China’s pharmaceutical sector is gaining global recognition, with cross-border deals exceeding $100 billion by 2025. Chinese companies are partnering more equally with foreign firms on innovative projects, including co-development and co-commercialization models. The booming market is fueled by multinational giants seeking to replenish their pipelines after patent expirations. China has the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical industry, accounting for 30% of global research pipeline innovative drugs.
The pace of domestic approval is accelerating, with regulators approving nearly 66 first-class innovative drugs in 2025. Despite growth, industry insiders caution that sustainable progress depends on improving returns within the domestic market. Policymakers are working to create a multilayered payment system by expanding commercial health insurance, making it easier for global players to access Chinese markets.
Global companies like Novartis and Leo Lee see benefits from these policy shifts, with improved patient accessibility and synchronous development timelines. As China’s pharmaceutical innovation continues to grow, policymakers emphasize the importance of closing the loop between research investment, reimbursement support, and market returns.
Source: https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202512/17/WS69420fbda310d6866eb2f116.html