Inputs
Indication, botanical resources, preparation, composition, activity and intended market.
FROM QUESTIONS TO PROGRAMSEvery research question.
Every research question.
An actionable next step.
Four research work packages support natural-origin original molecules, global botanical drugs and innovative TCM drugs, with defined inputs, outputs and validation milestones.
Botanical candidates: start with the indication.
Define disease mechanisms, patients and treatment gaps. Use VMED-OS to connect targets, compounds and botanical evidence to propose candidates. Existing botanical resources can also be assessed for potential indications.
Outputs
Candidate priorities, mechanistic rationale, conflicting evidence, differentiation and validation questions.
Next gate
Test the prediction with representative materials, disease-relevant models and appropriate exposure conditions.
Intelligent formulation: a rationale for every component.
Design candidates from disease mechanisms or evaluate marginal contributions within an existing formula. Compare complementary biology, redundancy, dosing and safety, then propose removal, add-back and combination experiments.
Inputs
Indication, mechanisms, formula or available herbs, dose, process and existing evidence.
Outputs
Distinct candidate comparisons, retention/removal rationale, exposure gaps, risks and quality implications.
Next gate
Use dose-matched controls and combination studies. Network coverage or predicted synergy does not establish experimental synergy.
Innovative TCM: connect theory, experience and evidence.
Organize Class 1.1 formula, Class 1.2 extract and Class 1.3 new-material research under China’s innovative TCM framework. Define the intended use, product and clinical value through TCM theory, human-use experience, composition, mechanism and quality studies.
Inputs
Material or formula provenance, composition, doses, preparation, usable human experience and existing evidence.
Outputs
Candidate comparisons, product and classification assessment, study priorities and staged validation plans.
Next gate
Check classification criteria and product comparability, then test key hypotheses through pharmacology, safety and quality studies.
Molecular discovery: from activity to a developable series.
Organize natural-product structures and bioactivity. Compare novelty, mechanisms, selectivity and optimization potential to prioritize hit confirmation and lead optimization.
Inputs
Priority biology, chemical or sample resources, analytical data, assay conditions and provenance rights.
Outputs
Molecular opportunities, confidence in identity/activity, target hypotheses and optimization plans.
Next gate
Confirm structures, reproduce material, validate activity orthogonally and investigate mechanism before building developability evidence.
Manage programs through decisions.
Define
Agree product goals, usable resources, rights and constraints.
Test
Select candidates and decision-changing studies; assess replication, exposure and safety.
Advance
Compile results, versions, open questions and resources for the next stage.
AI updates priorities, dependencies and actions. Accountable teams review experimental quality, clinical safety and formal commitments. Scope and timelines depend on actual resources.