VB Weekly Report 1019: 'Doctor+', 'Hospital+', 'Internet+', or 'Patient+'?
Oct 19, 2015 08:12
CST Updated
08:12
Events & Perspectives
Last weekend, the online healthcare community was stirred up once again. The cause was the resurgence yesterday of an article titled “On the Downfall of Chunyu Doctor,” which had originally been published in mid-year and went viral on WeChat Moments. The article argued that “Chunyu Doctor entered the wrong industry.” It contended that despite investing its fundraising proceeds into offline clinics, Chunyu Doctor could not escape its role as a mere “intermediary.” If it failed to achieve profitability, it would only burn through its cash reserves more rapidly.
Setting aside whether the Chunyu model is flawed or whether the market can be unified, one point remains clear: the arguments presented in the article are indeed neither clear nor sufficient.
In his response on WeChat Moments, Chunyu’s Vice President Xie Cheng stated, “...please rest assured, friends and family. Chunyu is doing well, and there will be more good news by the end of the year...”
This face..
“To quote Dr. Zhang Qiang: ‘When confronted with new developments, we should refrain from hasty judgments during the phase of uncertainty, engage in critical reflection and scrutiny during the phase of underestimation, and seek comprehensive understanding during the phase of confusion—so that we do not wait until it is too late to be filled with regret.’”
Now, back to the main topic: let’s take a look at “DiDi Doctor,” left weeping in despair, only to have its headline stolen by an old article!!
Last week,Both Alibaba Health and Didi Chuxing announced on Weibo that from October 18 to 19 (last Sunday and this Monday), Didi Chuxing and Alibaba Health, in collaboration with Mingyi Zhudao, jointly launched a free “Didi Doctor” service.
According to information on the Didi Chuxing app, the “Call a Doctor” option is currently visible only to users in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, appearing on the right side of the Hitch and Express ride-hailing interfaces. When users are within the service area for home-visit doctors, they can view details about Didi’s dedicated medical transport vehicles.
Notably, the relevant services are visible only if a doctor is within your service area after you tap the “Call a Doctor” option; otherwise, in-home physician services cannot be provided. Additionally, once a doctor is booked, they will temporarily no longer appear in the nearby area and will reappear only when their schedule becomes available.
The hospitals involved in this event include renowned institutions such as Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai Renji Hospital, Xinhua Hospital, Huashan Hospital, Deji Hospital, and Hangzhou Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, as well as the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The covered specialties include general practice, cardiology, general surgery, neurosurgery, and sports medicine.
Additionally, its “family member” Alipay went viral last week thanks to facial recognition.
According to media reports,Alipay’s Facial Recognition Login Feature Expected to Launch This Year。
Chen Jidong, head of the team at Ant Financial Services Group dedicated to the research and development of biometric identification technologies, stated, “Since July, facial recognition technology has been applied in Alipay for functions such as password reset, mobile phone number re-binding, and risk payment verification. For instance, when users reset their passwords, in addition to verifying the original password, ID number, bank card information, and SMS codes, they can now opt for facial verification. Currently, the success rate of facial recognition has exceeded 90%.”
In addition to facial recognition, other biometric identification technologies poised to move from the laboratory to commercial applications include voiceprint, iris pattern, and palm print recognition. Among these, Ant Financial has revealed that voiceprint technology is likely to become the next biometric method widely implemented in its products, such as Alipay and Ant Fortune, following fingerprints and facial recognition. This rapid adoption is driven by the low hardware cost of data collection devices (ordinary microphones suffice) and the high difficulty of forgery.
However, one concern is whether facial recognition and voiceprint data can be replicated and misused?
You could ask the Putian-affiliated plastic surgery hospitals; they should know a lot....
We are aware of that, but they are targeting internet procurement on a scale of hundreds of billions.
Recently, composed of more than 8,000 medical institutionsPuXi Healthcare will focus on building the internet-based procurement platform, Putian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Trading Network.By consolidating procurement, the platform will achieve an annual purchasing volume of up to hundreds of billions of yuan. A key feature of the Putian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Trading Network is that it guarantees manufacturers payment within a stipulated timeframe, regardless of whether Putian-affiliated hospitals settle their bills on time, thereby avoiding triangular debt.
It is reported that in June 2015, Putian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Trading Network obtained the Class A Certificate for Internet Drug Transaction Services issued by the China Food and Drug Administration. This was the 17th such certificate nationwide and the first Class A certificate issued in Fujian Province.
According to the company’s representative, the future development of the trading platform can be planned in three phases: first, serving enterprises owned by all shareholders; second, providing services to member enterprises of the general association; and finally, aiming to attract medical enterprises across China to join. Currently, the Putian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Trading Network has gained support from the majority of leading figures in Putian-affiliated hospitals. Its 31 shareholders represent Putian-affiliated medical enterprises of various sizes and directly own more than 2,000 hospitals.
The following one is even more impressive: just change the name, and it thinks it’s a newcomer.
Not really. I’m around thirty, just pivoting for fun.
Samsung Electric announced last week that the company's securities abbreviation,Since October 20, the name has been changed from “Sanxing Electric” to “Sanxing Medical.”, the company's stock code remains unchanged.
