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China is taking on the scientific research of antibiotic replacement therapy, looking to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in an effort to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

“[Chinese scientistis are] now evaluating the possibility of replacing antibiotic therapy by using TCM. Our research includes specific replacement plans and clinical guidance,” said Zhang Boli, president of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS), to Thepaper.cn on Nov. 23.

According to Zhang, CACMS is now re-evaluating Chinese antibacterial patent medicines that are available on the market. After a thorough evaluation, CACMS will issue clinical guidelines to promote fair use of antibiotics among Western physicians.

Antimicrobial resistance, and especially resistance to antibiotics, is a growing global problem, which can lead to higher medical costs, widespread drug-resistant infections and higher mortality rates. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance is responsible for around 700,000 deaths globally each year, with most victims located in developing countries.

“For many viruses and bacteria, antibiotic therapy has a limited effect, while TCM’s curative effect is significant. Thus, developing new Chinese medicine is key to curbing antimicrobial resistance. We have already made some progress, and [I] believe more cheerful results will come out soon,” Zhang said.

The revitalization of TCM has boosted China’s ambition to solve worldwide medical problems. In Septemer, Wang Guoqiang, head of the State Administration of TCM, also called for the more frequent use of TCM treatment in various medical issues.