Global Top Pharma and MedTech Giants Intensify Competition at CIIE: Three Major Industry Trends Emerge

When the CIIE reaches its sixth edition, the world's top pharmaceutical and medical device companies are already well-versed in the conference's powerful spillover effects."Pin" is getting more and more "intense."

The following two sets of data can prove:

In addition, the Medical Devices and Healthcare Products Exhibition Area of this year's CIIE has also set up a "Healthy Aging Zone," relying on the concept of "Big Health, Big Wellness."The exhibition area has been further expanded, and the categories of exhibits have been further enriched.

"As the first global economic and trade event to be fully restored offline after the COVID-19 pandemic, this year there is a noticeable feelingThe exhibitors were more "energetic" than in previous years, and the scene was also very bustling with a constant flow of people."A senior investor who had spent two days touring the exhibition told VCBeat, 'For instance, in the field of medical devices, multinational healthcare companies have almost showcased their most innovative high-end medical device products. In the exhibition area, one can view representative products from various sub-sectors such as radiotherapy, genetic testing, in vitro diagnostics, medical imaging, and life sciences all at once.'"

According to VCBeat's observation, at this year's CIIE, apart from the number of participating companies and new product launches, the world's top pharmaceutical and medical device enterprises have also showcased more diverse innovations:"Integrating more 'Chinese elements,' achieving stronger 'core breakthroughs,' and building a larger 'ecosystem' have become the three major trends."

The debut of enterprises one after another and the launch of new products not only demonstrate the top medical innovation companies’ emphasis on the CIIE, but also show their recognition of the huge potential in the Chinese market.

In the past few years, as multinational pharmaceutical and medical device companies have deepened their localization in China, and with the rise of Chinese healthcare enterprises, medical innovation collaborations have become increasingly frequent. This has led to a shift in the industry mindset from "In China, for China" to "In China, for the world." Thanks to this,At this year's CIIE, "Chinese elements" have become a striking symbol.

As a "six-time participant" in the CIIE, GE Healthcare is appearing for the first time as an independent brand. In terms of precision medicine, it has brought the Spectral Digital SIGNA™ PET/MR, a representative of ultra-high-end multimodal imaging that enables precise quantification of all radionuclides and rapid imaging of full sequences.The product features distinct "Chinese elements," with its production line already established at the Tianjin MRI Base. The manufacturing of China-produced spectral digital SIGNATM PET/MR has been initiated, and the product on display this time comes from GE Healthcare's Tianjin factory.

(GE Healthcare Exhibition Area at CIIE, Photo Provided by the Company)

In terms of product performance, the spectral digital SIGNATM PET/MR, equipped with a spectral diagnosis and treatment system, can obtain more accurate molecular imaging quantitative information, acquire more comprehensive lesion information in a shorter time, and enable early and precise diagnosis of highly malignant tumors such as Alzheimer's disease, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer, achieving more accurate targeted therapy.

In addition to the spectral digital SIGNATM PET/MR, GE Healthcare has also launched the brand-new Apex quantum platform. According to reports,The all-new Apex Quantum Platform is the latest achievement jointly developed by GE Healthcare's global and Chinese R&D teams., with a tube rotation speed of 0.23s per cycle and a temporal resolution of 19.5ms, not only improves the success rate of cardiac scans under any heart rate conditions such as high heart rate, arrhythmia, and free breathing, but also achieves precise "freezing" of all details including coronary arteries, myocardium, valves, and large blood vessels.

As a top global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca has been in China for 30 years and has participated in the CIIE six times.At this year's CIIE, AstraZeneca showcased more "Chinese elements.": In addition to bringing Andesex Dapagliflozin Metformin Sustained-Release Tablets and Cosentyx Hydrogen Sulfate Semetil Capsules, two "CIIE debut" global innovative drugs,Announcement of New Progress in Investment and Layout in ChinaFor example, the plan to invest nearly 400 million U.S. dollars in constructing a new small-molecule drug factory in Wuxi is expected to realize the entire process from formulation to packaging for domestically launched small-molecule drugs in the future at the new Wuxi factory, which will supply both the domestic and overseas markets.

In addition, based on the production line newly built last year, AstraZeneca alsoPlan to increase investment in Taizhou to build another new production line, continuously building Taizhou into a global production base for AstraZeneca's diabetes products. After production begins, the annual output value of the Taizhou production and supply base is expected to reach 10 billion yuan.

At this year's CIIE, Argon Medical, a global leader in interventional medical devices, has also increased its "Chinese elements": Argon Medical stated.Plan to introduce the entire range of new products into the Chinese market, taking the lead in conducting clinical trials for some new products in China to accelerate product registration and use in China; at the same time,Plan to Establish a Local R&D Center, to promote the implementation of globally leading R&D experience and advantageous resources. This year,Argon Medical's First China Production Base to Launch Its Initial Local Production Line After Years of Preparation, Achieving Product Localization and Mass Production.

