Introduction to Traditional Korean Medicine GLP Facilities

The Korean Medicine Non-clinical Research Institute (Good Laboratory Practice, GLP) aims to secure the safety and efficacy of Korean Medicine and herbal medicines. The institute is preparing to accredit four areas, including establishing specialized public infrastructure on Korean herbal prescriptions recognized internationally for standardization and scientific function capabilities and toxicity testing.

Construction of the 8,000-square-meter traditional Korean Medicine GLP facility is projected to be completed by July 2019 at a total cost of 9.5 billion KRW, and the campus will be comprised of one major research center and five supporting research facilities, including a specific-pathogen-free (SPF) animal laboratory, a cellular laboratory, and a Korean herbal prescriptions analysis laboratory.

Korean medicinal herbs are typically made with traditional ingredients that have been used for centuries. However, there is a limitation in evaluating toxicity through usage experience alone. The traditional Korean Medicine GLP facility is expected to actively aid in the identifying potential risks, ensuring patient protection and safe administration of medicines, and conducting clinical studies for Korean Medicine.

The traditional Korean Medicine GLP facility will be staffed with approximately 40 researchers, who will produce evaluation reports by international standards. These reports on Korean herbal medicines will help improve awareness about the safety and quality of Korean Medicine and connect Korean Medicine organizations and other bodies. In addition, through support for the export of Korean Medicine resources in overseas markets, the institute will contribute to the revitalization of the Korean Medicine industry at home.