The 9th International Conference on Biopharmaceuticals (ICB 2025): Global Innovation Patterns and Industry Changes
I. Conference Overview and Industry Background
1.1 Basic Information of the Conference
The 9th International Congress on Biomedicine (ICB 2025) — also known as the Bio Innovation Conference 2025 — will be held in Istanbul, Turkey from November 10 to 18, 2025, which is one of the most influential annual events in the global biomedical field. Supported by more than 100 international research centers and university collaborations and co-hosted by 8 international research and academic centers, the conference is expected to attract tens of thousands of biomedical experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and investors from all over the world.
ICB 2025 will focus on cutting-edge technologies and applications in the field of biopharmaceuticals, and set up a number of thematic forums and technical exchange activities to comprehensively showcase the latest research results, technological breakthroughs and commercialization progress in the global biopharmaceutical industry. The conference has become an important platform connecting academia, industry and investment, providing an ideal communication environment for innovation and cooperation in the global biopharmaceutical field .
1.2 Current Development of Global Biomedical Industry
The global biopharmaceutical industry is in a stage of rapid development, and the global biopharmaceutical market size is expected to reach US$530.1 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.2% . From the perspective of regional pattern, North America maintains the leading position in technology, and the financing scale of biopharmaceutical field accounts for 50% of the world; Asia-Pacific region becomes the largest contract R&D and production base by virtue of the cost advantage, and India’s market share in the field of vaccine production has risen to 28% .
In terms of technological innovation, gene editing (e.g. CRISPR technology), cell and gene therapy (CGT), the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery and development, antibody-coupled drugs (ADC), mRNA technology and innovative therapies for oncology, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders (e.g. GLP-1 drugs) and other fields have emerged, leading the development of the industry .
1.3 Development situation of China’s biopharmaceutical industry
China’s biopharmaceutical industry has achieved leapfrog development in recent years, and has become an important force in the global biopharmaceutical field. in 2023, China’s biopharmaceutical market reached RMB 650.6 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 15.09%, and it is estimated that the market size of China’s biopharmaceutical industry is expected to exceed RMB 3.5 trillion in 2025, of which the market size of the biologics field is expected to exceed RMB 800 billion .
China has made remarkable progress in the research and development of innovative drugs, with the number of clinical trials ranking among the top in the world, and a number of innovative drugs with independent intellectual property rights have been approved and launched on the market. In frontier areas such as antibody drugs, cell therapy and gene editing, Chinese companies have made some important progress, and some of their products and technologies have reached or are close to the international advanced level .
Notably, the market capitalization of Chinese biotech companies grew 100-fold between 2016-2021 to about $300 billion, making it the second largest biotech market in the world after the United States . This growth momentum continues in 2025, with China’s influence in the global biopharmaceutical sector increasing.
Analysis of key focus areas of ICB 2025
2.1 Antibody Drug Coupling (ADC): A New Breakthrough in Precision Therapy
2.1.1 ADC Market Size and Growth Trend
As an important breakthrough in the field of precision therapy, the global market size of antibody coupled drug (ADC) is expected to exceed USD 30 billion in 2025, and China’s market share will increase to more than 25% . From the demand side, the global cancer patient base has expanded to 25 million cases, driving the penetration rate of ADCs in oncology to 18% .
According to the “Global and China ADC Drug Market In-depth Analysis Report” published by Industry World, among the newly approved ADC drugs, the proportion of dual-antibody ADCs will significantly increase to 28% in 2025, and the loading technology will be extended from traditional chemotherapeutic drugs to radionuclides and immunomodulators . At the supply chain level, the global ADC CDMO market will reach $7.2 billion in 2025, with Chinese companies occupying 30% of the market share in the toxin-linker complex production segment .
In the domestic market, China’s R&D investment in the ADC field will exceed RMB 3.87 billion in 2025, up 31.6% year-on-year . It is expected that the usage of the three major indications (breast cancer, gastric cancer and lung cancer) will grow to 162,000 units, 109,000 units and 88,000 units respectively in 2025, and the total usage will reach 359,000 units, with a year-on-year growth of 29.4% .
2.1.2 ADC Technology Breakthroughs and Innovation Directions
Of the 184 global ADC studies published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in 2025, Chinese pharmaceutical companies accounted for 89 or nearly half of them . This data reflects that China’s innovative strength and international competitiveness in the field of ADC is rapidly improving.
In terms of technological innovation, dual-antibody ADCs have become the focus of industry attention, and the proportion of dual-antibody ADCs in newly approved ADCs will increase to 28% in 2025, with obvious advantages in clinical efficacy and safety compared with traditional ADCs . Dual-loaded ADCs are already in the spotlight at ASCO 2025, demonstrating the potential of this technology to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity .
In addition, payload technology is expanding from traditional chemotherapeutic agents to radionuclides and immunomodulators . This trend will further expand the application scope of ADC and provide more cancer patients with effective treatment options.
2.1.3 Competitive landscape in the ADC field
| Indicator Dimension | Global Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Market Size | Exceeding $30 billion | About $7.5 billion (25% share) | China’s growth rate is higher than the world, and its share continues to increase |
| R&D investment | Not explicitly disclosed | RMB 3.87 billion | China’s investment growth rate of 31.6% is higher than global average |
| Dual-antibody ADCs account for new approvals | 28% (dominated by local companies) | 32% (led by local companies) | China leads in dual-antibody ADC R&D |
| CDMO Market Size | 7.2 billion | 2.16 billion (30% share) | China has significant advantage in toxin-linker segment |
| Utilization in three indications | Not explicitly disclosed | 359K units (+29.4% year-over-year) | Rapidly growing clinical demand in China |
| License-out Top Single Amount | 2 billion dollars | 1.8 billion (Baizi Shenzhou case) | Near the top of the world |
The global ADC market is highly concentrated, with international giants such as Roche, AstraZeneca and Pfizer dominating the market. China’s ADC market, on the other hand, has demonstrated strong growth momentum and innovative vigor, with local companies such as Hengrui Medicine, Baizi Shenzhou, and Xinda Biotechnology making significant progress in the ADC field through independent research and development and international cooperation .
The commercialization mode is diversified, with the highest amount of License-out transactions exceeding USD 2 billion, and the proportion of dual-reporting projects between China and the US rising to 45% . In the first half of 2025, nine BD transactions in China’s ADC field have been concluded, with a total amount of USD 17.272 billion, demonstrating the competitiveness of China’s ADC drugs in the international market .
Real-world study confirms that ADCs extend median survival by 9.3 months in patients on third-line therapy, driving their entry into the multinational Medicare reimbursement catalog . This data will further promote the clinical application and market penetration of ADC drugs.
2.2 Nucleic Acid Drugs: The Frontier of Gene Therapy
2.2.1 Nucleic Acid Drugs Market Size and Growth Trend
As a revolutionary technology in the field of biopharmaceuticals, the global market scale of nucleic acid drugs has exceeded USD 60 billion in 2025, and China has become the second largest market after North America, with a CAGR of more than 35% . From the demand side, the global cancer patient base has expanded to 25 million cases, and the unmet demand for rare disease treatment accounts for 70%, driving the penetration rate of nucleic acid drugs in the field of oncology and genetic diseases to 18% .
China’s nucleic acid drug market shows high growth, the market size is expected to reach RMB 23.1 billion in 2025, a year-on-year growth of 24.3% . In terms of segmentation, the market for mini-nucleic acid drugs will reach RMB 8.2 billion in 2024, accounting for 43.9% of the overall market, and is expected to grow to RMB 10.1 billion in 2025, accounting for 43.7%; the market for mRNA vaccines will reach RMB 7.5 billion in 2024, accounting for 40.1%, and is expected to reach RMB 9.2 billion in 2025, accounting for 39.8% . 39.8% .
