13th China Bio-Industry Conference Successfully Held in Wuhan in 2020 Amid Pandemic Response

On September 24, the China Bio-Industry Conference was grandly held in Wuhan. Centered on the theme of “Leveraging Science and Technology to Combat the Epidemic and Empowering Industry Development,” the conference invited numerous academicians, experts, and heroes of the anti-epidemic effort—including Zhong Nanshan, Li Lanjuan, Wang Fusheng, and Zhang Dingyu—to deliver speeches on topics such as scientific responses to the novel coronavirus, treatment and prevention strategies, vaccines, and diagnostic testing. Participants engaged in extensive discussions on epidemic prevention and control strategies, as well as approaches to the development of related technologies and products.

The conference was held in a hybrid “online + offline” format, featuring high-level forums and specialized online sub-forums. It established an online platform to showcase advanced achievements in pandemic response, demonstrating the bioeconomy’s commitment to fighting the epidemic and empowering post-pandemic economic recovery.

Shu Wei, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Secretary of the Secretariat of the China Association for Science and Technology; Shen Zhulin, Deputy Director of the High-Tech Industry Department of the National Development and Reform Commission; Gao Fu, Executive Chair of the Conference and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; and Huang Chuping, Member of the Standing Committee of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice Governor of Hubei Province, delivered addresses respectively. The opening ceremony was presided over by Vice Governor Xiao Juhua.

Zhou Xianwang, Deputy Secretary of the Wuhan Municipal Party Committee and Mayor; Lu Jun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Provincial People’s Government; Cheng Yongwen, Director of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission; Deng Xiaochuan, Director of the Provincial Medical Products Administration; other heads of relevant provincial departments; Wang Xiangwang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Wuhan Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the East Lake High-Tech Development Zone; Dan Changchun, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Chairman of the Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee; Chen Honghui, Vice Mayor; Chen Ping, Director of the Administrative Committee of the East Lake High-Tech Development Zone; Zhang Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the Municipal People’s Government; and Li Tao, Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal People’s Government attended the meeting.

He Wei, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, stated in his video address that at the National Commendation Conference for Efforts against the COVID-19 Pandemic, numerous biotechnology professionals were honored as Advanced Individuals, and multiple biotechnology and bioindustry teams were recognized as Advanced Collectives in pandemic response. This recognition serves as both an accolade and an incentive for the dedicated contributions of biotechnology workers across China. He urged attendees to earnestly study the important speeches delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping, carry forward the great spirit of pandemic resistance, and devote themselves with full enthusiasm to scientific research and industrial practices aimed at combating the pandemic and safeguarding public health. Hubei Province and Wuhan City should fully leverage the aggregating platform role of the China Bio-industry Conference, further optimize the business environment, intensify efforts to attract talent, and enhance the development level of the bio-industry, all while maintaining effective pandemic prevention and control measures. He expressed hope that the academicians, experts, and entrepreneurs attending the conference would better demonstrate the responsibility and commitment of scientific and technological workers through the China Bio-industry Conference, contributing their wisdom and strength to the whole society’s joint efforts against the pandemic.

Entrusted by the principal leaders of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People’s Government, Huang Chuping, on behalf of both bodies, expressed gratitude to the biomedical sector for its care and support in Hubei’s epidemic prevention and control as well as its economic and social development. He stated that Hubei would continue to optimize its business environment, policy support, and industrial ecosystem, striving to build a world-class biomedical industry cluster and establish an internationally competitive innovation center for the biological industry along with a national pilot demonstration zone for the bioeconomy. He warmly invited guests from all sectors at home and abroad to invest in Hubei, deepen their engagement in the province, seize opportunities together, pursue collaborative development, and achieve shared success for the future.

In his address, Shu Wei stated that this conference, by focusing on the bioindustry and the role of biotechnology in epidemic prevention and control, will surely play a positive role in promoting scientific and technological innovation in the field of biotechnology, accelerating the establishment of a public health security system, and supporting the development of Hubei’s bioindustry. He expressed the hope that scientists and technologists would orient their work toward safeguarding people’s lives and health, adhere to innovation-driven development and open cooperation, promote deep integration among industry, academia, and research to foster high-quality development, and vigorously uphold the spirit of scientists. With the mission of strengthening the nation and benefiting the people, they should ensure that biotechnology and the bioindustry better serve the public good.

Gao Fu, Executive Chair of the Conference, President of the Chinese Society for Biotechnology, Director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated in his address that science has played a crucial role in responding to this outbreak, ranging from vector identification and gene sequencing to epidemiological investigations and vaccine development. Gao expressed his hope that the conference would generate substantial momentum for local biotech industries and foster agglomeration effects for domestic and international biological sectors, thereby driving a new leap forward in China’s biotechnology and industrial development.

At the high-level forum of the conference, Zhong Nanshan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, stated that the COVID-19 epidemic might persist or worsen during the current winter and the following spring. Zhong noted that it would take one to two years to complete large-scale vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, China is maintaining cooperation with more than 40 countries, and has obtained approval to conduct Phase III clinical trials in nations such as Brazil and Russia. Four vaccine candidates have entered Phase III clinical trials through international collaborations.

At the conference, Li Lanjuan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, delivered an online speech titled “Scientific Prevention and Control of the Epidemic to Safeguard People’s Health: Insights into the ‘Four Antagonisms and Two Balances’ Approach for Treating Severe COVID-19.” Li Lanjuan pointed out that the application of new technologies such as artificial liver support, stem cell therapy, and microecological regulation in treating critically ill patients can significantly reduce the case fatality rate. She stated that “respiratory support combined with artificial liver therapy to clear cytokines” is a crucial therapeutic approach for combating hypoxemia and multiple organ failure.