It is understood that Sanxing Electric has invested more than RMB 2 billion to improve its medical investment architecture and build a platform for the development of the medical industry. The company will rely on Ningbo Mingzhou Hospital Co., Ltd. to implement a trinity development strategy integrating general hospitals, specialized hospitals, and precision medicine. It plans to solely own or hold controlling stakes in 150 hospitals and other medical institutions between 2015 and 2020 through various development models such as trusteeship, mergers and acquisitions, cooperation, joint ventures, and new constructions. Meanwhile, the company’s collaborations with numerous medical institutions have been gradually implemented and have achieved certain results.
Furthermore, the materials for the company’s private placement of shares to raise funds are currently under review by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). As planned, nearly RMB 4 billion of the proceeds will be primarily allocated to the investment and construction of medical projects.
Next, let’s take a look at the recently surging Health Industry Alliance—two more have joined!
Zhongyu Capital and New Dazhou Jointly Establish a RMB 3 Billion Healthcare M&A Fund.
New Dayzhou A announced that New Dayzhou Holding Co., Ltd. and Mr. Zhao Xuhong, the actual controller of New Dayzhou, have signed the "Framework Agreement on Jointly Establishing Zhongyu New Dayzhou Medical Industry M&A Investment Fund (Limited Partnership)" with Zhongyu Capital Management (Beijing) Co., Ltd. in Shanghai. The three parties plan to jointly establish the Zhongyu New Dayzhou Medical Industry M&A Investment Fund (Limited Partnership).
The total committed capital of the M&A investment fund (i.e., the aggregate committed capital of all partners to the investment fund) is proposed to be RMB 3 billion, to be established in three tranches, with each tranche having a total committed capital of RMB 1 billion. Among this, the senior limited partners shall commit RMB 600 million, which shall be raised by Zhongyu Capital; the mezzanine limited partners and the junior limited partners shall each commit RMB 200 million.
The company stated that the establishment of this healthcare industry fund aims to invest in and integrate domestic projects within the healthcare and broader health industries. Projects invested in by the fund may be prioritized for acquisition by the Company or its affiliates under equivalent conditions, or achieve exit through strategies such as industrial integration, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, or independent initial public offerings (IPOs).
Previously, Zhongyu Capital had jointly established similar industrial capital funds with companies such as Yibai Pharmaceutical, Yixintang, Aier Eye Hospital, and Shenzhen Changhong Technology.
Guizhou Establishes Big Health and Pharmaceutical Industry Alliance.
Guizhou Provincial Big Health and Pharmaceutical Industry Alliance Established in GuiyangThe Guizhou Provincial Big Health and Pharmaceutical Industry Alliance was recently established in Guiyang. The alliance will explore the establishment of a mechanism for close integration among government, business, industry, academia, and research to promote the development of the province’s health and pharmaceutical industry.
According to reports, the alliance comprises 11 industry associations related to the general health sector, more than 30 key pharmaceutical enterprises, over 20 food, health supplement, and novel resource food companies, 10 large-scale integrated complexes focusing on elderly care, wellness, leisure, and health tourism, as well as universities and research institutions. Members of the industrial alliance will share resources, facilitate capital flow, and collaborate for mutual benefit, thereby promoting investment and financing matchmaking and cooperation in the general health and pharmaceutical industry, accelerating the transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements, fostering complementary advantages among enterprises, expanding development space, and enhancing industrial or sectoral competitiveness.
Regarding new products/services, let’s take a look at the updates.
Tongrentang Launches Its First Cross-Border E-Commerce Platform.
Recently,Tongrentang International’s first cross-border e-commerce platform, “Tianran Tao,” officially launches, enabling users to purchase health products from both domestic and international markets.All launched products are fully traceable throughout the entire process, with a “zero tolerance” policy toward counterfeit goods. Each product is printed with a QR code; scanning it reveals the complete journey from procurement to distribution, as well as detailed instructions in Chinese.
But compared to JD Worldwide,Currently, Tianran Tao offers a limited product selection, with only five categories available: nutritional supplements, traditional tonic and wellness, sexual health, personal care, and Tongrentang Overseas., there is still a long way to go in building consumer appeal and stickiness.
In addition to the cross-border health-focused e-commerce business “Tianran Tao,” Mei Qun, Chairman of Tongrentang Group, stated that Tongrentang will also establish a platform integrating health screening and consultation services, cross-border e-commerce for traditional Chinese medicine, and financial insurance services, with plans to launch next year.
Forging a New Model for County-Level Chronic Disease Management, the Kangsai Platform Officially Launches.
Last weekend, the Kangsai platform, jointly developed by Sanofi and Health Road, was officially launched and put into use.The Kangsai Platform is dedicated to addressing the challenges of chronic disease management within China’s county-level healthcare system, featuring three core modules: chronic disease management, physician education, and two-way referral.
Specifically, Sanofi will provide knowledge resources for the Kangsai platform, including chronic disease management and physician education, while Health Road will deliver medical and healthcare service products centered on three pillars: “primary care institutions + Internet,” “hospitals (physicians) + Internet,” and “tiered diagnosis and treatment + Internet.”
Quyi Network Joins Hands with Jilin Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission to Co-build an Appointment-based Diagnosis and Treatment Service Platform.