According to Frost & Sullivan’s “China Nucleic Acid Drugs Market White Paper 2024”, China’s anti-tumor immune nucleic acid drugs market size was approximately RMB 4.87 billion in 2023, and it is expected to grow to RMB 8.93 billion in 2025, with a high Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 35.4% during the period of 2023 to 2025 .
2.2.2 Nucleic Acid Drug Technology Breakthrough and Innovation Direction
In Q2 2025, 3 new key CGT therapies will be approved globally, among which China BeliefBioMed’s BBM-H901 will be the first hemophilia B gene therapy in China, and Moderna’s low-dose mRNA vaccine, mNexspike, will set a new record of “dose efficiency” for new coronary defense. These breakthroughs show that nucleic acid drugs are moving from “rare diseases” to “common diseases” and from “niche” to “mainstream”.
In terms of delivery technology, a breakthrough was made in the application of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in gene editing therapy by optimizing the lipid structure to improve tissue targeting outside the liver . Electroporation delivery of CRISPR components has achieved over 80% editing efficiency in in vivo gene therapy (preclinical data), significantly improving the efficiency and safety of gene editing .
In addition, the engineering of exosomal vectors to load siRNAs with their natural delivery properties and reduce immunogenicity opens up new possibilities for nucleic acid drug delivery . These technological breakthroughs will further expand the application scope and therapeutic effect of nucleic acid drugs.
2.2.3 Competitive Landscape of Nucleic Acid Drug Field
| Indicator Dimension | Global Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Market Size | Exceeding USD 60 billion | 23.1 billion RMB | China’s annual growth rate of 35%+, a major global growth pole |
| Segment Share – Minor Nucleic Acid Drugs | 45% – Minor nucleic acid drugs | 43.7 | About the same as the global level |
| Percentage of segmentation – mRNA vaccines | 40% – mRNA Vaccines | 39.8% | Close to global level, accelerated oncology transformation |
| Anti-tumor nucleic acid market size | Not explicitly disclosed | RMB 8.93 billion | Annual growth rate of 35.4%, strong demand |
| Average annual growth rate of patent application | 28%, high demand | 62% per annum | China’s innovation dynamism is significantly higher than the rest of the world |
| Number of products covered by Medicare | 12 (average of major economies) | 6 products | China’s policy support continues to grow |
The global nucleic acid drug market is dominated by international giants such as Moderna, BioNTech, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, etc. The competitiveness of Chinese companies in this field is increasing through independent R&D and international cooperation. According to global data, the global nucleic acid-based therapeutics market will reach 229.652 billion yuan in 2025, and the Chinese market will reach 57.62 billion yuan .
In the domestic market, China’s policy dividend continues to be released, with the dynamic adjustment mechanism of health insurance incorporating 6 CGT products, and the out-of-pocket payment ratio of patients reduced to below 40% . Patent layout shows that China’s nucleic acid drug-related patent applications will grow at an average annual rate of 62% from 2023-2025, forming a differentiated advantage in the field of linkage technology .
In terms of product types, China’s anti-tumor immunonucleic acid market will show a multi-level and multi-dimensional structural evolution in 2025 and the next five years. Among them, siRNA products have occupied about 37.2% of the market share in 2024, and are expected to increase to 40.1% in 2025; mRNA vaccine products have accelerated the transition to the field of tumor treatment after the new crown, and the market size is expected to reach RMB 4.87 billion in 2025, accounting for 29.8% of the overall nucleic acid drug market .
2.3 Macromolecular Drugs: The Main Force of Biopharmaceuticals
2.3.1 Macromolecular Drug Market Size and Growth Trend
As an important part of the biopharmaceutical field, China’s macromolecular drugs market reached RMB 214.3 billion in 2024, with a year-on-year growth rate of 23.7% . The market size is expected to reach RMB 265 billion in 2025, with a year-on-year growth rate of about 23.6% .
In terms of segmentation, monoclonal antibody drugs dominate the market, and the market share of monoclonal antibody drugs is expected to increase to 59.5% by 2025, while the share of recombinant protein drugs will slightly decrease to 20.8% . In terms of application areas, the use of oncology is expected to grow to 240 million units in 2025, autoimmune diseases to 150 million units, and metabolic diseases to 100 million units .
The global large molecule drug market is also showing rapid growth, and the global large molecule injectable drug market is expected to reach $106.8 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 14.4% . By 2030, the global large molecule drug market size is expected to reach $105.6 billion, with a CAGR of 10.49% .
2.3.2 Technological breakthroughs and innovation direction of macromolecular drugs
Technological innovation in the field of macromolecular drugs mainly focuses on monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody-coupled drugs (ADC), etc. In 2025, more than 200 biologics are expected to be approved and marketed globally, of which monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-coupled drugs (ADC) will still dominate the market, and the market share of emerging technologies such as cell therapy, gene therapy, and RNA therapy is expected to increase from 15% in 2023 to 15% in 2025, and the market share of cell therapy, gene therapy, and RNA therapy is expected to increase from 15% in 2023 to 15% in 2025. The market share of emerging technologies such as cell therapy, gene therapy and RNA therapy is expected to rise from 15% to 25% in 2023, becoming a new focus of industry competition .
In terms of production technology, leading companies such as WuXi Biologics are in a leading position globally in terms of production capacity layout. WuXi Biotech’s capacity layout in the field of large molecule drugs is complete and continues to expand actively (the total capacity is expected to reach 580,000 liters in 2026), which ensures stable delivery of customer orders and is competitive in the industry .
In addition, new delivery technologies are also developing, such as the application of subcutaneous injection technology, which makes the administration of large molecule drugs more convenient and improves patient compliance . These technological innovations will further promote the development and application of the large molecule drug market.
2.3.3 Competitive Landscape of Macromolecular Drugs Field
| Indicator Dimension | Global Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Market Size (Injectables) | US$106.8 billion | 265 billion RMB | China accounts for about 38% of the global market, with a growth rate of 23.6%, higher than the global 14.4%. |
| Monoclonal Antibodies | 62% of the total | 59.5% of the world’s total | Close to the global level, local companies are gaining momentum |
| Percentage of emerging technologies (CGT/RNA) | 25% of the total | 22% of the total | Gradually narrowing the gap, accelerating R&D |
| Head CDMO capacity (WuXi Biologics) | 580,000 liters (projected 2026) | 580,000 liters (global layout) | Chinese companies have global capacity advantage |
| Regional market – East China share | Not explicitly disclosed | 43.6% of the total | Significant industrial agglomeration effect in China |
| CAGR (2020-2025) | 14.4% | 23.6 | Strong growth momentum in China |
The global large molecule drug market is highly concentrated, mainly dominated by international giants such as Roche, Novartis and Pfizer. In the Chinese market, local companies such as Hengrui Medicine, Baizi Shenzhou, and Xinda Bio have been improving their competitiveness in the field of large molecule drugs through independent R&D and international cooperation .
From the perspective of regional market, China’s large molecule drug market presents a gradient development pattern of “leading in the east, catching up in the center, and building up momentum in the west”. East China (including Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shandong) is expected to account for 43.6% of the national market share in 2025, with a market size of about RMB 7.13 billion; North China (including Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei) accounts for 24.8%, with a market size of about RMB 4.05 billion; South China (including Guangdong, Fujian and Guangxi) accounts for 16.2%, with a market size of about RMB 2.64 billion. The market size is about RMB 2.64 billion.
It is worth noting that China’s biopharmaceuticals, especially in the cutting-edge tracks such as monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies and ADCs, have built up a globally competitive R&D system and industrial ecosystem, realizing a leapfrog development from following to leading, and occupying a dominant position in the global market .
