Shanghai's thriving science and innovation ecosystem is proving to be a major draw for global pharmaceutical giants, fostering an environment conducive to accelerated drug development and commercialization. The city's unique combination of academic institutions, startups, incubators, and investors is attracting significant investment and driving innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.
Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
The Shanghai government has implemented a series of incentive measures to bolster early-stage clinical research and expedite the launch of new medicines. In July, 37 new incentives were introduced by the city's Development and Reform Commission, Science and Technology Commission, and Finance Bureau, offering strategic support for high-quality R&D pipelines. These measures, valid through 2029, aim to fully leverage government-backed investment.
Pharma Giants Expand Footprint
As many as 90 percent of the top 20 international pharmaceutical and medical device companies have already established their China regional headquarters or R&D and production headquarters in Shanghai. This concentration of industry leaders underscores the city's importance as a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation.
Bayer recently inaugurated its new life science incubator, Bayer Co.Lab Shanghai, located at Shanghai Innovation (SH-INNO) Park in Pudong's Zhangjiang area. This facility joins Bayer's global network of life science incubators, aiming to support local companies in improving their sci-tech innovation-sourcing capabilities, particularly in cell and gene therapies. Friedemann Janus, senior vice president of Bayer's Pharmaceuticals Division, emphasized the importance of being in Shanghai to connect with the local ecosystem and identify early-stage, game-changing innovations. Bayer intends to empower 8-10 startups, focusing on innovations in cell and gene therapies, oncology, and new technology platforms.
AstraZeneca has elevated Shanghai as its fifth global strategic site, alongside hubs in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Sweden. Sharon Barr, executive vice president of BioPharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, highlighted the company's extensive R&D pipeline, with expectations of approximately 100 new medicines and indications gaining approval in China within the next five years. Gianluca Pirozzi, senior vice president and head of Development and Safety of AstraZeneca's Rare Disease unit, noted the strong R&D and commercial team in China, with two medicines already approved and further acceleration expected. AstraZeneca currently has over 200 projects in its R&D pipeline, including preclinical projects.
Sanofi has also seen significant progress in China, gaining approval for about two dozen innovative medicines in the first half of this year. The company is conducting clinical trials in China concurrently with up to 90 percent of its global new drug clinical research programs, potentially accelerating the release of innovative medicines. Sanofi is also increasing collaboration with domestic partners through licensing and commercial deals. In early September, Sanofi announced an agreement with TJ Biopharma, paying 32 million euros upfront for exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize an antibody for oncology treatment in China, with a total deal value of up to 213 million euros.
Regulatory Advancements
The Ministry of Commerce's recent circular allowing foreign-invested enterprises to engage in the development and application of human stem cell, gene diagnosis, and treatment technologies in free trade zones (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Hainan) is expected to further accelerate innovation. Pirozzi believes this opens up opportunities for AstraZeneca to initiate new gene therapy clinical programs in China, potentially ahead of the regular global schedule, providing tremendous support and accelerating clinical development programs globally.
