Hosted by The Sci-Tech Academy of Zhejiang University (ZJU), organized by CPS-ZJU, 194th Westlake Forum of Zhejiang University—— Symposium on New Drug Development in New Era was held on Nov.10 in Qizhen Yuanzheng Hotel, Zhejiang University. Dr.YUE Jianmin, academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. GU Jinhui, section chief of National Health Commission of P.R China and many other experts delivered excellent academic reports on the forum, which attracted nearly 150 teachers and students to attend the forum.

Dr. YANG Bo, dean of CPS-ZJU was the host of the forum and she welcomed everyone at the beginning of the forum. She introduced the development of CPS-ZJU, the relationship between Westlake Forum and CPS-ZJU and expressed her sincere hope that the distinguished guests could provide CPS-ZJU with constructive suggestions. After that, Dr. XIA Wenli, dean of Sci-Tech Academy of Zhejiang University delivered her speech. Dr. XIA welcomed all the distinguished guests again. She introduced the history and development of Westlake Forum, pointed out the function of Westlake Forum and expressed her hope of the success of the Westlake Forum.

After that, Dr. YANG hosted the academic reports in the morning. At first, Dr. YUE Jianmin addressed his report on “Discovery and Biological Functions of Important Terpenoids”. Dr. YUE is a famous expert on natural pharmaceutical chemistry. He pointed out that natural compounds are the essential part in the discovery of new drugs. Starting with basic concept, he introduced the current scientific situation of terpenoids. He also introduced how to discover and transform terpenoids and make full use of them in its field by using the example of his own research team. Later, Dr. GU Jinhui delivered a report on “Progress and Prospect of the Implementation of Major Scientific and Technological Projects for the Creation of Major New Drugs”. Dr. GU introduced government’s policies, the meaning of Major Scientific and Technological Projects and the requirement of application, which was a great help to those who want to apply for it. Dr. GU pointed out that the government is still doing surveys on that and the need of scholars is necessary for the government. After that, Dr. YE Yang from Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica gave a report on traditional Chinese medicines. Dr. SUN Hongbin from China Pharmaceutical University gave a report on metabolic inflammation. Both of them are very excellent.

In the afternoon, the forum was divided into two parts. Dr. CHEN Shuqing from CPS-ZJU and Dr. ZHAN Jinbiao from Zhejiang University School of Medicine hosted Cancer Immunotherapy Sub-forum together. Dr. YU Dechao, chairman of Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. delivered a report on “Challenge and Development Trend of Tumor Immunotherapy”. Dr. YU showed the accomplishments and remaining problems of tumor immunotherapy as well as pointed out the future direction of it by using Innovent’s experience. Dr. LIU Hui from Dr. QIAN Wenbin’s team, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine introduced CAR-T and the accomplishments their team has achieved in using CD19-CAR-T to cure refractory recurrent B-cell lymphoma. Dr. ZHAO Ronghua, an expert in oncolytic virus from Virogin Biotech Ltd. introduced oncolytic virus and what their company is doing now. Dr. DU Xin, senior vice president of Adlai Nortye USA Inc introduced neoantigen’s importance in tumor immunotherapy by using his experience in working in FDA and examples in some research companies. At last, Dr. CHEN Zhi from Zhejiang University School of Medicine gave a report on “ The Role and Mechanism of Antibody CXCL2 in the Treatment of Liver Failure”. He pointed out that the harm to the liver brought by tumor immunotherapy cannot be ignored. Their team’s research on hepatic failure can provide methods to control the toxicity in tumor immunotherapy.

Meanwhile, Military and Civilian Integration of New Drug Innovation and Development Sub-forum was held in Yangming Lecture Hall. Before the forum, Dr. WANG Guoxiong, vice dean of Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhejiang University communicated with lecturers. Dr. GAO Jianqing ,vice dean of CPS-ZJU and Dr.FANG Weijie from CPS-ZJU hosted the sub-forum together. Dr. SU Ruibin, dean of Institute of Toxicopharmaceuticals, Institute of Military Medicine showed the latest progress of VGLUT2 and its expression regulation, which provides a new way of curing neuropathic pain. Dr. ZHENG Aiping from Institute of Toxicopharmaceuticals, Institute of Military Medicine addressed a report on “Research and Development of Innovative Agents and Case Analysis” and introduced some research results of her laboratory. Dr. JIN Yiguang from Institute of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Military Medicine introduced pulmonary disease and brought up a new idea that we should change the traditional administration mode and transfer medicine directly to the pathological tissue. Dr. FAN Jie from Department of Chemistry, ZJU delivered a report on “Bio-zeolite Interface: Enzyme Heterogeneous Catalysis and Life Process Regulation-from Basic Research to Industrialization” and introduced coagulation mechanism of zeolite and its wide application. Dr. FAN’s work not only shows the perfect integration of inorganic chemistry and biology, but also brings us a successful example on how to convert basic scientific research to industrialization and enlightens us greatly. At last, Dr. TIAN Bin, deputy director of Military Special Injury Prevention and Treatment Drug Key Laboratory introduced studies on biosynthesis pathway and antioxidant activity of natural terpenoids against nuclear radiation microorganisms, which involves many aspects and shows the importance of the integration of different subjects in new drug discovery.

The success of Westlake Forum strengthens the cooperation among scientists all over the world and offers an opportunity to discuss latest researches in drug discovery as well as boosts the understanding between military and civilian.