1.Drug comprehensive value assessment frameworks for medical insurance:overseas experiences and implications for China
Yijun LIU ; Dan LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Bin JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):413-419
OBJECTIVE To systematically compare mature experiences of comprehensive drug value assessment in typical countries/regions and to provide decision-making references for China to establish a scientific and standardized comprehensive drug value assessment system for medical-insured drugs. METHODS The literature analysis was used to systematically review drug value assessment frameworks in 11 representative countries/regions, namely the UK, Canada, Italy, Australia, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, the United States, as well as Taiwan (China) and Hong Kong (China). Comparisons were made across three dimensions: assessment entities, value dimension, and application of results. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS In most countries/regions, independent technical assessment institutions have been established as part of the drug value evaluation system, with the involvement of multiple stakeholders (e.g., the UK, Canada). The mainstream drug value assessment frameworks have generally transcended the traditional core dimensions of safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness, exhibiting two major trends: the continuous expansion of assessment dimensions and stricter evidence requirements. Assessment outcomes are closely integrated with payment policies, ranging from providing technical advice for decision-making (e.g., Italy, France) to directly determining reimbursement eligibility (e.g., the UK, Germany). The following recommendations are proposed for China: first, establish an evaluation mechanism featuring multi-stakeholder participation and separation of evaluation from decision-making. Second, develop a comprehensive evaluation framework integrating clinical, economic, patient, and societal value, emphasizing quantitative indicator exploration and real-world evidence application. Third, promote direct linkage between value-based tiering outcomes and medical insurance reimbursement decisions or access negotiations to balance patient benefits, fund sustainability, and industrial innovation.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
4.Internal tension relieving technique assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to promote ligamentization of Achilles tendon grafts in small ear pigs in southern Yunnan province
Bohan XIONG ; Guoliang WANG ; Yang YU ; Wenqiang XUE ; Hong YU ; Jinrui LIU ; Zhaohui RUAN ; Yajuan LI ; Haolong LIU ; Kaiyan DONG ; Dan LONG ; Zhao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):713-720
BACKGROUND:We have successfully established an animal model of small ear pig in southern Yunnan province with internal tension relieving technique combined with autologous Achilles tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,and verified the stability and reliability of the model.However,whether internal tension relieving technique can promote the ligamentalization process of autologous Achilles tendon graft has not been studied. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the differences in the process of ligamentalization between conventional reconstruction and internal reduction reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by gross view,histology and electron microscopy. METHODS:Thirty adult female small ear pigs in southern Yunnan province were selected.Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the left knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon(n=30 in the normal group),and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the right knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon combined with the internal relaxation and enhancement system(n=30 in the relaxation group).The autogenous right forelimb was used as the control group;the anterior cruciate ligament was exposed but not severed or surgically treated.At 12,24,and 48 weeks after surgery,10 animals were sacrificed,respectively.The left and right knee joint specimens were taken for gross morphological observation to evaluate the graft morphology.MAS score was used to evaluate the excellent and good rate of the ligament at each time point.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the degree of ligament graft vascularization.Collagen fibers and nuclear morphology were observed,and nuclear morphology was scored.Ultrastructural remodeling was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The ligament healing shape of the relaxation group was better at various time points after surgery,and the excellent and good rate of MAS score was higher(P<0.05).Moreover,the relaxation group could obtain higher ligament vascularization score(P<0.05).(2)The arrangement of collagen bundles and fiber bundles in the two groups gradually tended to be orderly,and the transverse fiber connections between collagen gradually increased and thickened,suggesting that the strength and shape degree of the grafts were gradually improved,but the ligament remodeling in the relaxation group was always faster than that in the normal group at various time points after surgery.(3)The diameter,distribution density,and arrangement degree of collagen fibers in the relaxation group were better than those in the normal group at all time points,especially in the comparison of collagen fiber diameter between and within the relaxation group(P<0.05).
5.Acute Inflammatory Pain Induces Sex-different Brain Alpha Activity in Anesthetized Rats Through Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography
Meng-Meng MIAO ; Yu-Xuan REN ; Wen-Wei WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PAN ; Xiang-Hong LIN ; Hui-Dan LIN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):244-257
ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.
6.Characteristics analysis of pediatric medicines with priority review and approval for marketing in China
Haoyu YANG ; Kan TIAN ; Xue YOU ; Hongwei DAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiaoyong YU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):519-523
OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics of pediatric medicines with priority review and approval for marketing in China, providing a reference for promoting enterprise R&D and production, as well as improving the supply guarantee mechanism for pediatric medicines. METHODS Based on publicly available data sources such as List of Approved Information for Pediatric Medications Subject to Priority Review and Approval, Pharnexcloud biomedical database, and National Medical Insurance Drug Directory, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the main characteristics of pediatric medicines with priority review and approval for marketing. RESULTS As of June 30, 2024, a total of 68 pediatric medicines had been approved through the priority review and approval process, covering 12 therapeutic areas, with oral dosage forms accounting for 64.71%. The median time from application to inclusion in priority review was 35.50 days, with an average of 41.69 days. The median time from inclusion in priority review to market approval was 1.24 years, with an average of 1.42 years. This included 12 domestic new medicines, 21 domestic generic medicines, 35 imported medicines, as well as 29 pediatric-specific medicines and 21 orphan medicines. Additionally, 31 of these medicines had been included in the medical insurance catalog, representing a proportion of 45.59%. CONCLUSIONS Currently, a trend of differentiated competition is emerging between domestic and imported pediatric medicines. The therapeutic areas for pediatric medicines are continuously expanding, and the dosage forms are becoming more tailored to children’s needs. However, there are still issues such as slow progress in new medicine development, insufficient stability in the medicine review and approval process, and a need to increase the proportion of medicines included in medical insurance.