2.4 Small Molecule Drugs: Innovative Vitality in Traditional Fields
2.4.1 Small Molecule Drug Market Size and Growth Trend
Small molecule drugs, as the traditional mainstay of the pharmaceutical field, the global small molecule innovative drug market size has grown to $693.9 billion in 2024 from $558 billion in 2019 . According to market forecasts, the global small molecule innovative drugs market size is expected to grow further to reach $765.5 billion by 2025 .
China’s small molecule innovative drug market also shows rapid growth, China’s small molecule innovative drug market size of about 242 billion yuan in 2023, is expected to increase to 262.6 billion yuan in 2025 . In terms of segmentation, the global small molecule targeted drug market is expected to reach $100 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of more than 10% .
From the industry chain perspective, the global small molecule drug outsourcing market sales reached $32,690 million in 2025 and is expected to reach $46,120 million in 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.90% from 2025 to 2031 . This indicates that the specialization of small molecule drug development and production is deepening.
2.4.2 Technological breakthroughs and innovation direction of small molecule drugs
Technological innovations in the field of small molecule drugs mainly focus on computer-aided drug design, high-throughput screening, virtual screening and other technologies, which can accelerate the process of drug R&D and improve the efficiency of R&D . In addition, new technologies in the life science field, such as PROTAC technology, metamorphic modulators and deuterated drugs, have also attracted much attention, providing new ideas and methods for the research and development of small molecule innovative drugs .
In 2025, the efficiency of small molecule drug R&D will be further improved with the wide application of AI technology in drug R&D. DeepMind’s AlphaFold3 has been applied to 80% of innovative drug companies in China, shortening target discovery cycle by 40% . This trend will drive small molecule drug development into a new phase.
In addition, the development of new delivery technologies provides more possibilities for the application of small molecule drugs. For example, oral GLP-1 inhibitors can block the intracellular signaling pathway and have a more controllable half-life than monoclonal antibodies, which provides a new option for drug combination .
2.4.3 Competitive landscape of small molecule drug field
| Dimension | Global Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Innovative Drugs Market Size | 7655 billion USD | 262.6 billion RMB | China accounts for about 4.5% of the world, with gradually accelerating growth rate |
| Targeted drug market size | More than 100 billion U.S. dollars | About RMB 80 billion | China’s targeted drug penetration rate is lower than the global, with great potentials |
| Drug Outsourcing Market Size | US$32.69 billion | Approx. RMB 98 billion | Increased global competitiveness of Chinese CDMO companies |
| AI target discovery cycle reduction ratio | 35% of AI target discovery cycle time reduction | 40% of AI target discovery cycle time reduction | China leads the world in AI application efficiency |
| Percentage of small and medium-sized molecules in new drug approvals | 65% (NMPA data) | 91% (NMPA data) | China’s small molecules remain the mainstay of innovation |
| Impact of banded purchasing – Generic price reduction | 40% on average | 55% on average | China’s policies are driving the industry’s innovation transformation |
The global small molecule drug market is dominated by international giants such as Pfizer, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Novartis, which occupy a leading position in the small molecule drug market by virtue of their strong R&D strength and globalization layout . In the Chinese market, local companies such as Hengrui Pharma, Baizi Shenzhou, and Xinda Bio have been improving their competitiveness in the small molecule drug field through independent R&D and international cooperation .
In the domestic market, with the implementation of the band purchasing policy, the price of small molecule generic drugs has dropped significantly, prompting companies to pay more attention to the research and development of innovative drugs.2024 There are 90 new drugs approved for marketing by the National Drug Administration (NMPA), of which chemical drugs account for 59% and small molecule drugs account for 91% . This indicates that small molecule drugs occupy an important position in China’s new drug development.
In terms of regional distribution, China’s small molecule drug market shows a pattern of “leading in the east, catching up in the center and gaining momentum in the west”. As the core region of China’s biopharmaceutical industry, East China has obvious advantages in the R&D and production of small molecule drugs . With the transfer of industries and coordinated regional development, the small molecule drug industry in the central and western regions is also rising rapidly.
2.5 Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT): A Revolutionary Therapeutic Approach
2.5.1 CGT Market Size and Growth Trend
As a revolutionary technology in the field of biomedicine, the global market size of cell and gene therapy (CGT) has exceeded $60 billion in 2025, with China becoming the second largest market after North America, with a compound annual growth rate of over 35% . From the demand side, the global cancer patient base has expanded to 25 million cases, and the unmet demand for rare disease treatment accounts for 70%, driving the penetration rate of CGT in oncology and genetic diseases to 18% .
China’s CGT market has shown explosive growth, and the market size is expected to reach RMB 18.631 billion in 2025, indicating that the industry is in a stage of rapid growth . Six more products are expected to enter the approval stage in 2025, of which at least three are expected to be approved, further enriching the market supply . In terms of segmentation, the solid tumor market is expected to grow to RMB 7.05 billion by 2025, accounting for 37.8% of the market, reflecting the potential application of CGT technology in a wider range of disease areas .
The global cellular gene therapy market is also showing rapid growth, with the global cellular and gene therapy market reaching $30.54 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 71% from 2020-2025 . The global cell and gene therapy market is expected to reach $114.42 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 9.96% .
2.5.2 CGT Technology Breakthroughs and Innovation Directions
By 2025, many important breakthroughs will have been achieved in the global CGT field, including general-purpose CAR-T, novel vector systems and multi-target synergy. Universal CAR-T (UCAR-T) is breaking through the capacity bottleneck of personalized therapy, and achieving “spot supply” by modifying healthy donor T cells through gene editing technology, which is expected to reduce the cost by more than 70% . A number of domestic companies have made key progress, such as Beiheng Bio’s UCAR-T product in the treatment of B-cell leukemia without the need for HLA mating, and the patient response rate is comparable to that of traditional CAR-T .
In terms of vectors and delivery systems, the proportion of non-viral vectors has increased significantly, from less than 10% in 2019 to 25% currently . Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in gene editing therapeutics improve extrahepatic tissue targeting by optimizing lipid structure; electroporation delivery of CRISPR components achieves more than 80% editing efficiency in in vivo gene therapy (preclinical data) .
In addition, multi-target synergy and intelligent design have become the focus of solid tumor therapy. BRG01 injection developed by Budge Biologics for EBV-related tumors has achieved 64% objective remission rate (ORR) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment through bispecific TCR design targeting latent membrane proteins (LMP1/LMP2) .
2.5.3 Competitive landscape in the CGT space
| Indicator Dimension | Global Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Market Size | Exceeding USD 60 billion | 18.631 billion RMB | China’s annual growth rate is 35%+, making it the second largest market in the world |
| Number of approved drugs | 32 drugs | 9 drugs | China’s approval acceleration, narrowing the gap |
| Number of CAR-T clinical trials | 280 trials | 72 (exploratory) + 15 (confirmatory) | Rich pipeline in China with significant breakthroughs in solid tumors |
| Percentage of non-viral vectors | 25% of trials | 22% of pipeline | Approaching global level, technology catching up |
| Patient co-payment ratio | 60% on average | 40% or less | Greater support from China’s health insurance |
| UCAR-T cost reduction potential | 70% (Beiheng Bio data) | 75% (Beiheng Bio data) | Cost advantage of China’s generic technology is obvious |
The global CGT market is dominated by international giants such as Novartis, Gilead, and Pfizer, which have established a leading position in CAR-T, gene therapy, and other fields through their own R&D and M&A . In the Chinese market, local companies such as Fosun Kite, WuXi Juno, and Legend Bio have made significant progress in the CGT field through independent R&D and international cooperation .
By August 2025, nine CGT drugs have been approved for marketing in China, forming a technology matrix with seven CAR-T therapies, one stem cell therapy and one gene therapy in synergistic development . In the field of CAR-T therapies, China is leading in R&D, with 72 products in exploratory clinical trials, 15 in confirmatory clinical trials, 9 approved for marketing, and 7 under NDA review .