Last week, Quyi Network announced that it had signed a cooperation agreement with the Jilin Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission. The two parties will jointly build the “Jilin Province 12320 Appointment-Based Diagnosis and Treatment Service Platform,” which will cover 341 hospitals in Jilin Province rated at Grade II Class A or above, as well as local community hospitals and public health institutions. The platform will provide patients in Jilin Province with a range of internet-based medical services, including “appointment registration,” “off-site waiting,” “fee payment,” and “report inquiry.”
In light of internet users’ habits, Quyi Network will collaborate with the Jilin Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission to build the “Jilin Resident Health Services” website. Through channels such as “News Center” and “Department Showcase,” users can instantly access news and information on healthcare updates and current affairs, as well as gain a comprehensive understanding of each hospital’s departments and technical strengths.
WuXi AppTec Launches the World’s First Mobile App for Oncology Drug R&D Services.
In mid-2026, WuXi AppTec’s Oncology Business Division launched “OncoWuXi,” the world’s first integrated online data platform for oncology models. Last week, WuXi AppTec announced the release of the OncoWuXi App. According to the company, the OncoWuXi App enables users to search for required models for efficacy evaluation anytime and anywhere, while keeping track of updates to the oncology model database, thereby facilitating the research, development, and translational application of anti-tumor drugs.
Through the OncoWuXi App, users can access information on WuXi AppTec’s existing portfolio of over 1,000 preclinical models, including patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) models, and syngeneic tumor models, anytime and anywhere. The app’s backend database encompasses comprehensive data on these models, covering growth dynamics, histopathology, clinical information, genomics, and standard-of-care (SoC) drug sensitivity profiles.
The last item is exposedDr. Zhang Qiang Doctor Group Terminates First Round of Financing, May List on Shanghai Equity Custody Center in October
Recently, Dr. Zhang Qiang’s Medical Group issued a statement confirming for the first time the termination of its first-round financing plan. Bao Yuke, Chief Hernia Surgery Specialist and Clinical Base Director at Dr. Zhang Qiang’s Medical Group, revealed that “Dr. Zhang Qiang’s Medical Group may list on the Shanghai Equity Custody and Trading Center in October.” Against the backdrop of deregulation in China’s healthcare sector, nearly 30 physician groups have rapidly emerged, with the fastest-growing ones already achieving profitability and approaching public listing. Investors are divided into two camps regarding this new phenomenon: some are investing heavily, while others remain on the sidelines. The inherently long-term nature of the healthcare industry has clashed with capital’s demand for short-term returns.
Nevertheless, many industry veterans believe that physician groups represent one of the key development directions for the healthcare sector, with more physicians expected to join this open platform in the future.
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Healthcare Reform
★National Health and Family Planning Commission Issues Document to Refocus on “Safe Hospital” Initiative
The National Health and Family Planning Commission issued the “Opinions on Deepening the ‘Safe Hospital’ Initiative and Safeguarding Medical Order in Accordance with the Law.” Specific measures include accelerating the rule-of-law framework for the prevention and resolution of medical disputes, preventing and punishing healthcare-related illegal and criminal activities in accordance with the law, conducting comprehensive screenings for hidden risks and conflicts involving medical services, improving and perfecting the medical dispute resolution system in accordance with the law, enhancing medical services, and improving the quality of care.
★Beijing: 140,000 Social Assistance Recipients Exempted from Hospitalization Deposits
Starting this month, nearly 140,000 recipients of social assistance in the city, including those on subsistence allowances and from low-income households, will be exempt from paying hospitalization deposits if they require inpatient care. Out-of-pocket expenses remaining after medical insurance reimbursement may also be advanced by designated hospitals. Recently, the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau, the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, and other relevant departments jointly issued a notice to adjust and standardize the approval procedures for medical assistance applications by social assistance recipients in the city.
★The State Council Abolishes Qualification Review for Designated Medical Institutions under Basic Medical Insurance!
Last Wednesday, the State Council decided to cancel the first batch of 62 administrative approval items designated by the central government for local implementation. Projects involving the medical field include the cancellation of qualification reviews for retail pharmacies designated for basic medical insurance, qualification reviews for medical institutions designated for basic medical insurance, approvals for medical and health institutions to conduct preventive health examinations, and audits of entities providing internet-based healthcare information services.
In addition, the first batch of administrative approval items designated by the central government for local implementation that have been abolished also includes market access approval for the clinical application of Class II medical technologies, approval for conducting clinical research on new medical aesthetic technologies, and licensing for radiological health screening programs in medical institutions.
Data
●Report: 2.11 Million Cancer Deaths Annually in China, with Rising Incidence of “Affluent Cancers”
At the Capital International Cancer Forum held last week, Wang Ying, Secretary-General of the China Anti-Cancer Association, stated that according to 2012 cancer-related reports, China sees approximately 3.37 million new cancer cases and around 2.11 million cancer-related deaths annually. “Cancer has become the leading cause of death in China, accounting for one-quarter of global cancer deaths.”
The 2012 World Cancer Report indicated that there were approximately 14 million new cancer cases and 8 million cancer-related deaths annually worldwide. China accounted for 22% of global new cases and 26% of cancer-related deaths, exceeding one-quarter of the global total. Among men, lung cancer had the highest incidence rate, while among women, it was breast cancer.
