Johnson & Johnson Commits to Deepening Local Presence, Leveraging China as a Global Innovation Hub

Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, November 6th, by reporter Zhong Sheng (Olivier Vergnen): Olivier Vergnen, General Manager of the Surgical Division of Johnson & Johnson Medical Technology China, stated in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency at the 8th China International Import Expo on November 6th that Johnson & Johnson continues to deepen its localization strategy, enhance end-to-end localization capabilities, and carry out independent research and development based on local needs in China, moving towards "In China, For the World".

On the first day of the CIIE, Johnson & Johnson's ETHICON™4000 laparoscopic stapler was officially approved in China, becoming the "zero-time difference new product launch" of the CIIE. This is also the "Asian premiere" by Johnson & Johnson, a "full-time participant" of the CIIE. Among the two surgical products making their "CIIE debut" by Johnson & Johnson, the HARMONIC®7s ultrasonic scalpel is fully produced locally in China, and the Haishan Yi® laparoscopic surgery system.RobotThis is the debut brought by Johnson & Johnson's accelerated local cooperation with its partner, Ruilong Surgical.

Oliwen believes that participating in the CIIE for eight consecutive years has accelerated Johnson & Johnson's process of turning exhibits into commercial products and boosted the acceleration of its end-to-end localization in China. At Johnson & Johnson's booth at the CIIE, the proportion of exhibits fully imported from overseas in the past has now shifted to a steadily increasing variety of "Made in China" exhibits.

Taking the HARMONIC®7s ultrasonic scalpel as an example, this product is manufactured at the Johnson & Johnson Medical Technologies Suzhou Industrial Park and has now reached a milestone of 100,000 units produced at the factory. "This is a great testament that our 'In China, For China' localization initiative can be successful," said Oliwen.

In conversations with Oliwen, the term "hub" frequently comes up. In Oliwen's view, China is becoming an important hub for global medical technology innovation. He predicts that by 2030, the scale of China’s medical device market will reach $140 billion, accounting for 20% of the global share. The combination of a massive market size and continuously upgrading healthcare demands brings unprecedented growth potential to the industry. China's recent investments in digital infrastructure such as 5G and AI also enable Johnson & Johnson to conduct real-time validation and rapid implementation of next-generation surgical innovations.

Olivier Brandicourt said that the emphasis on high-quality development and innovation in China's recently announced "15th Five-Year Plan" recommendations aligns with Johnson & Johnson's development goals in China. Johnson & Johnson will accelerate the introduction of globally leading innovative products and collaborate with partners from all sectors in China to better serve Chinese patients. (END)