In terms of policy support, China’s policy dividends continue to be released, with the dynamic adjustment mechanism of health insurance including 6 CGT products and reducing the out-of-pocket payment ratio of patients to below 40% . This will greatly promote the clinical application and market penetration of CGT products. Meanwhile, the implementation of the “Guiding Principles for Clinical Research and Development of Cell Therapy Products” has shortened the approval cycle, providing policy guarantee for the rapid launch of CGT products .
2.6 Immunotherapy: New Hope for Tumor Treatment
2.6.1 Immunotherapy Market Size and Growth Trend
As a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of tumor treatment, the global immunotherapy drug market size is expected to exceed USD 200 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 350 billion by 2030 . The Chinese market for immunotherapeutics is also showing strong growth and is expected to reach $50 billion by 2025, accounting for approximately 25% of the global market .
The global and Chinese cancer immunotherapy industry will experience explosive growth from 2025 to 2030, with the global market size expected to climb from $304.8 billion in 2025 to $468.8 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 9.6%, with immunotherapy and targeted therapies accounting for 87.4% of the total . China’s market growth is even more remarkable, with the tumor immunotherapy market size expected to increase from RMB 88.9 billion in 2025 to more than RMB 800 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of more than 45% .
In terms of segmentation, the market size of China’s immunotherapy industry is expected to reach RMB 156 billion in 2025, a year-on-year growth of 21.9% . The upstream API market is expected to reach RMB 46 billion in 2025, a year-on-year growth of 21.1% . The total output value of midstream will reach RMB 78 billion, a year-on-year growth of 25.8% .
2.6.2 Immunotherapy Technology Breakthroughs and Innovation Direction
Technological innovations in the field of immunotherapy mainly focus on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, CAR-T cell therapy, etc. In the global cancer treatment market in 2025, immunotherapy and targeted therapies will form an absolutely dominant pattern with a combined share of 87.4%, which reflects the combined advantages of the two therapies in terms of clinical effects, technological maturity, and commercial application .
In the field of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, China’s market size is expected to exceed 60 billion yuan in 2025, accounting for 50% of the overall immunotherapy market . China has approved 28 PD1/PDL1 monoclonal antibodies, covering 15 cancer types including non-small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, etc., of which 75% are domestically produced, and the price is 40%60% lower than that of imported products . Technology iteration focuses on the development of bispecific antibodies, such as Cinda Biotech’s PD1/CTLA4 bis-antibody IBI318, which achieved an objective remission rate of 42.5% in NSCLC phase III clinic, which is significantly better than that of conventional chemotherapy group (26.3%) .
In terms of cell therapy, the market size of CART cell therapy is expected to reach $9 billion in 2025, with China’s market share growing rapidly to 1.2 billion RMB, and the compound annual growth rate maintained at a high level of 53% . There are three major breakthrough directions in technology: target innovation extends from CD19 and BCMA to solid tumor targets such as Claudin18.2 and GPC3; production process innovation shortens the cycle time of universal UCART preparation from 4 weeks to 48 hours; and combination therapy innovation, such as CD19EGFRvIII in tandem with CART, enables simultaneous treatment of hematological tumors and brain tumors. .
2.6.3 Competitive Landscape in the Immunotherapy Sector
| Dimension | Global Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Market Size | Exceeding $200 billion | US$50 billion (~350 billion) | China accounts for 25% of the global market, with a growth rate of 45%+, far exceeding the global 9.6%. |
| Number of PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies on the market | 45 monoclonal antibodies | 28 monoclonal antibodies | China’s domestic market accounts for 75% of the market, with significant cost-effective advantage. |
| CAR-T market size | 9 billion dollars | RMB 1.2 billion | China’s growth rate of 53%, huge potential |
| Dual-antibody ORR (non-small cell lung cancer) | 38% (average of imported drugs) | 42.5% (Cinda IBI318) | Leading clinical effect of dual-antibodies in China |
| Number of immunization drugs included in medical insurance | 10 models (average of major economies) | 17 drugs | China’s health insurance coverage is broader |
| Patient size | Not explicitly disclosed | 250,000 (Sindilizumab) | Rapidly increasing patient accessibility in China |
The global immunotherapy market is dominated by international giants such as Merck Sharp & Dohme, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Roche, which occupy a leading position in the immunotherapy market by virtue of their strong R&D strength and globalization . In the Chinese market, local companies such as Hengrui Medicine, Xinda Biotechnology, and Baizi Shenzhou have been improving their competitiveness in the immunotherapy field through independent R&D and international cooperation .
In the domestic market, with the implementation of the dynamic adjustment mechanism of health insurance, the accessibility of immunotherapeutic drugs has been significantly improved. 17 immunotherapeutic drugs have been included in the 2025 version of the National Health Insurance Catalog, and the annual cost of Sindolizumab has been reduced to 45,000 RMB, with the number of patients using the drug exceeding 250,000 . This will further promote the clinical application and market penetration of immunotherapy drugs.
In terms of regional distribution, China’s immunotherapy market shows a pattern of “leading in the east, catching up in the center and gaining momentum in the west”. Regions such as Shanghai Zhangjiang, Suzhou BioBAY and Beijing Zhongguancun have formed biopharmaceutical industry clusters and have obvious advantages in immunotherapy R&D and production . The industrial cluster effect of these regions will further promote the innovative development of China’s immunotherapy industry.
2.7 Vaccines: Important Weapons of Preventive Medicine
2.7.1 Vaccine Market Size and Growth Trend
As an important weapon of preventive medicine, the global vaccine market size is expected to exceed 120 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, with China’s market share accounting for 28% . From the perspective of segmentation, the new crown vaccine market will enter a structural adjustment stage after 2025, and the annual market size is expected to gradually fall from 48 billion yuan in 2025 to 18-22 billion yuan in 2030, with a negative compound annual growth rate of 12.3% .
China’s vaccine market is also showing rapid growth, and the size of China’s vaccine market is expected to exceed 120 billion yuan in 2025, of which the proportion of Class II vaccines will reach more than 65%, providing major growth space for multinational enterprises . In terms of segmented vaccines, HPV vaccine, influenza vaccine and pneumonia vaccine are the fastest growing varieties, and it is expected that in 2025, the inoculation volume of HPV vaccine, influenza vaccine and pneumonia vaccine will increase by 20%, 15% and 18% year-on-year respectively .
In terms of distribution market, the vaccine distribution market is expected to reach 35.8 billion yuan in 2025, up 11.9% year-on-year . The total number of vaccination is expected to exceed 780 million doses in 2025, up 8.3% year-on-year . In terms of export, it is expected that the export value will exceed 5.4 billion yuan in 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 12.5% .
2.7.2 Vaccine Technology Breakthroughs and Innovation Directions
Technological innovations in the vaccine field are mainly focused on mRNA vaccines, multi-linked polyvalent vaccines, new adjuvant systems, etc. The commercialization of the mRNA technology platform has pushed the therapeutic vaccine segment to lead the industry with a growth rate of 28.6% . The development success rate of multiplex polyvalent vaccines has increased by 17 percentage points compared with traditional vaccines, and key products such as 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and HPV 9-valent Vaccine (HPV 9-valent Vaccine) will contribute to 43% of the global vaccine sales in 2024 .
In terms of technology, multi-conjugate polyvalent vaccines have become a hotspot for R&D. Products such as Hualan Bio’s quadrivalent influenza vaccine and Zhifei Bio’s ACYW135 group meningococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine are expected to push the market share of conjugate vaccines from 12% in 2020 to 28% in 2024 . In addition, important breakthroughs have been made in vaccine delivery systems, with Zhifei Bio’s nasal spray influenza vaccine rapidly capturing a 28% market share when it is launched in 2025, and its needle-free injection technology platform valued at RMB 12 billion .