In terms of products, Argon Medical Devices showcased multiple innovative products at the event across three major fields: vascular intervention, oncology intervention, and care intervention, with two being first-time exhibits. One of the debut products is the Retrieval Kit snare kit, which features an independent triple-loop structure that automatically adjusts its size to cover the entire vessel, maximizing the capture, search, and control of intravascular targets. The other debut product is the new-generation SuperCore™ Advantage semi-automatic biopsy needle, used for histological biopsy diagnosis, obtaining soft tissue biopsy samples through percutaneous needle biopsy.

As a top domestic medical innovation enterprise in China, Fosun Pharmaceutical has brought several cutting-edge clinical diagnosis and treatment products this year, showcasing Fosun's comprehensive strategy to accelerate the localization and digital transformation of medical devices. Among the products on display is the domestically produced da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot, which was unveiled last month in Shanghai.This is the first time that the domestically produced version of the da Vinci surgical robot has been exhibited at the CIIE, after being showcased there for several consecutive years., which means the accessibility of the world's leading surgical robot in China has been greatly improved, benefiting more Chinese medical institutions and patients.

In addition to the "Chinese elements" showcased in products, production lines, and R&D, cooperation with relevant Chinese associations at this CIIE has also become an important element.For example, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, a global medical innovation leader in structural heart disease, critical care, and surgical monitoring, announced at this year's CIIE,The surgical academic center under this enterprise has launched a collaboration with the China Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Association., this is the first time that the Edwards Lifesciences Academic Center has cooperated with an association since its establishment.

It is reported that through this collaboration, Edwards Lifesciences will partner with the China Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Association to train young valve surgeons, thereby enhancing the concepts and surgical skills related to valve treatments, allowing more cardiac surgeons to master fundamental valve surgery capabilities.

As can be seen from the above, an increasing number of "Chinese elements" have become highlights of this year's CIIE, which is related to the continuous deepening of localization by multinational corporations.From the introduction of new drugs and innovative devices to joint development with Chinese companies, from production bases to R&D centers being established one after another, multinational corporations' medical innovations are increasingly marked by "China," also propelling Chinese innovation to higher levels.

As an important platform for the global "first launch" and "first showcase" of new products, each edition of the CIIE is a moment for top pharmaceutical and medical device companies to "flex their muscles." This year's CIIE is no exception, with even fiercer competition among innovative companies, bringing products that are more groundbreaking in terms of technological advancement.

Roche, a "six-time returning friend" of the CIIE, has brought significant "groundbreaking innovations" and creative solutions this year, including six globally innovative products that are about to be launched in China. These products cover disease areas such as ophthalmology, hematology-oncology, breast cancer, and neuroscience.

Among them,The World's First Intravitreal Injection Bispecific Antibody FaricimabHailed as a "blockbuster" in Roche's ophthalmology field by the industry, and also the "strongest growth driver" of Roche's sales, its innovative mechanism can effectively extend the duration of drug action, stabilize blood vessels and reduce fluid leakage, thereby improving patients' vision and achieving long-term disease control.

In addition to the heavyweight products in the ophthalmology field, Roche also introduced Glofitamab, an innovative bispecific antibody targeting CD20/CD3. As a next-generation ready-to-use immunotherapy, this monoclonal antibody is expected to further enhance the possibility of curing relapsed or refractory lymphoma. AnotherThe innovative drug Crovalimab, used for treating Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), was also exhibited.`, which was officially granted priority review status by the National Medical Products Administration last year, and is expected to become the first innovative drug by Roche to be launched in China ahead of Europe and the United States.`First launch in China`, filling the treatment gap for PNH patients in China.`

To provide more precise and efficient diagnostic and treatment support for cancer and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, Siemens Healthineers has introduced several "first-time releases and exhibitions" of cutting-edge new products at this year's CIIE, includingWorld's First Ultra-High Performance Whole-Body 3T MRI——MAGNETOM Cima.X, SOMATOM On.site which can be easily moved into wards and operating rooms allowing patients to undergo head CT scans at the bedside, Biograph Vision.X featuring 178-picosecond TOF ultra-high performance PET/CT, a new four-dimensional volumetric intracardiac ultrasound catheter, and ARTIS icono ceiling, the world’s first quantum spectral angiography system, are several revolutionary industry-leading products.

Smith & Nephew showcased three new products for the first time in the Chinese market at this year's CIIE. Among them,ENTACT◊ Septal Stapler is the first domestically produced absorbable nasal septum fixation device in China.The launch of this product ushers septoplasty into the era of mechanical fixation with absorbable pins, changing the way of fixing the nasal septum in septoplasty, thereby shortening operation time, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, and helping surgeons achieve more consistent and stable surgical outcomes.

