Sickle cell drug mired in controversy
Production of a herbal-based sickle cell anaemia drug could be under threat as the companies involved are surrounded by allegations of corruption.
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South Asia News in brief: 1–15 March 2008
A round-up of news from or about South Asia for the period 1–15 March 2008.
20 March 2008 | EN
Traditional medicine supplies falling as demand rises
Decreasing supplies of medicinal plants are endangering South Africa's traditional medicine industry, says a report.
Israeli Bedouin research centre gets second chance
A research and development centre for Arab Bedouins has been reopened in southern Israel's Negev desert.
7 September 2007 | EN
Traditional medicine for HIV to go on trial
Clinical trials of a traditional medicine to treat HIV are set to begin this month in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.
African nations to make traditional medicine safer
An increase in the use of traditional medicine has prompted Southern African countries to resolve to develop safety guidelines.
China seeks innovation in traditional medicine
China has launched a long-term development plan to boost research and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine.
Tree bark molecule may combat malaria
By targetting the early stages of malaria infection, a compound derived from tree bark could help fight the disease, say researchers.
Source: PLoS Medicine
Nigeria boosts research into traditional medicine
A new committee is the latest in a series of government efforts to bridge the gap between science and traditional medicine in Nigeria.
Africa urged to institutionalise traditional medicine
Delegates at a meeting in Congo last week urged African governments to integrate traditional medicine into their public health systems.
31 October 2006 | EN
China launches traditional medicine safety research
China has launched a new programme to research drug safety, focusing on treatments used in its traditional medicine.
Call to speed up studies of Chinese medicine
Studies on traditional remedies should go straight to patient trials, instead of wasting resources on basic research, says a senior researcher.
China launches international project on herbal medicine
China has announced an international project that aims to modernise its research and development of traditional medicines.
Iranian faces trial in Uganda over AIDS 'cure'
A Uganda-based Iranian will stand trial next month for selling, without official approval, what he claims is a cure for HIV/AIDS.
15 May 2006 | EN
Slow progress at talks on access to biodiversity
Delegates to the UN biodiversity convention are failing to resolve a debate over access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
24 March 2006 | EN
South Asian agriculture 'needs more joint research'
Scientists have called on South Asian nations to work together on research to exploit biological resources and boost agriculture.
5 January 2006 | EN
China and India to collaborate on biomedical research
Stem cell research and traditional medicine are emerging as key areas for scientific collaboration between China and India.
Traditional medicines could help African environment
Degraded African drylands could be restored by farmers tapping into the lucrative global market for traditional medicines, says the World Bank.
Global intellectual property body looks South
The World Intellectual Property Organisation has set up a committee to discuss how to incorporate development into the organisation's agenda.
Research on traditional Chinese medicine to increase
Research into traditional Chinese medicine has been included in China's National Basic Research Programme — opening the door for major funding.
