To be a global player, China plays by global standards

The Chinese authority is drafting a system for pharmaceutical patent linkage and drug patent term extension, both are expected to be introduced in 2018, said Song Ruilin, executive president of PhIRDA, a state-backed organization that lobbies for Chinese pharma companies, at the China Healthcare Investment Conference (CHIC) held from March 27 to 29 in Shanghai, reports Wang Fangqing, The Pharma Letter’s local correspondent.

“The Chinese government has realized the domestic pharma industry must adopt global standard to encourage innovation, and to compete in the global market,” Mr Song said. He added that, as China’s healthcare reform is entering a new stage, the focus is to bring Chinese patients the treatment they need “as soon as possible.”

Such a determination was detailed in a document released in October by China’s state council to further encourage innovation in drugs and medical devices in the nation.