Launch of Fundamental Research Project on Formulas
The National Key Basic Research Program project titled "Fundamental Research on Key Scientific Issues in Formulas" (also known as the 973 Project) has recently been launched.
The National Key Basic Research Program is a series of research initiatives established by China's Ministry of Science and Technology to promote foundational research across disciplines. "Fundamental Research on Key Scientific Issues in Formulas" is the only TCM-related project in this series. The project appointed two chief scientists: Academician Wang Yongyan, President of the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Wang Yitao, Deputy President of the same academy. At the first project meeting, Wang Yongyan proposed the overall requirement of "innovation and openness, academic democracy."
Wang Yitao stated that during the international competition of TCM, three issues constrain progress: quality control, formulation technology, and innovation in new drugs. Since formulas are the primary therapeutic approach in TCM, selecting them as the focus of major foundational research aims to leverage TCM strengths and compensate for Western medicine weaknesses. Efficacy, quality, and the scientific theory of formula compatibility are critical scientific issues affecting public health, industrial development, and international competitiveness. The process of TCM industrialization should combine herbs, decoction pieces, and formulas appropriately, aiming for breakthroughs at key stages. Director Zhu Qingsheng of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine highly praised the project’s organizational form and management model, noting it breaks down regional and industry barriers, integrates multidisciplinary collaboration, and tackles major scientific challenges—this itself constitutes a significant achievement. TCM must solve its own problems through scientific research, respect TCM theoretical foundations, adopt modern natural science theories, technologies, and methods, innovate and expand, and fully utilize the roles of chief scientists and research teams.