News

Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Holds Academic Exchange Conference on Innovative TCM Research

22 April 2025

Our director, Professor Aiping Lyu conducted a talk topic “A Novel Model for Innovative Drug Development Integrating Natural Products with Cutting-Edge Technologies” in the 3rd "Thousand Herb Genomes Project" conference. He highlighted case studies where machine learning models identified potential compounds for treating chronic diseases, significantly accelerating the R&D process. His work exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration can unlock new dimensions in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s global relevance.

The 3rd "Thousand Herb Genomes Project" conference commenced in Chengdu with great fanfare. Hosted by Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CDUTCM), the event centered on advancing the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and cutting-edge genomics research, attracting top-tier experts and scholars from China and abroad.

A landmark achievement of the conference was the official unveiling of the Gene-encoded Natural Diverse Components Repository (GNDC), the world’s first billion-level genomic database encoding the natural diversity of medicinal herbs. This groundbreaking initiative marks a pivotal milestone in TCM technological innovation. Attendees, including renowned academicians and experts, witnessed the debut of this unprecedented global resource, designed to catalog and analyze the genetic and biochemical diversity of medicinal plants.

The GNDC repository aims to accelerate the integration of genomics and TCM research, providing a robust foundation for drug discovery, quality control, and sustainable utilization of herbal resources. Its launch underscores China’s leadership in bridging ancient herbal wisdom with modern genomic science, fostering international collaboration in TCM innovation.

The launch of the GNDC repository marks a major milestone in the "Thousand Herb Genomes Project" and exemplifies the dynamic integration of modern technology with Traditional Chinese Medicine to preserve its authentic heritage while driving innovation. As artificial intelligence and big data become deeply intertwined with the TCM industry, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine is spearheading the sector’s transformation into a new era characterized by "precision discovery, intelligent design, and high-efficiency R&D." This advancement injects powerful momentum into the mission to innovate and revitalize TCM, as well as to advance the national "Healthy China" initiative.