Although the viroid is known to occur in plants only and NZ Court to Rule on GE do not pose any danger to human beings, the New Zealand authorities feel that it is better to ensure that tomatoes and Research potatoes exported are not infected. Checks will be conducted AgResearch, a New Zealand government-affiliated at the potato fields surrounding the infected farm as well as research company, had put up a proposal to insert human other tomato farms in Auckland. genes into cattle as part of its project to find treatment for multiple sclerosis. New Zealand’s Environmental Risk In Brief Management Authority (ERMA) had already given its approval, however a group of environmentalists have filed an appeal • Japan Bans Use of Animals from Countries with BSE Risk with the High Court to overturn the decision. The outcome Producers of medical products, medical supplies and cosmetics of this case is expected to set a precedent for future research in Japan have been banned from using animals from countries on treatment for diseases such as multiple sclerosis using with reported cases of bovines spongiform encephalopathy genetic engineering (GE) technology. (BSE), also known as mad cow disease. In 1996, it had banned The disagreement arose when a local aborigine who the use of cattle from Britain for producing pharmaceutical owned the land where the cattle for experimentation would products. In this latest move, 28 nations have been added to be kept, opposed the plans. The lawyer representing the the list. These are mostly European countries, including France, environmentalists said that the appeal was based on lack of Switzerland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, openness in the decision-making process and displacement Yugoslavia, and Germany. of proper legal criteria and methodology. The local Multiple • Shenzhen’s Doctors to be Insured Sclerosis Society is, however, backing AgResearch’s research proposal. The Shenzhen Public Health Bureau has announced that doctors in the city have to subscribe to an occupational-risk This is believed to be first time that an ERMA decision insurance scheme so that the hospital and doctors can be has been appealed. New Zealand has implemented a covered when they are sued. moratorium on GE research and the Royal Society is currently carrying out public sessions to hear the public’s opinions on • Taiwan Approves Breast-Cancer Drug continuing GE in New Zealand. Taiwan has approved the sale of Trastuzumab, a drug for breast-cancer treatment. The drug is able to selectively hinder the growth of breast cancer cells and attack these cells at the molecular level. NZ Checks Tomatoes for • AIDS Drug at Reduced Price for African Countries Viroid India’s pharmaceutical company, Cipla, has announced that it will offer its AIDS drug at reduced rates to a doctor’s group During a routine check of tomatoes in January, the working in Africa. The doctor’s group has set up small pilot presence of the potato spindle tuber viroid was detected on programs in Africa to look into broader ways to combat AIDS. an Auckland tomato farm. The New Zealand Vegetable and Besides this, it would sell its AIDS drug at subsidized rates to Potato Growers’ Federation (VegFed) and the Ministry of large government projects. Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) are joining forces to determine whether the viroid attack is widespread in other commercial production sites in the country. Inspection has begun on RESEARCH NEWS 8 February 2001 and is expected to take around two weeks to complete. Japanese Scientists Develop The potato spindle tuber viroid affects tomatoes and New Method to Decipher potatoes. It causes tomato plants to appear malnourished, showing symptoms such as yellowing leaves and shortened Gene Sequences stems. Infected potato plants show a darker shade of green, are shorter and the leaves are smaller with fluted margins. Scientists from Japan’s premier research institute, the However, some infected plants do not display any symptoms Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), have and the presence of the viroid can only be determined by successfully developed a method to identify genes and their laboratory tests. functions in a large array of genetic sequences. The development of this method was published recently in Nature. The viroid is spread primarily by seeds. For tomatoes, The paper included the first chapter of RIKEN’s Mouse Gene the viroid may be spread during routine pruning when sap Encyclopedia Project. from the infected plant is transferred to other plants. In New Zealand, tomatoes are grown from imported hybrid seeds, The RIKEN Genomic Sciences Center, based in Yokohama, leading the MAF to review import requirements to control the has analyzed over 20 000 strands of mouse DNA to ascertain spread of the viroid. the function of the genes they represent. Using the new

