March 4, 2004

China-California Biomedical Alliance
Is Topic of UCSD Symposium March 30

By Sue Pondrom

Always a dominant force in the Far East, China is now poised to attain a leadership position in science and technology, particularly in the burgeoning field of human biology and molecular medicine. Since California and San Diego are well positioned to play a pivotal role as a biomedical gateway with China, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Institute of Molecular Medicine and the Nature Publishing Group are offering a one-day symposium March 30 on the UCSD campus in La Jolla to explore the creation of networks with China.

Titled “The China-California Connection: A Biomedical Alliance,” the symposium is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Price Center Ballroom and will highlight the experiences of scientists and business executives who have established successful biomedical partnerships and institutions in China.

The symposium will also highlight the foundation of a new Institute of Molecular Medicine China (IMMC) at Beijing University. Dr. Zhi-Hong Xu, president of Beijing University, will describe the relationship between UCSD Institute of Molecular Medicine and IMMC, including cross-training and research programs, and partnerships with the private sector.

Symposium co-organizer Kenneth Chien, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UCSD Institute of Molecular Medicine, noted that “perhaps the most challenging goal for Chinese scientists is to move beyond the geographic and intellectual borders of their thinking and become intimately familiar with the most innovative discoveries on a global basis through active interchange of knowledge with others.”

China is now establishing the academic and commercial infrastructure to begin to participate in the development of innovative technology platforms, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery programs, and biological therapeutics, and the human and financial resources exist within China to forge joint ventures.

“The establishment of international business standards to translate cutting-edge molecular medicine initiatives could lay the foundation for a vibrant Chinese effort in drug discovery and biotechnology,” Chien said. “To accomplish this objective, it will become increasingly necessary for China to boost its training of business professionals with direct experience in multiple aspects of biotechnology, ranging from intellectual property management to financing.”

Among the speakers and topics at the symposium are:

Leroy Hood, Institute for Systems Biology, “Systems Biology: Implications for Biotechnology and Medicine in China”

Zhu Chen, Academica Sinica, NAS, “The NIH in China”

Jim Wang, Qualcomm China, “Development of Strategic U.S./China Partnerships”

Mu Ming Poo, University of California, Berkeley, “Perspective from the Shanghai Neurosciences Institute”

Alan Paau, UCSD Technology Transfer, “Technology Transfer Infrastructure: U.S./China”

Vivian Ota Wang, Vanderbilt University, “Genetic Testing in Isolated Chinese Populations”

Xiaodong Wang, University of Texas, Southwest, “Perspective from the New Beijing Life Sciences Institute”

Hui Zhen Sheng, Shanghai Second Medical University, “Stem Cell Research in China”

Zhi-Hong Xu, Beijing University, “Beijing University in the 21st Century”

An interactive panel discussion hosted by Ron Winslow, medical writer for the Wall Street Journal, will include David Lee, University of California Regent; Paul Tam, Hong Kong University; Li Chen, Roche Research and Development, China; Rui Ping Ziao, China Institute for Molecular Medicine; and Ming Zhe Chen, New Tsinghua Medical University.

Registration for all individuals and further information, including a list of topics and speakers, is available on the website www.dmmfoundation.org. Due to generous support from sponsors, the registration fee will be waived for graduate students, post-doctoral students and physicians in training.

Contact: Sue Pondrom (619) 543-6163