●1.6-Fold Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in Women Exposed to Smoking Environments
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center recently released a research report focusing on breast health in young women. The report indicates that breast cancer has become one of the cancers with the fastest-growing mortality rate among young women, with reproductive genetics, lifestyle habits, and psychological stress emerging as major threats to their breast health.
This study also confirms that young women exposed to frequent secondhand smoke in their living and working environments have a 1.6-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. Experts recommend adopting lifestyle and reproductive practices aligned with human natural tendencies, maintaining a healthy and diversified diet, abstaining from smoking, keeping a regular daily routine while managing stress, engaging in outdoor physical activities of moderate intensity, and undergoing annual breast examinations to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
●If the government fails to take measures, the global number of obesity patients will exceed 250 million in 2025
A recent report published by the World Obesity Federation states that obesity currently affects 13% of the global population, and this figure is projected to rise to 17% by 2025 if governments fail to implement effective measures. The report predicts that 177 million adults will become severely obese over the next decade. Overweight and obesity can lead to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
A recent study published in *Medical News Today* indicates that overweight and obesity are associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. As early as 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global action plan against non-communicable diseases, urging governments worldwide to curb obesity rates; however, many governments have failed to take effective action. The report further warns that if national governments do not adopt proactive measures, the global population with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 25 will reach 250 million by 2025.
●The global compression therapy market will be valued at $6.22 billion in 2021
According to the research consulting firm GlobalData, the global compression therapy market is projected to reach a value of $6.22 billion in 2021. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during this period is 7.13%, indicating robust growth momentum.
According to a recent report by GlobalData, growth trends in the global compression therapy market are primarily observed in ten key markets: the United States, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, and India. This growth is mainly driven by the aging global population and the increasing prevalence of diseases such as diabetes.
According to the report released by GlobalData, Japan accounted for 41% of the market share in 2014, making it the largest compression therapy market in the Asia-Pacific region. However, its market share is projected to decline to 29% by 2021, while other markets in the Asia-Pacific region will experience a period of rapid growth. The compression therapy markets in China and India are expected to grow by 40% and 31%, respectively, by 2021.
New Technologies
●NFANT Lab Develops Smart Bottle Capable of Measuring Infant Tongue Strength
Smart Bottle Capable of Measuring Infant Tongue Strength Receives FDA Clearance. NFANT Labs, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has spent two years developing the device.
The system comprises a disposable coupling device positioned between the pacifier and the baby bottle. A reusable sensor connects to the coupling device to non-invasively measure infant tongue force, subsequently transmitting the data to caregivers via low-energy Bluetooth. The device can be used for both one-time assessments and longitudinal tracking of trends in infant feeding patterns.
●Lumo Run Smart Athletic Shorts with Washable Built-in Sensors
Recently, the U.S. sports equipment company Lumo Bodytech has developed a pair of smart running shorts called Lumo Run. It is a wearable device with built-in sensors, featuring a 9-axis smart sensor that collects data in real time while running, providing biomechanical monitoring of your running efficiency, and operates without the need for any wristbands or wires.
Paired with the app, you can view data such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and pelvic rotation amplitude. You can also wear headphones to receive real-time voice feedback, which provides instant updates on your running performance, helping you adjust your speed and posture to prevent sports injuries.
●Japan Develops Microcapsules to Deliver Anticancer Drugs Directly to Cancer Cells
Research teams at Kyoto Pharmaceutical University and Hokkaido University in Japan have independently developed drug delivery system (DDS) technologies that deliver anticancer drugs exclusively to cancer cells.
It is understood that researchers have developed capsules by encapsulating anticancer drugs within membranes composed of lipid structures known as “liposomes,” followed by the attachment of specific protein fragments. Once a portion of the capsule adheres to the cancer cell membrane, it undergoes degradation and structural damage, thereby releasing the drug into the cell.
Green fluorescent dye was incorporated into the capsules, and experiments were conducted using cultured human lung cancer cells. The results showed that the dye entered the cells within 30 seconds to one minute after the capsules came into contact with them. Future studies will involve mouse models. Researchers are striving to initiate clinical trials within five years.
● Scientists Develop Digital Brain
Recently, a global research initiative known as the Blue Brain Project has provided a “first draft” of brain reconstruction, encompassing more than 31,000 neurons, 55 cellular layers, and 207 distinct neuronal subtypes. The related study was published in the international journal Cell.
This project aims to utilize the brains of juvenile mice to obtain a comprehensive, high-resolution map of neuronal characteristics and activity distribution.
Once the virtual brain reconstruction is complete, researchers can leverage powerful supercomputers to simulate neuronal behavior under various conditions. Notably, by subtly adjusting a single parameter, such as calcium ion levels, researchers can generate a broad spectrum of circuit-level activity patterns. These patterns cannot be predicted based solely on the properties of individual neurons. For instance, the slow-wave synchronization of neuronal firing observed during sleep can be triggered in simulations, suggesting that neuronal circuits may switch into distinct states corresponding to different critical behaviors.