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APBNV5N4(MC) 78 2/21/01, 11:56 AM technology, RIKEN scientists are able to collect strands of This was the strong message Academia Sinica President RNA produced during gene expression and use the information and Nobel Laureate, Professor Lee Yuan-tseh, sent to Taiwan to clone a complementary DNA strand. legislators. Together with Academia Sinica’s Vice President, Professor Sunney Chan, Professor Lee is canvassing for Due to their similarity, scientists hope that by studying government and private sector support to establish a genome the mouse genome, they can better understand the workings research center. He felt that a strong foundation in life sciences of the human genome. Although the human genome has research has already been established, and results in human been mapped, a large proportion of the genetic information genome research can be expected within two to three years, is thought to be “junk” and useful information needs to be and “excellent achievements likely within five years.” sieved out. RIKEN scientists intend to use the same technique to carry out comparison studies with genomes of other However, setting up such a center would require organisms to decipher the human genome. professional expertise and huge costs. The Academia Sinica has recently won the support of some large Taiwanese To date, RIKEN has discovered more than 100 new genes companies, such as Continental Construction, Walsin Lihwa, related to metabolic enzymes and another ten that may cause China Development and the Taiwan Industrial Bank, to set human diseases in the mouse genome. up a pilot research project on diseases in mice. The project is expected to take two years and at a cost of NT$50 million (US$1.6 million) and will pave the way for larger scale projects Korean Scientists Discover and eventually the establishment of the research center. In view of the keen interest in human genome and the New Cholesterol-Reducing potential impact it would have on life as we know it, Professor Lee expects more companies and government agencies to Compound come forward to collaborate with Academia Sinica. Korean scientists have discovered that a compound comprising extracts from soybean and fruit is able to reduce blood cholesterol faster than any other currently available Lee Yuan-tseh: cholesterol-reducing agents. Called SN-20, the compound was “A strong foundation in life sciences developed by scientists from Mokwon University. Professor Song Yahg-hyun, who led the team said that the compound research has already been established showed an outstanding efficacy in reducing high levels of in Taiwan, results in human genome cholesterol without any side effects. research can be expected within two In the laboratory test, the scientists elevated the cholesterol level of rats before injecting them with a small to three years, and excellent achieve- dose of SN-20. Following this, the cholesterol level in the ments likely within five years.” rats was reduced by 35 percent in five days, and 50 percent in 14 days. The scientists found that SN-20 effectively breaks down low-density lipoprotein, which is bad for health, while increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein, which promotes health. New Biochip to Diagnose One added advantage of SN-20 is that it can be turned to commercial products easily and cheaply, because it is a Respiratory Diseases natural product, which is highly soluble in water. The research was sponsored by a local biotechnology venture company A group of scientists from the Beijing Institute of called UL Tec. The company intends to commission research Microbiology and the Harbin Jitai Biological Chip centers in the US to conduct clinical tests this year. It will be Development Company have developed a biochip that is able developing SN-20 as a food additive soon for food and to identify the bacteria causing respiratory problems in patients. beverage companies. Dr. Yang Ruifu, a member of the research group, explained that bacteria which cause respiratory problems have spiral chain-like genes. The biochip is first programmed with sets of half-completed gene chains. When a sample from the Taiwan’s Academia Sinica patient is applied on the chip, the bacteria will seek to complete the half-completed chains within the chip, and the Pushes for Genome Research technician can then tell which bacteria is present. If Taiwan misses the biotech boat, it will fall behind and The usual diagnosis takes about thirty days, but the risk becoming a second-class country in terms of academic procedure can be reduced to merely five hours when the research. biochip is used.

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APBNV5N4(MC) 79 2/21/01, 11:56 AM Simple Technique Boosts China’s Sweet Potato Harvest As a result of a novel seed production technique, China’s sweet potato production increased by a whopping 30 to 40 percent last year. Farmers in the Chinese provinces of Shandong and Anhui used the simple procedure, which does not involve additional fertilizers or genetic modification, to eliminate viral diseases from sweet potato plants to improve yield. China is the world’s largest producer of sweet potatoes, accounting for about 85 percent of global supply. Sweet potato is also China’s fourth most important cash crop, after rice, wheat and maize. Sweet potato is a popular crop among farmers because it is able to grow well under poor soil conditions and is grown from cuttings rather than seeds, thus has a shorter growth period. One of the few factors that deter the growth of sweet potatoes is the presence of viral diseases. The process of using cuttings as seedlings helps the proliferation of the viruses. In 1998, the International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima, Peru, a subsidiary under the Future Harvest Center, introduced a “virus cleanup” process to help eliminate diseases. In this process, small samples of uninfected plant material are extracted from infected plants and re-grown under sterile conditions. New shoots, which are now free of disease, are then grown in greenhouses until they are ready to be planted in the farms. Researchers at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences have since adapted the technique for local conditions. Beginning with 500 plants, scientists have grown uninfected cuttings sufficient for 25 000 hectares. The main beneficiaries of this technology are poor farmers living in these provinces. According to Future Harvest, China has so far invested US$1 million in the Shandong and Anhui provinces to carry out research and development on this technique. About US$40 million has been spent annually on the reproduction process, of which 90 percent has been recovered from the sale of cuttings to farmers. Since the program started, earnings from sweet potato have added over US$550 million to China’s agricultural output. Dana Dalrymple, an economist with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is happy with the outcome of the program. She said, “In the case of China’s sweet potato program, the increases are the result of a single technology that has no apparent downside and requires little investment capital. It is a good example of how even a modest investment in agricultural research can have a major impact on productivity and on the poorest members of the farm community.”

