According to a report by China Daily on March 21…
Novartis is deepening its strategic investments in China, highlighting the country’s emergence as a global hub for biopharmaceutical innovation.
Patrick Horber, president of Novartis’s international unit, said the company now submits all new drug applications simultaneously in China and other major markets, with several products approved in China ahead of Europe. In 2025, China accounted for 76 new drug approvals, surpassing the US for the first time and reflecting the impact of regulatory reforms accelerating market entry for innovative therapies.
The company is also expanding local manufacturing capacity, including a 600 million yuan ($87 million) facility for radioligand therapy in Zhejiang province, aimed at meeting domestic patient demand faster.
Partnerships with local biotech firms are another key pillar of Novartis’s strategy. Business development deals for China-originated assets rose from less than 10% to 49% in 2025, underscoring the growing quality and global relevance of Chinese innovation.
Horber emphasized that the combination of fast regulatory approvals, abundant local talent, and a robust R&D ecosystem makes China not only an attractive market but also a source of innovation for global commercialization.
🧭 Takeaway for Technology Investors
China is no longer just a large market for multinationals — it is becoming a global R&D and innovation hub.
👉 Implications:
- Accelerated drug approvals make China a first-launch market for cutting-edge therapies.
- Investment in local manufacturing and biotech partnerships signals long-term ecosystem maturity.
- High-quality China-originated assets are increasingly globally relevant, opening new opportunities for cross-border licensing and co-development.
China’s biopharma sector now represents a strategic node in the global innovation network, making it a key focus for investors tracking high-growth, technology-driven industries.