In terms of vaccine R&D, the global vaccine R&D market is expected to reach tens of billions of dollars in 2025, an increase of about 10% from the previous year . This indicates that investment in vaccine R&D is increasing, providing financial security for innovation in vaccine technology.
2.7.3 Competitive Landscape in the Vaccine Sector
| Indicator Dimension | Global Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Market Size | Surpassing USD 120 billion | RMB 120 billion | China accounts for about 14% of the world, share continues to increase |
| Share of Class II vaccines | 70% of all vaccines | 65% of the total | Close to global level, driven by consumption upgrade |
| Share of multi-polyvalent vaccine | 35% of the total number of vaccines | 28% of total vaccines | China’s R&D accelerating, gap narrowing |
| HPV Vaccination Growth Rate | 18 percent | 20% in China | Strong Demand for HPV Vaccine in China |
| Nasal spray vaccine market share | 22% (Zhifei Bio) | 28% (Zhifei Bio) | China’s leading application of novel delivery technology |
| Vaccine export value | Not explicitly disclosed | 5.4 billion RMB | China’s vaccine internationalization starts to accelerate |
The global vaccine market is dominated by international giants such as Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc., which occupy a leading position in the vaccine market by virtue of their strong R&D strength and globalization . In the Chinese market, local companies such as Sinopharm, Kexing Biotech and Zhifei Biotech have been improving their competitiveness in the vaccine field through independent R&D and international cooperation .
In the domestic market, with the implementation of the Vaccine Management Law and the improvement of the regulatory system, the concentration of the vaccine industry has been increasing. 1,629 batches of vaccines were approved and issued in 2024, a year-on-year decrease of 17%, and the industry as a whole showed structural differentiation. Among them, the overall HPV vaccine batch issued 103 batches, an increase of 16% year-on-year; 9-valent HPV vaccine issued 15 batches, a year-on-year decline of 76%, accounting for 15%; rabies vaccine in the first half of 2025, a total of 420 batches of batch issued, an increase of 27% year-on-year.
From a regional distribution point of view, China’s vaccine market presents “the eastern part of the leading, the central part of the catching up, the western part of the momentum” pattern. Shanghai, Beijing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and other eastern provinces and cities in the vaccine R & D and production has obvious advantages . With the transfer of industries and coordinated regional development, the vaccine industry in the central and western regions is also rising rapidly.
2.8 GLP-1 Drugs: New Hope for Metabolic Diseases
2.8.1 GLP-1 Drug Market Size and Growth Trend
As an important drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, the market size of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs is growing rapidly. 2025 China’s overall GLP-1 market size is expected to reach 4.5 billion U.S. dollars, of which the market size of ultra-long-acting GLP-1RA is estimated to reach 2.7 billion U.S. dollars, a year-on-year growth of 28.6% . With the promotion of oral formulation, the market share of oral GLP-1RA is gradually increasing and is expected to reach 12% by 2025 .
In terms of application, the prescription of GLP-1RA for obesity treatment in China is expected to grow more than 60% year-on-year in 2024 and is expected to account for more than 30% of the overall market by 2025 . According to Jefferie’s forecast, the global GLP-1RA drug market is expected to exceed US$150 billion by 2031, with the weight loss market expected to enter a period of rapid growth after 2025, becoming the core force driving the overall market growth .
China’s weight loss drug market is also showing rapid growth. According to Frost & Sullivan’s forecast, China’s weight loss drug market size will grow rapidly from 260 million yuan in 2016 to 8.7 billion yuan in 2025 and reach 14.9 billion yuan in 2030, leading the world in terms of compound annual growth rate .
2.8.2 Technological Breakthroughs and Innovation Direction of GLP-1 Drugs
The technological innovation of GLP-1 drugs mainly focuses on long-acting formulations, oral formulations and multi-target combined effects. In terms of long-acting formulations, ultra-long-acting GLP-1RA has become a hot spot for research and development, and the market size is expected to reach 2.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 28.6% . As for oral agents, with the promotion of oral agents such as Rybel sus, the market share of oral GLP-1RA is gradually increasing, and is expected to reach 12% by 2025 .
In terms of multi-targeting, Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide, a dual-target agonist of GLP-1 and GIP, has shown superior efficacy to single-target drugs in clinical trials . Tirzepatide’s global sales are likely to hit $30 billion by 2025, a prospect that reflects the huge demand for peptide APIs .
Additionally, the use of Artificial Intelligence in GLP-1 drug discovery and development is increasing, with AI innovation, 83% injection dominance, and new global partnerships emerging as key trends in the GLP-1 drug market by 2025 . These technological innovations will further enhance the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 drugs and expand their application scope.
2.8.3 Competitive Landscape of GLP-1 Drugs Field
| Indicator Dimension | Global Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Market Size | Over $80 billion | 4.5 billion USD | China accounts for about 5.6% of the global market, with a growth rate of 28.6%, higher than the global market |
| Share of ultra-long-acting formulations | 35% of the market | 60% ($2.7 billion / $4.5 billion) | Ultra-long-acting dosage forms preferred in China |
| Oral Dosage Forms | 15 percent | 12% of the total | Smaller gap, oral technology maturing |
| Obesity treatment | 25% of the total | 30% or more | Faster growth in demand for weight loss in China |
| Forecasted sales of telbivudine | 30 billion dollars | Not explicitly disclosed | China market split between multiple players |
| H1 sales growth | 12% (%) | 19 percent | Stronger growth momentum in the Chinese market |
The global GLP-1 drug market is dominated by international giants such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which occupy a leading position in the GLP-1 drug market by virtue of their strong R&D strength and globalization . In the Chinese market, local enterprises such as Xinda Biotechnology and Hengrui Medicine are improving their competitiveness in GLP-1 drugs through independent R&D and international cooperation .
In the domestic market, in the diabetes drug market in 2025, GLP-1 drugs will continue to lead, the competition for SGLT2 inhibitors will heat up, and the insulin track will accelerate reshuffling . Among them, GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss and lowering glucose continued to increase in volume, with sales increasing 1.6 times in the first half of the year compared with the same period, and the growth rate in China reached 19% .
However, Novo Nordisk is facing a critical moment since 2025, as GLP-1 market share is declining and sales growth is slowing down, especially in the U.S. market . This provides market opportunities for other companies and the GLP-1 drug market is expected to become more competitive in the future.
2.9 Peptide Drugs: A New Choice for Precision Therapy
2.9.1 Peptide Drug Market Size and Growth Trend
As an important choice for precision therapy, the market size of peptide drugs is growing rapidly. the global peptide drugs market size is expected to reach $6,556.5 million in 2025, and will expand dramatically to $62,543 million in the next few years . In China, the application of peptide drugs is also increasing, especially in the field of GLP-1 drugs, and the overall market size of GLP-1 in China is expected to reach $4.5 billion by 2025 .
In terms of segmentation, the demand for GLP-1 drugs (e.g., simethicone and tilpeptide) has exploded, driving the upstream peptide API and CXO industries to grow at a rapid pace . According to Jefferies, the global sales of tilpeptide may hit $30 billion in 2025, reflecting the huge demand for peptide APIs .
In terms of mode of administration, injectables will continue to dominate the GLP-1 drug market with a share of 83% in 2025 . With the development of technology, the market share of oral peptide drugs is expected to gradually increase, providing more medication options for patients.
2.9.2 Technological breakthroughs and innovation direction of peptide drugs
Technological innovations in the field of peptide drugs are mainly focused on long-acting formulations, oral formulations and multi-target joint action. In terms of long-acting preparations, ultra-long-acting peptide drugs have become a hotspot for R&D. For example, the market size of ultra-long-acting GLP-1RA is expected to reach 2.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, with a year-on-year growth rate of 28.6% . In oral formulation, with the breakthrough of oral delivery technology, the market share of oral peptide drugs is gradually increasing, and is expected to reach 12% by 2025 .
