Drug research and development opportunities in low- and middle-income countries: accelerating traditional medicine through systematic utilization and comprehensive synergy

Guangqi Liu; Yan Xie; Yinuo Sun; Kaixuan Zhang; Jiyan Ma; Yangmu Huang

Authors

Guangqi Liu Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
Yan Xie Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
Yinuo Sun Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
Kaixuan Zhang Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
Jiyan Ma Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
Yangmu Huang Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China

Keywords:

Traditional medicine, Research and development, Low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Though the utilization of traditional medicine has been proposed for modern drug research and development (R&D), limited research has discussed its feasible paths. In this commentary, we summarized key factors for new drug R&D under limited resources by reviewing China’s discovery of artemisinin, and raised suggestions to utilize traditional medicines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Main text We suggested that systematic utilization of traditional medicine, outstanding synergy of research units at all levels and timely information-sharing mechanism should be achieved to establish a comprehensive and efficient R&D system, especially under low-resource settings. In the case of artemisinin discovery, Chinese scientists integrated documented traditional medicine experiences and modern approaches to develop drug candidates timely. Due to limited R&D resources, China adopted a collaborative way, motivating nearly all domestic research units at different levels, to develop antimalarial products. Moreover, the excellent synergy among all units through efficient information-sharing mechanisms greatly avoided work repetition and accelerated the R&D process. Conclusion Traditional medicines inspires drug discoveries in LMICs, while a comprehensive and efficient R&D system could accelerate its R&D process and save investment. The discovery of artemisinin in China gave a reliable pattern to promote sustainable development of traditional medicines and a good example to realize R&D of traditional medicine under low-resource settings. Keywords: Traditional medicine, Research and development, Low- and middle-income countries