Events

20 Apr 2016

16:30 – 17:30

Science Centre L1

Prof. Chen, Yuan Tsong

Professor Chen Yuan-Tsong from Life Sciences, Academia Sinica was born in 1948 in Taipei. Prof. Chen is a world famous and distinguished physician and scientist, recognized for his work on human genetic disorders. After obtaining his PhD degree from Columbia University, he worked at Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center in USA as Chief of Medical Genetics and a Tenured Professor of the University. Returning Taiwan in 2001, Prof. Chen served as Director of Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica. He was awarded Academician of Academia Sinica in 2002. Prof. Chen is dedicated to innovative medical research and has unique analysis on rare disease.  Not only did Prof. Chen successfully investigate the therapy for Glycogen storage disease, he has also invented the drug to cure Pompe disease, which is regarded as rare disease with high mortality rate among new born babies, in 2006. This drug has been approved by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), saving thousands of lives worldwide annually. This invention does not only change the destiny of Pompe patients, but has also modified human medical history. The development of this drug has been adapted to the novel “The Cure” and the Hollywood movie “Extraordinary Measures”.

Professor Chen has also identified susceptibility genes for several human diseases, including genes for diabetes, Kawasaki disease and severe adverse drug reactions. The discovery of the latter has prompted US FDA and Taiwan FDA to relabel three commonly prescribed drugs with genetic information and recommend genetic testing before doctors prescribe the medication. This pioneered laboratory research has now translated to clinic use and led to safer and more effective use of drugs worldwide. He played a leading role in the Era of Personalized Medicine.

Online Registration: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/oalc/as_2016/index.htm