Reference News Network, September 8 report - According to the South China Morning Post website on September 5, China's efforts to become a biotechnology power are showing results, with innovative drugs, pipeline numbers, and the number of newly launched drugs all exceeding 30% of the global total.
The report said that Xiang Libin, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, stated on September 4 that China's biotechnology economy is showing a positive trend. He disclosed these figures at the 17th China Biotechnology Industry Conference held in Wuhan, Hubei Province.
Xiang Libin also said that the value added by China's biotechnology economy accounts for more than 7% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).
A report released at the meeting stated that in 2024, the number of drugs under development in China ranked second globally, with the gap with the United States gradually narrowing.
The report said that the China National Medical Products Administration approved a total of 93 new drugs in 2024, setting a five-year high.
The "Huiyan" system for innovative drugs nationwide was officially launched at the meeting. This system integrates data from the entire chain of research and development, approval, and market. Officials said that this will help the government and industry identify opportunities and overcome bottlenecks in promoting drug innovation.
The report pointed out that the Chinese government has prioritized the biotechnology economy as part of its high-quality development centered on innovation and technological progress.
Previously, the Chinese government launched a five-year plan in this field, aligning with the country's broader development blueprint. The plan sets broad goals for fields such as biopharmaceuticals, bio-agriculture, and bio-manufacturing, aiming to ensure that China's overall strength in the biotechnology economy remains "at the forefront internationally" by 2035.
The report said that although the United States remains the global leader in biotechnology, China has made significant progress in catching up.
According to the "Index of Critical and Emerging Technologies" report published by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University in June, China has the greatest potential to surpass the United States in the field of biotechnology among five key technology areas. The report noted that China's advantages in biotechnology are its human capital and pharmaceutical capabilities, while the United States has an advantage in private sector innovation and public-private collaboration. The report also said: "The narrowing gap between the U.S. and China indicates that future developments may rapidly change the global balance of power." (Translated by Feng Xue)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7547555647085101619/
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