Researchers stated that the Blue Brain Project team is currently planning to develop state-dependent computational theoretical models by improving existing models. To date, all research data are available atWebsite（Click Here) obtained.
Capital
Last weekend, the online healthcare community was stirred up once again. The cause was the resurgence yesterday of an article titled “On the Downfall of Chunyu Doctor,” which had originally been published in mid-year and went viral on WeChat Moments. The article argued that “Chunyu Doctor entered the wrong industry.” It contended that despite investing its fundraising proceeds into offline clinics, Chunyu Doctor could not escape its role as a mere “intermediary.” If it failed to achieve profitability, it would only burn through its cash reserves more rapidly.
Setting aside whether the Chunyu model is flawed or whether the market can be unified, one point remains clear: the arguments presented in the article are indeed neither clear nor sufficient.
In his response on WeChat Moments, Chunyu’s Vice President Xie Cheng stated, “...please rest assured, friends and family. Chunyu is doing well, and there will be more good news by the end of the year...”
This face..
“To quote Dr. Zhang Qiang: ‘When confronted with new developments, we should refrain from hasty judgments during the phase of uncertainty, engage in critical reflection and scrutiny during the phase of underestimation, and seek comprehensive understanding during the phase of confusion—so that we do not wait until it is too late to be filled with regret.’”
Now, back to the main topic: let’s take a look at “DiDi Doctor,” left weeping in despair, only to have its headline stolen by an old article!!
Last week,Both Alibaba Health and Didi Chuxing announced on Weibo that from October 18 to 19 (last Sunday and this Monday), Didi Chuxing and Alibaba Health, in collaboration with Mingyi Zhudao, jointly launched a free “Didi Doctor” service.
According to information on the Didi Chuxing app, the “Call a Doctor” option is currently visible only to users in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, appearing on the right side of the Hitch and Express ride-hailing interfaces. When users are within the service area for home-visit doctors, they can view details about Didi’s dedicated medical transport vehicles.
Notably, the relevant services are visible only if a doctor is within your service area after you tap the “Call a Doctor” option; otherwise, in-home physician services cannot be provided. Additionally, once a doctor is booked, they will temporarily no longer appear in the nearby area and will reappear only when their schedule becomes available.
The hospitals involved in this event include renowned institutions such as Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai Renji Hospital, Xinhua Hospital, Huashan Hospital, Deji Hospital, and Hangzhou Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, as well as the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The covered specialties include general practice, cardiology, general surgery, neurosurgery, and sports medicine.
Additionally, its “family member” Alipay went viral last week thanks to facial recognition.
According to media reports,Alipay’s Facial Recognition Login Feature Expected to Launch This Year。
Chen Jidong, head of the team at Ant Financial Services Group dedicated to the research and development of biometric identification technologies, stated, “Since July, facial recognition technology has been applied in Alipay for functions such as password reset, mobile phone number re-binding, and risk payment verification. For instance, when users reset their passwords, in addition to verifying the original password, ID number, bank card information, and SMS codes, they can now opt for facial verification. Currently, the success rate of facial recognition has exceeded 90%.”
In addition to facial recognition, other biometric identification technologies poised to move from the laboratory to commercial applications include voiceprint, iris pattern, and palm print recognition. Among these, Ant Financial has revealed that voiceprint technology is likely to become the next biometric method widely implemented in its products, such as Alipay and Ant Fortune, following fingerprints and facial recognition. This rapid adoption is driven by the low hardware cost of data collection devices (ordinary microphones suffice) and the high difficulty of forgery.
However, one concern is whether facial recognition and voiceprint data can be replicated and misused?
You could ask the Putian-affiliated plastic surgery hospitals; they should know a lot....
We are aware of that, but they are targeting internet procurement on a scale of hundreds of billions.
Recently, composed of more than 8,000 medical institutionsPuXi Healthcare will focus on building the internet-based procurement platform, Putian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Trading Network.By consolidating procurement, the platform will achieve an annual purchasing volume of up to hundreds of billions of yuan. A key feature of the Putian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Trading Network is that it guarantees manufacturers payment within a stipulated timeframe, regardless of whether Putian-affiliated hospitals settle their bills on time, thereby avoiding triangular debt.
It is reported that in June 2015, Putian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Trading Network obtained the Class A Certificate for Internet Drug Transaction Services issued by the China Food and Drug Administration. This was the 17th such certificate nationwide and the first Class A certificate issued in Fujian Province.
According to the company’s representative, the future development of the trading platform can be planned in three phases: first, serving enterprises owned by all shareholders; second, providing services to member enterprises of the general association; and finally, aiming to attract medical enterprises across China to join. Currently, the Putian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Trading Network has gained support from the majority of leading figures in Putian-affiliated hospitals. Its 31 shareholders represent Putian-affiliated medical enterprises of various sizes and directly own more than 2,000 hospitals.
The following one is even more impressive: just change the name, and it thinks it’s a newcomer.
Not really. I’m around thirty, just pivoting for fun.
Samsung Electric announced last week that the company's securities abbreviation,Since October 20, the name has been changed from “Sanxing Electric” to “Sanxing Medical.”, the company's stock code remains unchanged.