 (Smith & Nephew's Three China Premieres at CIIE 2023 - Provided by the Company)

And the plasma surgical device WEREWOLF◊ is the result of Smith & Nephew's more than 20 years of continuous iteration and refinement in low-temperature plasma technology, which can significantly improve the efficiency and stability of surgical ablation while enhancing the protection of surgical safety; The single-use negative pressure wound therapy system PICO◊ 14, used for the prevention of surgical site complications in high-risk populations and the treatment of acute and chronic wounds, relies on its unique operational mode to provide negative pressure wound therapy to the wound or incision and surrounding areas through the entire dressing, while removing exudate, offering patients a more convenient and unrestricted experience.

At this year's CIIE, GSK unveiled several global leading new products for the first time, showcasing its significant progress and innovative R&D capabilities in four core therapeutic areas: infectious diseases, immunology/respiratory diseases, oncology, and HIV. In the field of HIV, just recently...The First Complete HIV-1 Long-Acting Injection Treatment Regimen Approved in China——Cabotegravir Injection Vocabria and Rilpivirine Injection Rekambys Combination Therapy Makes China Debut`, which is also the first long-acting injectable HIV treatment regimen in China.`

GSK stated that it will accelerate innovation and R&D, introduce more drugs that meet the health needs of the Chinese people, and is committed to promoting the high-quality development of China's pharmaceuticals industry. In addition, they have reached a strategic cooperation with Zhifei Biological Products to promote vaccines in key areas such as recombinant shingles and RSV in China.

This year, Medtronic has brought more than 60 exhibits,Including one global premiere, one Asia-Pacific premiere, and six China premieres.Among them, Medtronic's PulseSelect™ Pulsed Field Ablation System made its global debut at the CIIE. This product is the first cardiac pulsed field ablation device to enter the NMPA's Innovative Medical Device Special Approval Channel.

In addition, Medtronic's new generation ClosureFast endovenous radiofrequency ablation catheter was exhibited for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region; the six products making their debut in China include the new upgraded versions of the leadless transcatheter implantable pacemakers Micra VR 2 and Micra AV 2, the Heli-FX EndoAnchor aortic endoanchoring system, the Concerto detachable coil, the SimuForm semi-rigid annuloplasty ring for heart valve repair, the PillCam patency capsule, and the Attain Stability Quad MRI SureScan 4798 implantable left ventricular pacing lead.

Following the grand debut of the Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon™ stereotactic radiosurgery system at the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2018, Elekta has unveiled another groundbreaking product at this year's CIIE—Elekta Esprit The Latest Generation Gamma Ray Stereotactic Radiosurgery System for Head.

Elekta Esprit achieves end-to-end ease of use with a highly integrated system design and delivers exceptional treatment precision to protect surrounding healthy tissue while treating brain diseases. It not only saves lives but also protects patients' brains, as well as their motor, sensory, and neurocognitive functions.

(Elekta Esprit New Generation Gamma Ray Stereotactic Radiosurgery System for Head Provided by the Company)

During the CIIE, Philips Clinical Informatics Team ReleasedThe latest generation product, StarCloud Advanced Visualization Imaging Platform IntelliSpace Portal, which focuses on the unification and standardization of medical imaging data, follows a long-standing architecture of high compatibility and high scalability. It supports multi-modal imaging data from different manufacturers, enables integrated browsing, streamlines imaging workflows, and fundamentally resolves interoperability issues between systems.

Boston Scientific Hosts Innovative Product Promotion Conference at CIIE, Showcasing Five Key Innovative Products in Focus Areas Such as Healthy Weight, Peripheral Vascular Health, and Cardiac Health. For ExampleThe world's first FDA-approved endoscopic weight loss product with a single intragastric water-filled balloon – Orbera Intragastric Balloon*.

It is reported that the Orbera intragastric balloon* can be inserted into the stomach through the mouth, being nearly non-invasive and reversible. By occupying part of the stomach's volume, it reduces food intake, delays gastric emptying, enhances satiety, and ultimately achieves weight loss. Data shows that compared with diet and exercise alone, the Orbera intragastric balloon can help patients achieve 3.1 times more weight loss [Orbera® US FDA Pivotal Study]. With a 20-year history of application, more than 300,000 gastric balloons have been used across over 70 countries worldwide.

In summary,Based on the continued optimism about China's development, the world's top pharmaceutical and medical device companies have unveiled their most advanced technological products for "first launch and first exhibition" to fully tap the potential of China, the world's second-largest pharmaceutical market.Moreover, the display of hardcore new products has also brought more possibilities for industry innovation and exchange cooperation.

