Possible opportunities and challenges for traditional Chinese medicine research in 2035

Author: Nanqu Huang1, Wendi Huang1, Jingjing Wu1, Sheng Long2, Yong Luo1, Juan Huang3
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, The First People&#x27;s Hospital of Zunyi, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China. <sup>2</sup> Cloud Computing Division, Jiangsu Hoperun Software Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. <sup>3</sup> Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
Conference/Journal: Front Pharmacol
Date published: 2024 Jun 21
Other: Volume ID: 15 , Pages: 1426300 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1426300. , Word Count: 140


The drug development process is poised for significant transformation due to the rapid advancement of modern biological and information technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). As these new technologies and concepts infiltrate every stage of drug development, the efficiency and success rate of research and development are expected to improve substantially. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a time-honored therapeutic system encompassing herbal medicine, acupuncture, and qigong, will also be profoundly impacted by these advancements. Over the next decade, Traditional Chinese medicine research will encounter both opportunities and challenges as it integrates with modern technologies and concepts. By 2035, TCM is anticipated to merge with modern medicine through a more contemporary and open research and development model, providing substantial support for treating a broader spectrum of diseases.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; complementary medicine; modern medicine; prediction; traditional Chinese medicine.

PMID: 38974044 PMCID: PMC11224461 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1426300