Pfizer executives: China surpasses Europe and becomes a significant force in drug innovation and research and development

The chief executive of Pfizer's international business, Deherme, disclosed that China has already taken the lead over Europe in pharmaceutical innovation and drug research, and is gradually becoming a significant force in new drug development and clinical research, reshaping the global pharmaceutical industry landscape.

According to Reuters, Alexandre de Germay said on Tuesday (June 23rd) at an event hosted by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) that China has become an important force in global innovative drug research and development.

He said, "Currently, 40% of global oncology clinical research is conducted in China. The innovative achievements emerging in the Chinese biotech sector are truly astonishing."

Djeremay pointed out that Pfizer currently believes that the speed of conducting clinical development in China is approximately three times faster than in Europe, while the cost is only about half of that in Europe.

He also cited data stating that China has become a more important source of innovative drugs than Europe. "Out of the 81 innovative drugs to be launched globally in 2024, 28 are from China, while only 18 are from Europe."

Currently, European pharmaceutical companies and policymakers are discussing how to maintain Europe's competitiveness in the fields of pharmaceutical research and production in the face of increasingly fierce competition from China and the United States.

Djeremay said: "We not only have to compete with the United States, but also with China. We need to recognize that the challenges posed by China are very real."

In response to the rapid rise of China's biotech industry, the United States is also accelerating its efforts in drug research and development. On Monday (the 22nd), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a program called "Operation TrialBlazer" and updated the guidelines for early clinical research to shorten the drug development cycle. The FDA estimates that the new measures could save pharmaceutical companies six to twelve months of research time.