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Globalization and Health
Published in: Globalization and Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Debate

Obstacles and opportunities in Chinese pharmaceutical innovation

Authors: Jingyun Ni, Junrui Zhao, Carolina Oi Lam Ung, Yuanjia Hu, Hao Hu, Yitao Wang

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Global healthcare innovation networks nowadays have expanded beyond developed countries with many developing countries joining the force and becoming important players. China, in particular, has seen a significant increase in the number of innovative firms and research organizations stepping up to the global network in recent years. Nevertheless, the intense Research and Development input has not brought about the expectable output. While China is ascending at a great speed to a leading position worldwide in terms of Research and Development investment, scientific publications and patents, the innovation capabilities in the pharmaceutical sector remain weak.

Discussion

This study discusses the challenges and opportunities for pharmaceutical innovation in China. One hand, academic, industrial, institutional and financial constraints were found to be the major and inevitable barriers hindering the development of drug innovation. On the other hand, unique advantages had been observed which included growing pharmaceutical market, Research and Development funding, distinctive source, and international cooperation.

Summary

The most important thing for China’s pharmaceutical sector to leap forward is to break though innovation barriers and integrate own advantages into global value-chain of healthcare product development.
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Metadata
Title
Obstacles and opportunities in Chinese pharmaceutical innovation
Authors
Jingyun Ni
Junrui Zhao
Carolina Oi Lam Ung
Yuanjia Hu
Hao Hu
Yitao Wang
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-017-0244-6

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