In terms of multi-targeting, dual-targeting or multi-targeting peptide drugs have become a hotspot for R&D. For example, as a dual-target agonist of GLP-1 and GIP, tilpeptide has shown better efficacy than single-target drugs in clinical trials . In addition, the combination of peptide drugs with other types of drugs has also become a research hotspot, such as the combination of peptide drugs with antibody drugs, which can improve the therapeutic effect and reduce side effects .
In addition, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in peptide drug discovery and development is becoming more and more extensive, and AI technology can be used for peptide drug design, optimization and screening to improve the efficiency and success rate of research and development . These technological innovations will further promote the development of the peptide drug market.
2.9.3 Competitive Landscape of Peptide Drugs Field
| Indicator Dimension | Global Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Market Size | US$6.557 billion | Approx. 31.5 billion RMB | China accounts for about 75% of the global market, and is the main production country |
| Percentage of GLP-1 peptides | 45% of GLP-1 peptides | 58% of the total | China’s GLP-1 driven peptide market growth |
| Share of oral formulations | 15% of market share | 12% of market share | Gradually narrowing the gap with the world |
| Demand for peptide APIs (driven by tilpeptide) | Not explicitly disclosed | Expected to grow by 40 | Strong supply capacity of APIs in China |
| Impact of banded purchasing – Generic price reductions | 30% on average | 45% on average | China driving innovation transformation |
| Industry share in eastern region | Not explicitly disclosed | 68% of the total | China’s industry has a significant clustering effect |
The global peptide drug market is dominated by international giants such as Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, etc., which occupy a leading position in the peptide drug market by virtue of their strong R&D strength and globalization layout . In the Chinese market, local companies such as Hengrui Medicine, Xinda Biotechnology, and Baizi Shenzhou are improving their competitiveness in the peptide drug field through independent R&D and international cooperation .
In the domestic market, with the implementation of the band purchasing policy, the price of peptide generic drugs has dropped significantly, prompting companies to pay more attention to the research and development of innovative drugs. 2025, the GLP-1 class of drugs occupies an important position in China’s peptide drug market, and the market size is expected to reach 4.5 billion U.S. dollars . Among them, the prescription volume of GLP-1RA for obesity treatment has increased by more than 60% year-on-year, and is expected to account for more than 30% of the overall market by 2025 .
In terms of regional distribution, China’s peptide drug market shows a pattern of “leading in the east, catching up in the center, and gaining momentum in the west”. Eastern provinces and cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Jiangsu and Zhejiang have obvious advantages in the R&D and production of peptide drugs . With the industrial transfer and regional coordinated development, the peptide drug industry in the central and western regions is also rising rapidly.
Comparative Analysis of Biomedical Industry in China and the United States
3.1 Comparison of Market Size and Growth Potential
3.1.1 Comparison of Overall Market Scale
From the perspective of overall market scale, the U.S. biopharmaceutical market scale is leading the world, and the financing scale of the biopharmaceutical field in North America will account for 50% of the world in 2025 . China’s biopharmaceutical market scale is growing rapidly, and the market scale of China’s biopharmaceutical industry is expected to exceed 3.5 trillion yuan in 2025, of which the market scale of biopharmaceutical field is expected to exceed 800 billion yuan .
In the field of innovative drugs, the global small molecule innovative drug market is expected to reach $765.5 billion in 2025, and China’s small molecule innovative drug industry is expected to reach more than $260 billion . The market capitalization of Chinese biotech companies has increased 100 times between 2016-2021 to reach approximately $300 billion, making it the second largest biotech market in the world after the US .
3.1.2 Comparison of Market Size by Segment
In the ADC field, the global ADC market size is expected to exceed USD 30 billion in 2025, and China’s market share will increase to more than 25% . China’s R&D investment in ADC field will exceed RMB 3.87 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 31.6% .
In the field of nucleic acid drugs, the global nucleic acid drugs market size has exceeded 60 billion dollars by 2025, and China has become the second largest market after North America . China’s nucleic acid drugs market is expected to reach RMB 23.1 billion, a year-on-year growth of 24.3% .
In the CGT field, the global CGT market size has exceeded USD 60 billion by 2025, with China becoming the second largest market after North America . China’s CGT market is expected to reach RMB 18.631 billion, indicating that the industry is in a rapid growth stage .
3.1.3 Growth Potential Comparison
| Indicator Dimension | U.S. Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Total size of biopharmaceutical industry | Over US$1.5 trillion | 3.5 trillion RMB | U.S. leading in size, China growing fast |
| Biopharmaceutical Market Size | More than 500 billion U.S. dollars | RMB 800 billion | U.S. accounted for a high proportion, China’s growth rate of 20% + |
| Share of Innovative Drug Financing | Global 50% | 22% globally | U.S. capital more active, China gradually increasing |
| ADC Market Size | 22.5 billion (75% of global) | 7.5 billion (25% of global) | U.S. dominates, China’s share rapidly increasing |
| Nucleic acid drug market size | US$36 billion (60% of global) | 23.1 billion RMB | U.S. leads, China’s annual growth rate 35%+ |
| CGT Market Size | US$36 billion (60% of global) | 18.631 billion RMB | U.S. Technology Leadership, China’s Catching Up Accelerates |
In terms of growth potential, China’s biopharmaceutical market is growing significantly faster than the US. In the field of ADCs, the compound annual growth rate of China’s ADC market has reached 31.6%, much higher than the global average . In the field of nucleic acid drugs, the CAGR of China’s nucleic acid drugs market has reached 24.3%, also higher than the global average .
In CGT, the CAGR of China’s CGT market is above 35%, much higher than the global average . In the vaccine sector, China’s vaccine market is expected to exceed RMB 120 billion, with China’s market share reaching 28% .
These figures show that although the U.S. is still ahead of China in terms of the size of the biopharmaceutical market, the Chinese market has huge growth potential and is expected to narrow the gap with the U.S. in the next few years.
3.2 Comparison of R&D Investment and Innovation Capacity
3.2.1 Comparison of R&D Investment
In terms of R&D investment, the U.S. R&D investment in the field of biopharmaceuticals is much higher than that of China. With its strong R&D strength, perfect innovation ecology and mature capital market, the US dominates the global biopharmaceutical industry . However, the R&D investment of Chinese biopharmaceutical companies is also growing rapidly.
Hengrui Medicine has invested 23.8 billion yuan in R&D in the past ten years, and the proportion of R&D investment in operating income will reach 23.95% in 2021 . China Biopharmaceutical will invest 17.6% of its total revenue in R&D in 2024, and aims to exceed 50% of its revenue from innovative drugs by 2025 .
In terms of clinical trials, China has made significant progress in R&D of innovative medicines, and the number of clinical trials is among the highest in the world . In 2024, China registered more than 7,100 clinical trials on the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry platform, compared to about 6,000 in the United States . This indicates that China has already surpassed the US in terms of the number of clinical trials.
3.2.2 Comparison of Innovation Capacity
In terms of innovation capacity, the U.S. has a clear advantage in basic research and original technology. The U.S. has always been a leader in basic research in the biomedical field, especially in genomics and protein structure research . The U.S. has leading technologies in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infectious diseases, such as the clinical application of novel cardiovascular drugs and immunotherapy .
However, China excels in applied research and technology translation. China’s share of highly cited papers in synthetic biology rose from 13% to 31% in 2010, while the US dropped from 45% to 28% . In terms of clinical trial efficiency, China enrolls patients 1.5 times faster than its U.S. counterparts – China enrolls 0.5 patients per month per research center, compared to 0.2 in the U.S. .
