-industry collaboration represents a two-year research effort to establish an industry platform for the standardisation and modernisation of the TCM sector.