Wang Fusheng, Director of the Liver Disease Biotherapy Research Center at the 302nd Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Director of the Institute of Infectious Diseases of the PLA, and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered an online presentation on “Progress in Clinical Immunotherapy and Stem Cell Therapy for COVID-19.” During his speech, Wang introduced the latest advancements in China’s COVID-19 vaccine development, stating that “China’s COVID-19 vaccine development ranks among the world’s leading tier.” He noted that vaccines are the most cost-effective and efficient means of preventing and controlling infectious diseases, as well as an effective tool for managing public health emergencies. In terms of epidemic control in China, vaccines are expected to provide reliable protection. Currently, four vaccine candidates have entered Phase III clinical trials. After administration to high-risk populations both domestically and abroad, they have demonstrated favorable safety profiles and proven efficacy. Wang also praised China’s achievements in COVID-19 prevention and control, highlighting successes in comprehensive clinical treatment and scientific research breakthroughs, which exemplify the great Chinese spirit.

Zhang Dingyu, Deputy Director of the Hubei Provincial Health Commission and recipient of the national honorary title “People’s Hero,” stated in his presentation titled “Response Strategies to the Novel Coronavirus Epidemic: Report on Hubei’s Anti-Epidemic Efforts” that “91.09% of recovered COVID-19 patients across the province received traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).” He noted that the widespread application of TCM played a significant role in treating COVID-19 patients. Statistics show that 99.9% of COVID-19 patients treated in all Fangcang Shelter Hospitals in Wuhan were administered TCM. While consolidating the gains made in epidemic prevention and control, we must maintain unwavering vigilance through normalized prevention and control mechanisms—akin to “carrying an umbrella on sunny days”—and continue to conduct large-scale training and drills. According to Zhang Dingyu, more than 400,000 individuals have already been trained, including through online programs.

At the conference, Wang Tao, Chief Reviewer at the Center for Drug Evaluation of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), delivered a speech titled “Regulatory Considerations for Novel Coronavirus Vaccine Development in Emergency Situations,” offering insights into vaccine R&D under emergency conditions from a regulatory perspective. Yang Xiaoming, Chairman of China National Biotec Group (CNBG), presented on the theme “Achieving ‘China Speed’ to Safeguard Human Health.” Wang Jian, Chairman of BGI Genomics, shared his perspectives on the topic “‘Fire Eye’ Laboratories: From Public Health to Disease Prevention and Control.” As a representative of the investment community, Gong Hongjia, renowned angel investor and Chairman of Zhongyuan Union Cell & Gene Engineering Corp., shared his analysis on “Investment Strategies in China’s Biopharmaceutical Sector in the Post-COVID-19 Era.”

At the signing ceremony of this conference, a total of 32 industrial projects under the provincial and municipal big health industry initiatives signed investment agreements, with a total investment amounting to RMB 27.7 billion. These projects include those from several listed companies such as Humanwell Healthcare, Vcanbio, HEC Pharm, Sonoscape Medical, and Cabio Biotech.

At the conference, the Wuhan Municipal People’s Government and Sinopharm Group formally signed a new strategic cooperation agreement. Both parties will further focus on the big health industry, leverage their respective advantages, support Wuhan’s post-pandemic revitalization and the development of a world-class big health industry cluster, and help China National Pharmaceutical Group achieve total operating revenue of RMB 200 billion in Wuhan. The signed “Sinopharm Industrial Park Project” will prioritize the development of vaccines, genetically engineered drugs, blood products, chemical pharmaceutical preparations, traditional Chinese medicine, intelligent manufacturing of medical devices, trade and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, smart public health services, third-party medical services, functional foods, and veterinary biological products.

At the signing ceremony, Optics Valley Bio-city announced plans to develop China’s first “Frontier Biotechnology Industrial Park” within the International Life and Health Park. The park aims to accelerate the industrialization of frontier biotechnologies and foster in-depth collaboration among industry, academia, research institutions, and healthcare providers in applied R&D, technology transfer, platform development, and talent cultivation, thereby bridging the “last mile” in the commercialization of frontier biotechnologies.

Located north of Gaoxin 6th Road and east of Guanggu 6th Road, this industrial park project covers a planned land area of 400 mu, with a total planned construction area of 800,000 square meters. It aims to establish an international, cutting-edge biotechnology specialized park integrating R&D, incubation and acceleration, clinical trials, manufacturing, third-party services, lifestyle amenities, international exchanges, and talent development. The park will focus on emerging frontiers in biotechnology, including immune cell therapy, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, synthetic biology, 3D bioprinting, and the integration of IT and BT (Information Technology and Biotechnology), thereby securing a commanding position in industrial development.

On the afternoon of the conference day, four specialized sub-forums—“Special Forum on Novel Coronavirus Testing and Diagnostic Technologies,” “Special Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Epidemic Prevention and Control and Biosafety,” “Special Forum on Pharmacological Treatment of Viral Infectious Diseases,” and “Pathogen Detection Supporting Public Health Prevention and Control (Focusing on Laboratory Platforms and Testing Capacity Building)”—were conducted via live online streaming. Academician Jiang Hualiang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhang Wenhong, Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, and other experts delivered keynote speeches online.

During the conference, a platform showcasing advanced anti-pandemic technological achievements was simultaneously launched. The platform presents epidemic prevention and control products—including testing products and services, pharmaceuticals and therapeutic technologies, medical equipment and specialized instruments, as well as disinfection, protective gear, and support supplies—through short videos or text-and-image formats. Notable debuts included the world’s first inactivated COVID-19 vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test kits.