7.Pharmacokinetic study of 3 blood-absorbed components of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland
Yu ZHANG ; Jiaming LI ; Dan PENG ; Ruoqiu FU ; Yue MING ; Zhengbi LIU ; Jingjing WANG ; Shiqi CHENG ; Hongjun XIE ; Yao LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):680-685
OBJECTIVE To explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 3 blood-absorbed components of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG). METHODS Female SD rats were divided into control group and HMG group according to body weight, with 6 rats in each group. The HMG group was given estrogen+progesterone to construct HMG model. After modeling, two groups were given 1.485 g/kg of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid (calculated by crude drug) intragastrically, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected before the first administration (0 h), and at 5, 15, 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours after the last administration, respectively. Using chlorzoxazone as the internal standard, the plasma concentrations of ferulic acid, paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in rats were detected by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters [area under the drug time curve (AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞), mean residence time (MRT0-∞), half-life (t1/2), peak time (tmax), peak concentration (cmax)] were calculated by the non-atrioventricular model using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞ and cmax of ferulic acid in the HMG group were significantly increased (P<0.05); the AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞ , MRT0-∞ , t1/2 and cmax of paeoniflorin increased, but there was no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05); the AUC0-24 h and MRT0-∞ of rosmarinic acid were significantly increased or prolonged (P<0.05). C ONCLUSIONS In HMG model rats, the exposure of ferulic acid, paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid all increase, and the retention time of rosmarinic acid is significantly prolonged.
8.The burden of colorectal cancer attributed to high BMI and its trend prediction in China
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):1-5+29
Objective To study the trend in the burden of colorectal cancer attributed to high body mass index (BMI) in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict the mortality rate from 2022 to 2035. Methods Based on the 2021 Global Burden of Disease data, this paper analyzed the trends of colorectal cancer mortality and Disability-adjusted Life Years (DALY) rates and their standardized rates attributed to high BMI in China from 1990 to 2021, and calculated their average annual percent change (AAPC). Age-period-cohort (APC) models were applied to assess the age, period, and cohort effects on mortality, and the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models were used to predict the mortality rate of colorectal cancer attributed to high BMI in China from 2022 to 2035. Results From 1990 to 2021, the standardized mortality rate (Age-standardized Mortality Rate, ASMR) and standardized DALY rate (Age-standardized Disability-adjusted Life Years Rate, ASDR) of colorectal cancer caused by high BMI in China increased significantly, and the ranking of risk factors rose from 9th to 5th and 4th respectively, with AAPC values of 2.43% (95%CI: 2.29-2.57) and 2.33% (95% CI: 2.21-2.46), which outpaced the global and each Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions. The disease burden of male was significantly higher than that of female, and the net drifts in mortality rate of colorectal cancer associated with high BMI were 2.37 times higher than females. In addition, the mortality rate increased significantly with age, and showed a year-on-year increasing trend, and the cohort effect also showed a higher risk of death. It was predicted that the mortality rate of colorectal cancer attributed to high BMI in China will continue to rise in the future, increasing by 53.06% from 2022 to 2035. Conclusion In China, the disease burden of colorectal cancer attributed to high BMI continues to increase, especially in the male and elderly population. The colorectal burden associated with high BMI should be reduced by optimizing public health policies, including promoting healthy diet, enhancing weight management, promoting physical activity, and improving cancer screening strategies.
9.Buzhong Yiqitang Regulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Attenuate Cisplatin Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via Nrf2/ROS Pathway
Dan YU ; Qirui MU ; He LI ; Yuetong LIU ; Jingyi HUANG ; Yuan GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):98-104
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqitang in attenuating cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer by observing the effects of Buzhong Yiqitang on endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and cisplatin-resistant cells in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549/DDP) via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/reactive oxygen species(ROS) pathway. MethodsThe serum containing Buzhong Yiqitang was prepared and A549 cells and A549/DDP cells were cultured. The cells were randomized into groups A (A549 cells+blank serum), B (A549 cells+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+blank serum), C (A549 cells+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+10% Buzhong Yiqitang-containing serum), D (A549/DDP cells+blank serum), E (A549/DDP cells+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+blank serum), and F (A549/DDP cells+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+10% Buzhong Yiqitang-containing serum). The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin. The protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 were determined by Western blotting. The DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to measure the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in each group. The protein levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activated transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with group B, group C showed a reduction in IC50 of cisplatin (P<0.05), which held true in group E compared with group F (P<0.05). Moreover, the IC50 of cisplatin to A549/DDP cells was higher than that to A549 cells before and after Buzhong Yiqitang intervention (P<0.05). Compared with group A, group B showed up-regulated protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 (P<0.05). Compared with group B, group C showed down-regulated protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 (P<0.05). Compared with group D, group E showed up-regulated protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 (P<0.05), which, however, were significantly down-regulated in group F (P<0.05). The ROS content and the protein levels of GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP followed a descending trend of group C > group B > group A in A549 cells and group F > group E > group D in A549/DDP cells (P<0.05). Moreover, the ROS content and the protein levels of GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP in A549 cells were higher than those in A549/DDP cells before and after Buzhong Yiqitang intervention (P<0.05). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang may regulate endoplasmic reticulum stress via the Nrf2/ROS pathway to attenuate cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer.
10.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.


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