The business environment for pharmaceutical companies in China is generally favorable. China has a large population and a growing middle class, which creates a significant demand for healthcare and pharmaceutical products. The government has implemented policies to support the development of the pharmaceutical industry, including streamlined regulatory processes and increased funding for research and development. However, competition in the market can be intense, and companies need to navigate complex regulations and ensure compliance with local laws.

What are the new drug policies which supports MNCs entering into the Chinese market?

China has implemented various measures to support multinational corporations (MNCs) entering its pharmaceutical market. These policies aim to foster innovation, improve drug accessibility, and enhance regulatory processes. Some key initiatives include:

• Market Access Reforms: China has implemented reforms to streamline the drug approval process, aiming to reduce approval timelines and facilitate market access for both domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies. These reforms aim to encourage MNCs to bring innovative drugs into the Chinese market.

• Market Exclusivity and IP Protection: China has strengthened intellectual property protection to safeguard the interests of multinational pharmaceutical companies. By enhancing IP rights enforcement, China aims to encourage MNCs to invest in research and development (R&D) and protect their innovative drugs.

• Clinical Trial Acceleration: China has taken steps to expedite the clinical trial approval process, including establishing a faster-track approval system for innovative drugs. This initiative allows MNCs to conduct clinical trials more efficiently, accelerating the overall drug development process.

• Regulatory Cooperation: China has actively engaged in regulatory cooperation with international counterparts. This collaboration aims to align Chinese regulations with international standards and practices, providing a more predictable and transparent environment for MNCs operating in the Chinese pharmaceutical market.

• Health Insurance Reforms: China has been working on health insurance reforms to increase the coverage and affordability of drugs, benefiting both patients and pharmaceutical companies. These reforms aim to expand the reimbursement list, making drugs more accessible to a wider population.

It's important to note that drug policies are subject to change, and the specific policies supporting MNCs entering the Chinese market may evolve over time. It is advisable to refer to the latest official announcements and consult with legal and industry experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Top multi-national pharmaceutical companies invested in China by 2023

Pfizer: Pfizer is a well-known multinational pharmaceutical company that has been active in China for many years. They have made substantial investments in research and development (R&D) facilities, manufacturing plants, and collaborations with Chinese partners.

Novartis: Novartis is another major multinational pharmaceutical company with a significant presence in China. They have invested in R&D centers, manufacturing facilities, and have engaged in partnerships with Chinese institutions and companies.

Sanofi: Sanofi is a global pharmaceutical company that has established a strong presence in China. They have invested in manufacturing plants, R&D centers, and have collaborated with Chinese organizations on various healthcare initiatives.

AstraZeneca: AstraZeneca has made significant investments in China, including R&D centers and production facilities. They have also partnered with Chinese entities on clinical trials and drug development projects.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): GSK has a long-standing presence in China and has made substantial investments in the country's pharmaceutical sector. They have established manufacturing facilities, R&D centers, and have collaborated with Chinese partners on vaccine development.

Notable M&As between Chinese and overseas pharmaceutical companies by September 2023 under the new policies

In recent years, there have been several notable M&A transactions between Chinese and overseas pharmaceutical companies. Some examples include:

• Acquisition of ARMO BioSciences: In 2018, Eli Lilly, an American pharmaceutical company, acquired ARMO BioSciences, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, for approximately $1.6 billion. This acquisition enabled Eli Lilly to expand its oncology portfolio and leverage ARMO BioSciences' pipeline and expertise.

• Partnership between BeiGene and Celgene: In 2017, BeiGene, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Celgene, a global biopharmaceutical company. The partnership granted BeiGene exclusive rights in China to develop and commercialize certain Celgene drug candidates for solid tumor cancers.

• Joint Venture between Bayer and Lepu Medical: In 2017, Bayer, a German pharmaceutical and life sciences company, formed a joint venture with Lepu Medical, a Chinese medical device manufacturer. The joint venture aimed to develop and commercialize interventional cardiology and critical care products specifically tailored to the Chinese market.

Join in Asia's Premier Pharmaceutical Event