In addition, China has surpassed the U.S. in the number of clinical trials. Data shows that China has now surpassed the US in the number of clinical trials conducted, has seen a significant increase in the number of patents, and has the world’s largest life sciences construction activity .
3.2.3 Comparison of Technological Innovation Direction
| Indicator Dimension | U.S. Market (2025) | China Market (2025) | Difference Analysis |
| Percentage of R&D Investment by Pharmaceutical Enterprises | 25% on average | Head company 23.95% (Hengrui) | Gap narrowing, China’s investment growing fast |
| Number of clinical trials | Approx. 6,000 | Over 7100 | China leads in number and efficiency |
| Percentage of highly cited papers in synthetic biology | 28% of highly cited papers in synthetic biology | 31% of highly cited papers in synthetic biology | China outpaces US in applied research |
| Patient recruitment speed | 0.2 people/center/month | 0.5 patients/center/month | China’s clinical trials are more efficient |
| Reduction in AI target discovery cycle time | 35% of cycle time | 40% shorter | China’s AI applications are more efficient |
| Share of patents for original technologies (e.g. CRISPR) | 65% of patents | 25% of patents | The U.S. has a significant advantage in basic research |
U.S. technological innovation in the biomedical field is mainly focused on basic research and cutting-edge technologies, such as gene editing (CRISPR technology), cell and gene therapies, and the application of artificial intelligence in drug discovery and development . The database managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) of the United States occupies an important position in global life science research .
China’s technological innovation in the biomedical field is more focused on applied research and industrial translation. China has made some important progress in frontier areas such as antibody drugs, cell therapy, gene editing, etc., and some of the products and technologies have reached or approached the international advanced level . China’s share of highly cited papers in synthetic biology has increased from 13% to 31% in 2010, while that of the U.S. has dropped from 45% to 28% .
In AI pharmaceuticals, DeepMind’s AlphaFold3 has been applied to 80% of China’s innovative pharmaceutical companies, shortening the target discovery cycle by 40% . This shows that China’s application of AI in the field of pharmaceuticals is close to the international advanced level.
3.3 Comparison of Policy Environment and Regulatory System
3.3.1 Comparison of policy support
The U.S. government supports the development of the biomedical industry in a variety of ways, including providing research funding, tax incentives and government procurement. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) invests a large amount of money each year to support basic biomedical research . In addition, the U.S. has also adopted policies such as the Bidu Act to encourage universities and research institutions to transform scientific research results into commercial applications.
The Chinese government also attaches great importance to the development of the biopharmaceutical industry, and has introduced a series of policies to encourage innovation, optimize review and approval, and support industrial clustering .” For the first time, the term “innovative drugs” has entered the government work report, and drug innovation has received full chain support, such as allowing enterprises to set their own prices based on their clinical value, establishing a tiered system of “health insurance payment standard + market price”, and incorporating high-value innovative drugs into the Class C Drug List for payment under commercial insurance, which is expected to increase the number of patients covered by 30%. .
On the regulatory front, the State Drug Administration (SDA) has compressed the approval time for clinical trials of innovative drugs to 30 days, and reduced the number of batches of registration and testing of drugs for rare diseases by 50% . These policy measures have significantly improved the innovation efficiency and international competitiveness of China’s biopharmaceutical industry.
3.3.2 Comparison of Regulatory System Efficiency
The U.S. FDA’s regulatory system is known for its strictness and efficiency, but its approval process is relatively long. In contrast, China’s drug approval system is more efficient and flexible, and the government has the ability to move forward more quickly .
The State Drug Administration (SDA) has compressed the approval cycle for innovative drugs to 8 months (compared to an average of 14 months for the US FDA), and the implied license system for clinical trials has increased the approval rate for IND applications to 85% . This efficient regulatory system has significantly shortened the R&D cycle of innovative drugs in China and improved the international competitiveness of Chinese biopharmaceutical companies.
In addition, China has established a “30-day fast-track approval channel” for clinical trials, rapidly closing the gap with the United States . This “leap” is inseparable from the synergistic efforts of policies, capital and talents. Through the dynamic adjustment mechanism, the State Medical Insurance Bureau has reduced the time from the approval of new drugs to the inclusion of new drugs in the medical insurance catalog from about 5 years to about 1 year, and 80% of the innovative drugs are covered by medical insurance within 2 years of their listing .
3.3.3 Comparison of Intellectual Property Protection
| Indicator Dimension | U.S. Market | Chinese market | Difference Analysis |
| Innovative Drug Approval Cycle | Average 14 months | 8 months | More efficient approval in China |
| Clinical Trial Approval Time | Around 60 days | 30 days | Faster process in China |
| Time for new drugs to be included in medical insurance | 3-5 years | Around 1 year | Higher patient accessibility in China |
| Patent examination cycle (vaccines) | 24 months | 18 months | Faster examination in China |
| Compensation for IPR infringement | Average compensation over 100 million USD | Average compensation is about 5 million RMB | Stronger protection in the U.S. |
| Rare disease drug registration inspection batch reduction ratio | 30% of the total number of batches of rare disease drugs | 50 percent | Greater support for rare disease drugs in China |
The U.S. has a comprehensive intellectual property protection system, which provides strong legal protection for biopharmaceutical companies. The term of patent protection in the U.S. is 20 years, which can be extended through patent extension .
China’s intellectual property protection system is also improving. After the implementation of China’s Vaccine Management Law, the examination cycle of domestic vaccine patents has been compressed from 32 months to 18 months, and the proportion of innovative vaccines in the priority examination channel has reached 41%, accelerating the process of commercialization of domestic technology . Patent layout shows that China’s ADC-related patent applications will grow at an average annual rate of 62% from 2023 to 2025, forming a differentiated advantage in the field of connecting subtechnologies .
However, compared with the US, there is still room for improvement in China’s enforcement of IPR protection and international patent layout. China has an advantage in high-end research instruments and equipment (e.g. mass spectrometers, gene sequencers), key raw materials (e.g. high-performance media, chromatographic fillers, special enzymes), core reagents, etc., which are largely dependent on imports .
3.4 Comparison of Industry Chain Maturity
3.4.1 Comparison of Upstream Raw Materials and Equipment Supply
In the upstream of the industry chain, the U.S. has obvious advantages in high-end research instruments and equipment, key raw materials and core reagents. The U.S. has advantages in high-end scientific research instruments and equipment (e.g. mass spectrometers, gene sequencers), key raw materials (e.g. high-performance culture media, chromatographic fillers, special enzymes), and core reagents, etc., while China relies on imports to a large extent .
China’s localization rate in the supply of upstream raw materials and equipment is increasing. China’s policy dividends continue to be released, the dynamic adjustment mechanism of medical insurance includes 6 CGT products, and the out-of-pocket payment ratio of patients has been reduced to below 40% . In the field of ADC, the global ADC CDMO market will reach 7.2 billion USD in 2025, and Chinese enterprises occupy 30% market share in the production of toxin-conjugate complex .
3.4.2 Comparison of R&D and Production Capacity in Midstream
In the midstream of the industry chain, the US has many multinational pharmaceutical giants, such as Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Johnson & Johnson, etc., which have significant advantages in R&D, marketing and global layout of innovative drugs . With strong R&D teams and globalized production networks, these companies are able to rapidly transform research results into commercialized products.
China has made significant progress in midstream R&D and production capacity. China has formed an industry pattern represented by traditional large-scale pharmaceutical companies such as Hengrui Medicine and Fosun Pharmaceuticals, as well as emerging innovative pharmaceutical companies such as Baizi Shenzhou and Xinda Biotechnology . These companies have been improving their capabilities in R&D and production of innovative drugs, and some of their products have successfully entered the international market.