Since the first China International Import Expo (CIIE), the CIIE has become a grand stage for multinational pharmaceutical companies to showcase cutting-edge innovations and accelerate the introduction of innovative products. As cooperation continues to deepen, the spillover effects of the CIIE are expanding continuously.

Taking Siemens Healthineers' NAEOTOM Alpha, the world's first photon-counting CT, as an example, the semiconductor detector photon-counting CT technology made its global debut at the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2021. The following year, NAEOTOM Alpha entered the National Medical Products Administration’s special review process for innovative medical devices (Green Channel) and completed its Asian premiere with a physical unit at the 5th CIIE. Currently, NAEOTOM Alpha has completed testing in China at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. It officially received approval from the National Medical Products Administration for marketing in China in mid-October 2023. At this year's CIIE, Siemens Healthineers also comprehensively showcased the extensive clinical applications and research achievements of NAEOTOM Alpha.

Visible,The "spillover effect" continuously amplified and released by the CIIE has turned numerous medical exhibits into commercial products, and those products into blockbuster hits.

Based on this,Multinational pharmaceutical and medical device companies are continuously increasing their investment and layout in China, expanding upstream into the R&D stage, building production lines, and expanding hospital networks. Additionally, local innovative enterprises are emerging and frequently collaborating with multinational pharmaceutical and medical device companies to create a larger ecosystem and jointly expand globally.

For example, at this year's CIIE, participants from Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and other regions...Multiple Canadian life science companies independently participate in the exhibition.The Canadian exhibitor contingent, composed of these enterprises, showcased top-tier Canadian products on-site while engaging with professional buyers to discuss industry development trends in the post-pandemic era. Through active exploration of international cooperation methods, they aim to open up broader global markets for companies from both countries, creating a second growth curve for enterprise development.

These Canadian companies include, but are not limited to, Clickdishes, which specializes in medical robots, Ex-able, offering long-term COPD solutions, and WAT Medical Enterprise, an electronic bracelet that alleviates motion sickness and high blood pressure.

Pfizer China is promoting the synchronization of product R&D and market launch with the rest of the world.According to data disclosed by Pfizer China, by the end of 2022, Pfizer China had achieved the goal of synchronizing 80% of its product research and launches with the rest of the world, and this effort is set to intensify by 2027. Additionally, Pfizer's R&D center in China plans to achieve global synchronization for all product lines in Phase III pivotal trials and regulatory submissions within the next five years. This means that by 2027, Pfizer aims to involve China in all pivotal Phase III clinical trials and include China in the list of regions for the first wave of global new product submissions, thereby achieving synchronized submissions for the entire product portfolio in China.

Accelerating cooperation with Chinese enterprises is also an important part of the ecosystem construction.At the CIIE venue, Boehringer Ingelheim announced a significant collaboration with Guangzhou Enmai Bio: Boehringer Ingelheim (China) Biopharmaceuticals will provide process development and manufacturing services for Guangzhou Enmai Bio's innovative drugs for inflammatory diseases. The aim is to transform the latter’s innovative antibody drugs targeting novel cytokines into high-quality end products through a world-class CDMO platform.

In addition to deepening cooperation with Chinese enterprises,The trend of Chinese healthcare innovation companies going global is also becoming increasingly prominent.For example, in an interview with the Economic ObserverInterviewAt the time, Leon Wang, Executive Vice President of AstraZeneca Global and President of International Business & China, stated that the exhibition at the 6th CIIE showcasedThe biggest highlight is how AstraZeneca helps Chinese innovation go global.It is reported that AstraZeneca has been promoting local Chinese companies to engage in exchange and cooperation in Brazil and the Middle East. Next, they will also go to countries and regions such as Indonesia.

It is not difficult to see that,Collaborating with local innovative biopharmaceutical companies and jointly expanding overseas not only signifies multinational corporations' firm commitment to continuously cultivating China's medical innovation market, but also reflects local enterprises' strategic efforts to upgrade R&D and globalize. In this process, the scale of the collaborative medical innovation ecosystem is gradually expanding.

As mentioned earlier, at the bustling CIIE venue, the world's top pharmaceutical and medical device companies are even more "competitive" than in previous years. Whether in terms of products or concepts, they showcase more "Chinese elements," stronger "core breakthroughs," and larger "ecosystem building." This all demonstrates their firm confidence in看好 China and increasing their investment in the Chinese market.

Over the six years of evolution, the CIIE has continuously expanded its "circle of friends," consistently attracting both new and old friends from the healthcare industry to the "appointment in China." It not only fully showcases top-tier products but also actively promotes exchange and collaboration, becoming an important platform for displaying cutting-edge trends in the healthcare industry.

It is believed that under the concept of openness, co-construction, and sharing, global medical innovation will use the CIIE as a starting point to tell more and better stories of industrial innovation and cooperation in the future.