Cambridge Healthtech Institute Offers Conferences in Japan Genome Japan March 26-28, 2001 • Hilton Tokyo Bay • Tokyo, Japan

Fifth Annual Drug Discovery Japan March 27-29, 2001 • Hilton Tokyo Bay • Tokyo, Japan

Second Annual Microarrays and Microchips Japan June 4-5, 2001 • Keio Plaza Inter-Continental • Tokyo, Japan

For conference details visit www.healthtech.com/japan S88A031

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APBNV5N4(MC) 80 2/21/01, 11:56 AM International Exchange of Personnel and Cardiff University to Chemicals from Cockroaches sponsor fellowships for at least one Chinese academic to in Fight against AIDS undertake joint research at Cardiff; and Cardiff’s School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies and Beijing Scientists from the Yunnan Medical College in China Broadcasting Institute, a top training center for broadcasters have isolated some chemical compounds from cockroaches and film-makers in China. which they say are effective against AIDS. Laboratory tests so far have shown that their efficacy is comparable to that of AZT’s. Fewer side effects can also be expected. Dr. Li Shunan, dean of the College’s Department of Indian Scientist Couple Pharmacology, said that on-going trials of a chemical compound, consisting an amino acid and a polysaccharide, Discover New Malaria Drug have shown positive results. However, more tests are required A scientist couple from India has discovered that Triclosan before clinical trials can be recommended. — an antibacterial agent used in mouthwashes, toothpaste Dr. Li has spent about 20 years on cockroach research. and deodorants — is very effective in killing the Plasmodium His interest in this subject started when he found that an falciparum virus, which causes malaria. Dr. Avadesha Surolia ethnic minority tribe in Yunnan province used cockroaches from the Indian Institute of Science, and his wife Dr. Namita as a traditional cure for open wounds. Dr. Li has also found from the Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific that some chemicals from cockroaches may be able to cure Research have found that Triclosan effectively inhibits growth heart diseases. of Plasmodium falciparum in a test tube. They also found that it was equally effective against parasites which are resistant to the commonly used drug, chloroquine. Triclosan is a type II fatty acid biosynthesis inhibitor. It Cardiff and Guangdong exerts its antibacterial action by inhibiting the enzyme enoyl- acyl carrier protein reductase. Dr. Avadesha and Dr. Namita Universities Collaborate on have found that the Plasmodium falciparum also synthesizes Nasal Cancer Research the type II fatty acid, and carries a gene that codes for enoyl- acyl carrier protein reductase. They have shown that Triclosan Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences and the could inhibit the enzyme needed by Plasmodium falciparum Guangdong Medical College have undertaken a project to for the synthesis of the fatty acid, thereby stopping the virus find out why Chinese are more likely to succumb to nasal from multiplying. cancer than other races. The principal investigators from the They observed that malaria-infected mice totally participating universities are Professor Tim Jacob and Dr. Wang recovered just after a single injection of Triclosan at a Liwei, respectively. concentration of three milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Research has shown that nasopharyngeal carcinoma According to them, Triclosan is one of the more potent drugs (cancer of the back of the nasal passage) is thirty times more among the newly discovered drugs for malaria. They said likely to occur in Chinese men from the southern provinces that this discovery may lead to the development of more of China than European men. Furthermore, this cancer does potent analogs for treating malaria. not appear to be linked to excessive use of tobacco and alcohol. Scientists believe that the main reasons for this Their findings have been published in a recent issue of phenomenon are genetic susceptibility and exposure to the Nature Medicine. In an accompanying article, scientists from Epstein-Barr virus, a type of virus associated with cancer. The Australia and UK have said that the discovery is an exciting scientists participating in this Anglo-Chinese study hope to development and that if Triclosan is properly developed, may find out the real reasons for the occurrence of this cancer. serve as a promising new anti-malarial agent. The project was started about a year ago. It has recently received funding from the Wellcome Trust under the Collaborative Research Initiative, which helps to facilitate Breakthrough for Fish Oil research visits and wider availability of biopsy materials for investigation, for the next three years. Products Incidentally, Professor Jacob has been appointed an Food Science Australia and Clover Corporation have Honorary Professor at the Guangdong Medical College in entered into a technology development agreement to further recognition of his contributions to this joint research program. develop tuna oil products. Food Science Australia scientists The project with Guangdong is one of many projects have found ways to improve the oil loading capacity and Cardiff is currently carrying out with China. Others include extend the shelf life of one of Clover’s key products, Driphorm an agreement between the China Association for the tuna oil powder.