It is understood that Sanxing Electric has invested more than RMB 2 billion to improve its medical investment architecture and build a platform for the development of the medical industry. The company will rely on Ningbo Mingzhou Hospital Co., Ltd. to implement a trinity development strategy integrating general hospitals, specialized hospitals, and precision medicine. It plans to solely own or hold controlling stakes in 150 hospitals and other medical institutions between 2015 and 2020 through various development models such as trusteeship, mergers and acquisitions, cooperation, joint ventures, and new constructions. Meanwhile, the company’s collaborations with numerous medical institutions have been gradually implemented and have achieved certain results.
Furthermore, the materials for the company’s private placement of shares to raise funds are currently under review by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). As planned, nearly RMB 4 billion of the proceeds will be primarily allocated to the investment and construction of medical projects.
Next, let’s take a look at the recently surging Health Industry Alliance—two more have joined!
Zhongyu Capital and New Dazhou Jointly Establish a RMB 3 Billion Healthcare M&A Fund.
New Dayzhou A announced that New Dayzhou Holding Co., Ltd. and Mr. Zhao Xuhong, the actual controller of New Dayzhou, have signed the "Framework Agreement on Jointly Establishing Zhongyu New Dayzhou Medical Industry M&A Investment Fund (Limited Partnership)" with Zhongyu Capital Management (Beijing) Co., Ltd. in Shanghai. The three parties plan to jointly establish the Zhongyu New Dayzhou Medical Industry M&A Investment Fund (Limited Partnership).
The total committed capital of the M&A investment fund (i.e., the aggregate committed capital of all partners to the investment fund) is proposed to be RMB 3 billion, to be established in three tranches, with each tranche having a total committed capital of RMB 1 billion. Among this, the senior limited partners shall commit RMB 600 million, which shall be raised by Zhongyu Capital; the mezzanine limited partners and the junior limited partners shall each commit RMB 200 million.
The company stated that the establishment of this healthcare industry fund aims to invest in and integrate domestic projects within the healthcare and broader health industries. Projects invested in by the fund may be prioritized for acquisition by the Company or its affiliates under equivalent conditions, or achieve exit through strategies such as industrial integration, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, or independent initial public offerings (IPOs).
Previously, Zhongyu Capital had jointly established similar industrial capital funds with companies such as Yibai Pharmaceutical, Yixintang, Aier Eye Hospital, and Shenzhen Changhong Technology.
Guizhou Establishes Big Health and Pharmaceutical Industry Alliance.
Guizhou Provincial Big Health and Pharmaceutical Industry Alliance Established in GuiyangThe Guizhou Provincial Big Health and Pharmaceutical Industry Alliance was recently established in Guiyang. The alliance will explore the establishment of a mechanism for close integration among government, business, industry, academia, and research to promote the development of the province’s health and pharmaceutical industry.
According to reports, the alliance comprises 11 industry associations related to the general health sector, more than 30 key pharmaceutical enterprises, over 20 food, health supplement, and novel resource food companies, 10 large-scale integrated complexes focusing on elderly care, wellness, leisure, and health tourism, as well as universities and research institutions. Members of the industrial alliance will share resources, facilitate capital flow, and collaborate for mutual benefit, thereby promoting investment and financing matchmaking and cooperation in the general health and pharmaceutical industry, accelerating the transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements, fostering complementary advantages among enterprises, expanding development space, and enhancing industrial or sectoral competitiveness.
Regarding new products/services, let’s take a look at the updates.
Tongrentang Launches Its First Cross-Border E-Commerce Platform.
Recently,Tongrentang International’s first cross-border e-commerce platform, “Tianran Tao,” officially launches, enabling users to purchase health products from both domestic and international markets.All launched products are fully traceable throughout the entire process, with a “zero tolerance” policy toward counterfeit goods. Each product is printed with a QR code; scanning it reveals the complete journey from procurement to distribution, as well as detailed instructions in Chinese.
But compared to JD Worldwide,Currently, Tianran Tao offers a limited product selection, with only five categories available: nutritional supplements, traditional tonic and wellness, sexual health, personal care, and Tongrentang Overseas., there is still a long way to go in building consumer appeal and stickiness.
In addition to the cross-border health-focused e-commerce business “Tianran Tao,” Mei Qun, Chairman of Tongrentang Group, stated that Tongrentang will also establish a platform integrating health screening and consultation services, cross-border e-commerce for traditional Chinese medicine, and financial insurance services, with plans to launch next year.
Forging a New Model for County-Level Chronic Disease Management, the Kangsai Platform Officially Launches.
Last weekend, the Kangsai platform, jointly developed by Sanofi and Health Road, was officially launched and put into use.The Kangsai Platform is dedicated to addressing the challenges of chronic disease management within China’s county-level healthcare system, featuring three core modules: chronic disease management, physician education, and two-way referral.
Specifically, Sanofi will provide knowledge resources for the Kangsai platform, including chronic disease management and physician education, while Health Road will deliver medical and healthcare service products centered on three pillars: “primary care institutions + Internet,” “hospitals (physicians) + Internet,” and “tiered diagnosis and treatment + Internet.”
Quyi Network Joins Hands with Jilin Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission to Co-build an Appointment-based Diagnosis and Treatment Service Platform.
