University signs Chinese medicine strategic partnership

PA 227/09 A UK university's pioneering scientific research into traditional Chinese medicine is set to be harnessed by one of China's largest pharmaceutical companies - the world leader in creating modern drugs from ancient natural Chinese remedies. The University of Nottingham and China's Tasly Group signed a wide-ranging new strategic partnership on Friday. This deal promises to combine areas of expertise which will stimulate further natural drug discovery efforts and may bring economic benefits to the East Midlands. Senior executives from Tasly Group were among some of the world's foremost experts on Chinese medicine who gathered on University Park campus in Nottingham last week for the 8th Meeting of the Consortium for Globalisation of Chinese Medicine (CGCM). This event was held outside Asia for the first time, recognising the University's long-term commitment to research into Chinese medicine. Professor Bob Webb, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, said: "On behalf of the University, I welcome the benefits this agreement will bring. We're delighted that the quality of Nottingham's research has attracted a Chinese company as active and expert in this area as Tasly Group." Traditional Chinese medicine embodies a sophisticated system of diagnosis, prescription and treatment with vast potential for pharmacology.