China Emerges As Key Source Of New Drugs For Big Pharma

Major pharmaceutical companies are increasingly turning to Chinese biotech firms for new medicines as blockbuster drugs approach patent expirations, according to the report.

The move follows several other major transactions. Novo Nordisk agreed to a deal worth up to $2.6 billion with Hengrui Pharma for an experimental weekly GLP-1/GIP pill as it seeks new growth beyond Wegovy and Ozempic. GSK also agreed to acquire a blood cancer drug from Chimagen Biosciences for up to $750 million.

China's role in pharmaceutical innovation is expanding rapidly. ING expects Chinese biotech to account for roughly one-third of new molecules in global pharma pipelines this year, compared with 4% in 2014.

The report said Chinese drug assets are increasingly entering global development programs through partnerships and licensing agreements.

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Big Pharma turns to China for new drugs as patent cliff drives multibillion-dollar deals https://t.co/hBMguEJzUL

— CNBC (@CNBC) October 2, 2026

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff