2024, the number of innovative drugs in the research and development phase in China has exceeded 1,250, far surpassing the EU, and is rapidly approaching the United States' 1,440. In the first half of 2025, the amount of overseas licensing in China's pharmaceutical sector has already exceeded 66.8 billion U.S. dollars. Among the innovative drugs imported by international top multinational pharmaceutical companies, 31% originate from China. In the global dual-antibody drug pipeline, 50% of the products come from China.
On May 20, 2025, SanSheng Pharmaceutical licensed the rights to an anti-cancer drug still in development to Pfizer, receiving 6.05 billion U.S. dollars and subsequent double-digit percentage sales shares. Of this, 1.25 billion U.S. dollars was an upfront payment, non-refundable and irrevocable, and another 4.8 billion U.S. dollars will be received based on the progress of R&D, regulatory approval, and sales.
Only a few years ago, public figures were vigorously attacking China's pharmaceutical industry, claiming that all major drug innovations came from Europe and the United States, and that China had contributed not even a bit. In a blink of an eye, China has made remarkable progress, and it will not be long before it ascends to the throne, looking down upon the once seemingly unattainable multinational giants.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1847002492256599/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.