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APBNV5N4(MC) 81 2/21/01, 11:56 AM Fish oil is a good source of nutrients. However, a short enable medical graduates to understand the principles, shelf life and unstable chemical makeup limits the number concepts, practices and philosophies of those systems. The and type of products. With the new technology, Clover can course in mainly intended to make modern doctors aware of now incorporate tuna oil powder and other functional lipids the areas of strength in traditional systems of medicine, in into new products, including liquid and semi-liquid food, order to work towards an integrated healthcare delivery. such as milk drinks, yogurts, cheese and ice-cream, and dry The Department of Indian Systems of Medicine has ones like muesli bars. already prepared the module for the first three years of MBBS. Patents have been filed for this new technology and Topics will be covered through seminars and lectures. Food Science Australia and Clover will be embarking on further development projects to commercialize it in new food and pharmaceutical applications. The two organizations have been collaborating since 1996 and have recently received Compulsory Registration for funding from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)’s “Food into Asia” Program. Singapore Acupuncturists They will be co-funding the expenses for the new phase of the project. Starting 8 February 2001, acupuncturists in Singapore have one month to register themselves with the Ministry of Food Science Australia is a joint venture between CSIRO Health. and the Australian Food Science Australia Science Center and is Australia’s largest food research organization. On the Under the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act other hand, Clover Corporation is a supplier of ingredients that was passed in November last year, all acupuncturists such as natural oils and biotechnology products to the have to be registered by 1 January 2002. Practitioners who pharmaceutical, cosmetic, health food and animal health have a degree in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from a industries. recognized university or have been practicing for over ten years will participate in this round of registration. For others In Brief who have experience but do not have certification, they have to sit for the Acupuncture Appraisal, while new practitioners • Xiamen University Develops AIDS Diagnosis Kit or those who failed the Appraisal have to sit for a Common Acupuncture Qualifying Examination, both scheduled later Xiamen University has developed a diagnostic reagent using this year. genetically engineered recombinant antigens. The kit is expected to be commercialized soon. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has set up a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board. • Chinese Institute Develops Hep B Drug The Shanghai Biochemical Institute, an institute under the GENERAL INFORMATION AND STATISTICS Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed an anti-hepatitis B drug which is able to block the expression of Hep B genes and inhibit replication of Hep B viruses. The drug is currently Export-Driven Growth for undergoing animal trials. Indian Pharma Sector • Platelet Factor IV May Slow Down Tumor Growth India’s leading pharmaceutical companies recorded The Hematology Research Institute under the Chinese increasing exports for the October to December 2000 quarter, Academy of Medical Sciences has discovered that platelet with profits increasing up to 50 percent compared to the factor IV (human chemotactic factor, PF4) has the ability to same period the previous year. Following this, analysts have inhibit tumor growth and hematopoietic stem cells. Scientists predicted that the export-driven growth will continue for the hope to study its feasibility as an cancer drug. coming months. For the October to December 2000 quarter, leading ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE pharmaceutical companies such as Ranbaxy Laboratories, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL) and Cipla recorded impressive Indian Systems of Medicine increases in exports of 12.8 percent, 28 percent, and 150 percent respectively. Ranbaxy’s export growth was mainly for to be Included in MBBS formulations, DRL’s was bulk drug exports, while Cipla’s export India’s Ministry for Health and Family Welfare has increase was for both formulations and bulk drugs. According requested the Medical Council of India to include the basic to an analyst, Cipla’s outstanding performance is mainly due principles and concepts of Indian systems of medicine and to exports into more lucrative markets such as the Middle homeopathy in the course content of MBBS. East, south America and south Africa. The topics to be included are intended to give a general Last November, sales of anti-infectives, the biggest outline of the traditional systems of medicine. This would segment of India’s formulations market, dropped. However,

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