Research
Ilsong Institute of Life Science
The Ilsong Institute of Life Science has earned a reputation as one of the premier centers for neurodegenerative disease research in Korea since its foundation in 1994. Currently, it conducts a wide range of studies on life sciences such as pathology of aging-related diseases, cytology, genetics and virology. As the first ‘Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD) Diagnostic Center’ in the nation, it has carried out basic research on prion diseases including a mad cow disease. In 2002, the institute was designated as the ‘Life and Aging Research Center’ by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which was designed to advance research on ‘Mechanism of aging and development of anti-aging agents.’
Hallym Institute for Genome Application
The Hallym Institute for Genome Application works on the cutting edge of genomic research, applying genomic tools to clinical research. It operates laboratories for genome research for immune disorders and pathogenic microorganism. The institute seeks useful genetic information and utilizes it for the benefit of patients, allowing rapid and accurate diagnoses of diseases as well as helping to establish efficient treatment plans. The research body delivers the national’s most satisfactory outcomes on research and clinical services regarding the suitability of organ transplantation immunology.
Institute of Natural Medicine
A number of modern therapeutic agents are derived form natural materials. Conducting research on pharmaceutical effects of natural materials and development of pharmaceuticals or functional foods, therefore, bears a great significance. The Institute of Natural Medicine at Hallym University, composed of departments of basic research, clinical research and R & D, aims at creating superior pharmaceuticals, doing studies on diverse biological activities of natural and synthetic substances. Supported by government grants, it is now carrying out basic research programs on the central nervous system(CNS), while focusing on developing new drugs for CNS-related diseases and their pharmacological mechanism.
Silver Biotechnology Research Center
The Silver Biotechnology Research Center serves a leading and pivotal role in evolving the silver biotechnology industry into a knowledge-based industry. The center is carrying out studies on silver technology based upon advanced life sciences, developing products for the elderly, supporting research and development activities of relevant companies, and producing competent human resources. In its capacity as a research center designated by the Ministry of Commercial, Industry and Energy (MOCIE), the center helps bio-industries in Gangwon-do with their R & D and technologies. It focuses on developing technologies to prevent geriatric diseases, and producing anti-aging foods, medicines and cosmetics. Since 2004, the research arm has conducted preclinical evaluation on newly developed products in collaboration with the Regional Technology Innovation Center for Food and Drug.
Burn Research Center
Burn injury causes a severe pain, and even after a treatment, generates hyperglycemia, infections, electrolyte disorders, and neuropsychological disorders. The burn research center focuses on: development of rehabilitation therapy for physical and psychological sequel of burn patients; burn treatment using bone marrow stem cells and growth factors; development of artificial skin through dermis alternatives and cultured skin cells; development of therapy for medical sequel of acute burn injury; and development of medical technique to adjust physiological function insufficiency. Based on these researches, the center seeks for new medical therapy to explore burn healing materials, developing human tissues and equipment for burn treatment which the center mostly imports, and making new therapy for post-traumatic stress disorders.
Arthritis Research Center
As the number of senior citizens grows with the aging of population, new social and economical problems are arising. To tackle such problems, the arthritis research center is concentrating on arthritis, as one of the major factors which degrades the quality of life for senior citizens.
The center has been conducting various types of research such as an epidemiological study on arthritis, a cohort study on musculoskeletal disorders, international multi-organ clinical research on biological drugs of rheumatoid arthritis, an animal study of osteoarthritis, and clinical research for gout. With its medical professionals and a sufficient number of patient groups, and an effective management system, the center has established the largest arthritis cohort in Asia, and presented a number of their findings at academic societies. It has recently applied for international patent for a cure for arthritis drug.
Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The laboratory of gastroenterology and hepatology has been carrying out medical studies to find out the mechanism, cause, and pathophysiology of diseases in the liver, gastrointestinal tracts, and hepatopancreas. The laboratory is also conducting researches for technology development of a diagnosis and a cure. It has been striving to establish an academic relationship with world renowned experts to introduce up-to-date medical skills and knowledge, while supporting educational activities of professional researchers to product future experts. The facility is equipped with a cell culture system, a gene analyzer, a centrifuge, a gene amplification system, and an electrophoresis apparatus, and presented its findings in a number of academic papers through clinical research and translation studies. The laboratory is now actively conducting medical research on Helicobacter pylori, stomach cancer, and liver problems.
Local Pharmacovigilance Center
Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital and Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital were designated as local pharmacovigilance centers by the Korea Food & Drug Administration in 2008 and 2009, respectively. As official facilities, these two centers are monitoring negative effects of medicines, and stressing the importance of prompt reports on negative effects of medicines to local hospitals and pharmacies.
Through its constant efforts, the center at Chuncheon, especially contributed to provide high quality medical services by reporting its findings of medicines. The center is now conducting intensive monitoring for children and senior citizens, monitoring of prohibited medicines in more than five countries of the United Nations.