Last week, Quyi Network announced that it had signed a cooperation agreement with the Jilin Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission. The two parties will jointly build the “Jilin Province 12320 Appointment-Based Diagnosis and Treatment Service Platform,” which will cover 341 hospitals in Jilin Province rated at Grade II Class A or above, as well as local community hospitals and public health institutions. The platform will provide patients in Jilin Province with a range of internet-based medical services, including “appointment registration,” “off-site waiting,” “fee payment,” and “report inquiry.”
In light of internet users’ habits, Quyi Network will collaborate with the Jilin Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission to build the “Jilin Resident Health Services” website. Through channels such as “News Center” and “Department Showcase,” users can instantly access news and information on healthcare updates and current affairs, as well as gain a comprehensive understanding of each hospital’s departments and technical strengths.
WuXi AppTec Launches the World’s First Mobile App for Oncology Drug R&D Services.
In mid-2026, WuXi AppTec’s Oncology Business Division launched “OncoWuXi,” the world’s first integrated online data platform for oncology models. Last week, WuXi AppTec announced the release of the OncoWuXi App. According to the company, the OncoWuXi App enables users to search for required models for efficacy evaluation anytime and anywhere, while keeping track of updates to the oncology model database, thereby facilitating the research, development, and translational application of anti-tumor drugs.
Through the OncoWuXi App, users can access information on WuXi AppTec’s existing portfolio of over 1,000 preclinical models, including patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) models, and syngeneic tumor models, anytime and anywhere. The app’s backend database encompasses comprehensive data on these models, covering growth dynamics, histopathology, clinical information, genomics, and standard-of-care (SoC) drug sensitivity profiles.
The last item is exposedDr. Zhang Qiang Doctor Group Terminates First Round of Financing, May List on Shanghai Equity Custody Center in October
Recently, Dr. Zhang Qiang’s Medical Group issued a statement confirming for the first time the termination of its first-round financing plan. Bao Yuke, Chief Hernia Surgery Specialist and Clinical Base Director at Dr. Zhang Qiang’s Medical Group, revealed that “Dr. Zhang Qiang’s Medical Group may list on the Shanghai Equity Custody and Trading Center in October.” Against the backdrop of deregulation in China’s healthcare sector, nearly 30 physician groups have rapidly emerged, with the fastest-growing ones already achieving profitability and approaching public listing. Investors are divided into two camps regarding this new phenomenon: some are investing heavily, while others remain on the sidelines. The inherently long-term nature of the healthcare industry has clashed with capital’s demand for short-term returns.
Nevertheless, many industry veterans believe that physician groups represent one of the key development directions for the healthcare sector, with more physicians expected to join this open platform in the future.
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Healthcare Reform
★National Health and Family Planning Commission Issues Document to Refocus on “Safe Hospital” Initiative
The National Health and Family Planning Commission issued the “Opinions on Deepening the ‘Safe Hospital’ Initiative and Safeguarding Medical Order in Accordance with the Law.” Specific measures include accelerating the rule-of-law framework for the prevention and resolution of medical disputes, preventing and punishing healthcare-related illegal and criminal activities in accordance with the law, conducting comprehensive screenings for hidden risks and conflicts involving medical services, improving and perfecting the medical dispute resolution system in accordance with the law, enhancing medical services, and improving the quality of care.
★Beijing: 140,000 Social Assistance Recipients Exempted from Hospitalization Deposits
Starting this month, nearly 140,000 recipients of social assistance in the city, including those on subsistence allowances and from low-income households, will be exempt from paying hospitalization deposits if they require inpatient care. Out-of-pocket expenses remaining after medical insurance reimbursement may also be advanced by designated hospitals. Recently, the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau, the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, and other relevant departments jointly issued a notice to adjust and standardize the approval procedures for medical assistance applications by social assistance recipients in the city.
★The State Council Abolishes Qualification Review for Designated Medical Institutions under Basic Medical Insurance!
Last Wednesday, the State Council decided to cancel the first batch of 62 administrative approval items designated by the central government for local implementation. Projects involving the medical field include the cancellation of qualification reviews for retail pharmacies designated for basic medical insurance, qualification reviews for medical institutions designated for basic medical insurance, approvals for medical and health institutions to conduct preventive health examinations, and audits of entities providing internet-based healthcare information services.
In addition, the first batch of administrative approval items designated by the central government for local implementation that have been abolished also includes market access approval for the clinical application of Class II medical technologies, approval for conducting clinical research on new medical aesthetic technologies, and licensing for radiological health screening programs in medical institutions.
Data
●Report: 2.11 Million Cancer Deaths Annually in China, with Rising Incidence of “Affluent Cancers”
At the Capital International Cancer Forum held last week, Wang Ying, Secretary-General of the China Anti-Cancer Association, stated that according to 2012 cancer-related reports, China sees approximately 3.37 million new cancer cases and around 2.11 million cancer-related deaths annually. “Cancer has become the leading cause of death in China, accounting for one-quarter of global cancer deaths.”
The 2012 World Cancer Report indicated that there were approximately 14 million new cancer cases and 8 million cancer-related deaths annually worldwide. China accounted for 22% of global new cases and 26% of cancer-related deaths, exceeding one-quarter of the global total. Among men, lung cancer had the highest incidence rate, while among women, it was breast cancer.
