Global pharma giants to showcase cutting-edge innovations at 9th CIIE

The China International Import Expo, of which the ninth edition is set to open in Shanghai in early November, has continued to prove to be a platform that attracts multinational pharmaceutical companies to launch their innovative therapies and medical devices representing cutting-edge technologies.

A design drawing for the booth of Gilead Sciences at the upcoming 9th CIIE. (Photo: China Daily)

Some companies expressed their passion to keep launching new products at the CIIE as "spillover effects" from the past editions have consistently amplified, accelerating the transformation of exhibits into marketable products.

Johnson & Johnson will showcase more than 10 products making their global or China debut at this year's CIIE, covering diverse medical scenarios. Among them is the country's first modular laparoscopic robotic surgery system with dual-physician control and five arms. Its modular design overcomes both spatial and cost limitations, enabling more hospitals to offer patients the benefits of precise, minimally invasive surgery.

The company has participated in CIIE since the inaugural edition in 2018, exhibiting over 1,000 innovative products and solutions. Leveraging the broad influence of the CIIE platform, Johnson & Johnson has achieved a cycle of "exhibits-products-investment", resonating with the high-quality development of China's healthcare industry.

Bayer Radiology will showcase products aimed at precise diagnostics and long-term patient safety benefits, including the China debut of an injection that achieves high-quality imaging with less gadolinium through unique molecular design.

In China, there are approximately 16 million contrast-enhanced MRI scans conducted annually. Reducing gadolinium dosage can benefit patients.

Anne Hu, general manager of Bayer Radiology Greater China, said that China is one of the world's fastest markets for product iteration and has some of the highest demands for medical services.

"Our confidence in and commitment to the Chinese market is continuously strengthening. We will also continue to deepen our collaboration with Chinese medical institutions and industry partners to drive innovations that are more closely aligned with clinical needs," said Hu.

"In the long term, Bayer Radiology will remain committed to innovation and quality as its core focus, working with Chinese partners to enhance healthcare quality," she said.

Roche will present nearly 100 exhibits making their debut, including new products soon to be launched in China and future pipeline products. Among these is Giredestrant, a next-generation oral SERD drug for breast cancer, which is expected to fill the gap in oral SERD treatments for early-stage breast cancer adjuvant therapy.

"This year marks the 100th anniversary of Roche serving China. Looking to the future, Roche will use the CIIE as a pivotal platform for open collaboration, continually enhancing our local presence and deeply integrating into China's medical innovation ecosystem," said Vivian Bian, CEO of Roche Pharma China.

Over the next two to five years, Roche plans to launch nearly 20 new therapies with 40 new indications in China.

At the booth of Gilead Sciences, key exhibits will include the company's global innovations in areas such as HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and antifungal treatments. The company will also present its latest progress of several innovative therapies transitioning from exhibits at past editions of CIIE to therapies for clinical use.

Jin Fangqian, vice-president and China general manager of Gilead, said that it will be the fifth consecutive year for the company to participate in the CIIE, and what they feel deeply is the opportunity created by China's continued expansion of high-level openness and encouragement of pharmaceutical innovation.

"We look forward to continuing to establish our roots in China and deepening cooperation with the government, medical institutions, industry associations, patient organizations, and other stakeholders. Our goal is to bring global innovations to Chinese patients faster and earlier, and through ongoing local efforts, create accessible and tangible health value for patients," he said.