●1.6-Fold Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in Women Exposed to Smoking Environments
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center recently released a research report focusing on breast health in young women. The report indicates that breast cancer has become one of the cancers with the fastest-growing mortality rate among young women, with reproductive genetics, lifestyle habits, and psychological stress emerging as major threats to their breast health.
This study also confirms that young women exposed to frequent secondhand smoke in their living and working environments have a 1.6-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. Experts recommend adopting lifestyle and reproductive practices aligned with human natural tendencies, maintaining a healthy and diversified diet, abstaining from smoking, keeping a regular daily routine while managing stress, engaging in outdoor physical activities of moderate intensity, and undergoing annual breast examinations to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
●If the government fails to take measures, the global number of obesity patients will exceed 250 million in 2025
A recent report published by the World Obesity Federation states that obesity currently affects 13% of the global population, and this figure is projected to rise to 17% by 2025 if governments fail to implement effective measures. The report predicts that 177 million adults will become severely obese over the next decade. Overweight and obesity can lead to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
A recent study published in *Medical News Today* indicates that overweight and obesity are associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. As early as 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global action plan against non-communicable diseases, urging governments worldwide to curb obesity rates; however, many governments have failed to take effective action. The report further warns that if national governments do not adopt proactive measures, the global population with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 25 will reach 250 million by 2025.
●The global compression therapy market will be valued at $6.22 billion in 2021
According to the research consulting firm GlobalData, the global compression therapy market is projected to reach a value of $6.22 billion in 2021. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during this period is 7.13%, indicating robust growth momentum.
According to a recent report by GlobalData, growth trends in the global compression therapy market are primarily observed in ten key markets: the United States, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, and India. This growth is mainly driven by the aging global population and the increasing prevalence of diseases such as diabetes.
According to the report released by GlobalData, Japan accounted for 41% of the market share in 2014, making it the largest compression therapy market in the Asia-Pacific region. However, its market share is projected to decline to 29% by 2021, while other markets in the Asia-Pacific region will experience a period of rapid growth. The compression therapy markets in China and India are expected to grow by 40% and 31%, respectively, by 2021.
New Technologies
●NFANT Lab Develops Smart Bottle Capable of Measuring Infant Tongue Strength
Smart Bottle Capable of Measuring Infant Tongue Strength Receives FDA Clearance. NFANT Labs, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has spent two years developing the device.
The system comprises a disposable coupling device positioned between the pacifier and the baby bottle. A reusable sensor connects to the coupling device to non-invasively measure infant tongue force, subsequently transmitting the data to caregivers via low-energy Bluetooth. The device can be used for both one-time assessments and longitudinal tracking of trends in infant feeding patterns.
●Lumo Run Smart Athletic Shorts with Washable Built-in Sensors
Recently, the U.S. sports equipment company Lumo Bodytech has developed a pair of smart running shorts called Lumo Run. It is a wearable device with built-in sensors, featuring a 9-axis smart sensor that collects data in real time while running, providing biomechanical monitoring of your running efficiency, and operates without the need for any wristbands or wires.
Paired with the app, you can view data such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and pelvic rotation amplitude. You can also wear headphones to receive real-time voice feedback, which provides instant updates on your running performance, helping you adjust your speed and posture to prevent sports injuries.
●Japan Develops Microcapsules to Deliver Anticancer Drugs Directly to Cancer Cells
Research teams at Kyoto Pharmaceutical University and Hokkaido University in Japan have independently developed drug delivery system (DDS) technologies that deliver anticancer drugs exclusively to cancer cells.
It is understood that researchers have developed capsules by encapsulating anticancer drugs within membranes composed of lipid structures known as “liposomes,” followed by the attachment of specific protein fragments. Once a portion of the capsule adheres to the cancer cell membrane, it undergoes degradation and structural damage, thereby releasing the drug into the cell.
Green fluorescent dye was incorporated into the capsules, and experiments were conducted using cultured human lung cancer cells. The results showed that the dye entered the cells within 30 seconds to one minute after the capsules came into contact with them. Future studies will involve mouse models. Researchers are striving to initiate clinical trials within five years.
● Scientists Develop Digital Brain
Recently, a global research initiative known as the Blue Brain Project has provided a “first draft” of brain reconstruction, encompassing more than 31,000 neurons, 55 cellular layers, and 207 distinct neuronal subtypes. The related study was published in the international journal Cell.
This project aims to utilize the brains of juvenile mice to obtain a comprehensive, high-resolution map of neuronal characteristics and activity distribution.
Once the virtual brain reconstruction is complete, researchers can leverage powerful supercomputers to simulate neuronal behavior under various conditions. Notably, by subtly adjusting a single parameter, such as calcium ion levels, researchers can generate a broad spectrum of circuit-level activity patterns. These patterns cannot be predicted based solely on the properties of individual neurons. For instance, the slow-wave synchronization of neuronal firing observed during sleep can be triggered in simulations, suggesting that neuronal circuits may switch into distinct states corresponding to different critical behaviors.
Researchers stated that the Blue Brain Project team is currently planning to develop state-dependent computational theoretical models by improving existing models. To date, all research data are available atWebsite（Click Here) obtained.
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