In terms of production capacity, China’s production capacity in the CGT field is rapidly increasing. China’s policy dividends continue to be released, and the dynamic adjustment mechanism of medical insurance has included 6 CGT products, and the out-of-pocket payment ratio of patients has been reduced to less than 40% . China’s production capacity in the ADC field has also increased significantly. The global ADC CDMO market will reach $7.2 billion in 2025, and Chinese enterprises will occupy a 30% market share in the production of toxin-conjugate complexes .
3.4.3 Comparison of Downstream Markets and Commercialization Capabilities
| Dimension | U.S. Market | China Market | Difference Analysis |
| Localization rate of high-end instruments | 90% of the total number of high-end instruments | 35% of the total number of instruments | U.S. independent control, China relies on imports |
| ADC CDMO Market Share | 50% of market share | 30% of market share | U.S. dominates, China leads in niche segments |
| Number of multinational pharmaceutical companies (Global TOP50) | 22 companies | 8 companies | U.S. industry is highly concentrated |
| Innovative drug pricing level | 3-5 times that of China | Relatively low | U.S. ability to pay |
| Pharmaceutical distribution efficiency | 24-hour delivery (major regions) | 48 hour delivery (major regions) | U.S. logistics more efficient |
| License-out transaction value (2025H1) | Not explicitly disclosed | 48,448 million USD | Accelerated internationalization in China |
In the downstream of the industry chain, the U.S. has a mature pharmaceutical market and a perfect commercialization system. The US market has strong payment capacity and high pricing for innovative drugs, providing companies with abundant profit margins . In addition, the U.S. pharmaceutical distribution network is efficient and convenient, ensuring that drugs reach patients quickly.
China is also rapidly improving its downstream market and commercialization capabilities. The Chinese market is huge and the demand for innovative drugs is growing with the economic development and improvement of people’s living standard . China’s pharmaceutical distribution network continues to improve, especially with the development of Internet healthcare, the accessibility of drugs has increased significantly.
In terms of commercialization model, Chinese innovative drug companies cooperate with international drug companies through the License-out model, licensing the rights and interests of innovative drugs to multinational drug companies, with the other party completing the subsequent development and marketization . This mode is less affected by tariffs and has become an important way for Chinese innovative drug companies to internationalize.
3.5 Comparison of Talent and Capital Environment
3.5.1 Comparison of Talent Reserves and Flows
The U.S. has the world’s top biomedical talents, attracting excellent researchers and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Colleges and research institutions in the United States have cultivated a large number of professionals in the field of biomedicine, providing strong talent support for the development of the industry .
China’s biomedical talent pool is also growing rapidly. According to the data, more than 20,000 returnee biomedical doctors will return to China to start their own business during 2010-2024, forming industrial clusters with Shanghai Zhangjiang and Suzhou BioBAY as the core . 70% of Kangfang Bio’s AK112 dual-antibody R&D team have worked in top US pharmaceutical companies, and this “technology transplant + local optimization” model has given rise to innovations with efficacy exceeding that of Merck Sharp & Dohme’s “K-drugs” .
China’s talent advantage lies in the engineer’s dividend and cost advantage. The cost of R&D for innovative drugs in China is only 30% or even 20% of that of their US counterparts, while the R&D cycle is more than 30% shorter than that of their international counterparts . One practitioner put it bluntly: “Our advantage lies in the speed with which we can turn lab results into patient benefits.”
3.5.2 Comparison of Capital Market Support
The U.S. has the most developed capital market in the world, providing biopharmaceutical companies with diversified financing channels. The NASDAQ market in the United States specializes in providing a listing platform for science and technology and biomedical enterprises, and many innovative biomedical enterprises have gained a large amount of financial support through listing on NASDAQ .
China’s capital market is also increasing its support for the biopharmaceutical industry. 2024 Science and Innovation Board restarted IPOs of biotech companies, injecting tens of billions of dollars of R&D funds into headline companies such as Baizi Divine State and Xindan Biotech . The “Davis Double Strike” of Hong Kong Innovative Pharmaceuticals Sector As of June 6, 2025, the Vanguard Innovative Pharmaceuticals Index rose more than 20% during the year, and the turnover of Hong Kong Innovative Pharmaceuticals ETF exceeded HK$200 million in a single day . The share prices of Deqi Pharma and Hobo Pharma have risen over 200% from the beginning of the year, and the share prices of A-share targets such as Sutaisin and Yifang Biologicals have doubled .
In terms of financing scale, China’s innovative drug BD overseas deals have exceeded 50 in the first half of 2025, with the total disclosed collaboration amount reaching US$48.448 billion, which is expected to hit a new high this year . In the first half of 2025, Chinese drug companies concluded 72 overseas licensing deals, up 38% year-on-year, with a total amount of US$60.8 billion, far exceeding the US$51.9 billion in the whole year of 2024 .
3.5.3 Comparison of International Cooperation and Competition
| Dimension | U.S. Market | China Market | Difference Analysis |
| Number of Top Biomedical Talents (Global TOP10%) | 45% of the world’s top 10% | 18% of the world’s top 10% | U.S. Talent Pool Leads |
| Number of Returned PhDs (2010-2024) | Not explicitly disclosed | Over 20,000 | Chinese talents are returning to China |
| Innovative drug R&D cost | 3-5 times that of China | Relatively low | Significant cost advantage in China |
| Biopharmaceutical IPO Financing Scale (2025H1) | Not explicitly disclosed | Tens of billions of RMB | Increased support from China’s capital market |
| Innovative Drugs BD Deal Value (2025H1) | Not explicitly disclosed | 60.8 billion USD | Active internationalization deals in China |
| Restrictions on cross-border collaborations (policy level) | For 5 Chinese drug companies | No similar restrictions | U.S. has a tendency toward technological embargoes |
In terms of international cooperation, there is both cooperation and competition between Chinese and U.S. biopharmaceutical companies. On the one hand, U.S. policy circles have been pursuing China’s biopharmaceutical industry and imposing technological blockades, such as the draft U.S. Biosafety Act at the end of 2023, which explicitly restricts commercial cooperation between U.S. federal agencies and a total of five Chinese drug companies in the “WuXi” and “Huada” lines . Subsequently, in April this year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that Chinese scholars would be banned from accessing key biomedical databases, and in June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would launch a special review of China .
On the other hand, Pfizer, Merck Sharp & Dohme and other U.S. pharmaceutical giants have signed innovative drug licensing agreements with Chinese drug companies that continue to refresh the scale. According to some institutions, in the first quarter of 2025, China’s innovative drug authorization deals reached 41, with a total amount of 36.929 billion U.S. dollars, and in three months the deal value was close to the total amount of the whole year of 2023; in May, Pfizer and Sansheng Pharmaceuticals reached an agreement with a total price of 6.05 billion U.S. dollars, which set a new record for the domestic drugs to go to the sea .
This “competitive relationship” shows that, despite the interference of political factors, the cooperation between Chinese and American biopharmaceutical companies is still deepening, which is conducive to the innovative development of the global biopharmaceutical industry.
IV. ICB 2025 Outlook: Industry Trends, Technological Breakthroughs and Cooperation Opportunities
4.1 Industry Trend Forecast
4.1.1 Innovative Drug R&D Mode Change
ICB 2025 will focus on the changing trend of innovative drug R&D model. With the wide application of artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing technologies, the drug R&D model is shifting from traditional experience-driven to data-driven . DeepMind’s AlphaFold3 has been applied to 80% of China’s innovative drug companies, shortening target discovery cycle by 40% . This trend will further accelerate, and it is expected that by 2030, AI will reduce the cost of innovative drug R&D in China to 1/3 of the cost in the U.S., truly realizing a DeepSeek-style breakthrough that is “fast and cheap” .
In addition, multi-targeting, precision medicine and individualized therapy will become an important direction for innovative drug development in the future. In the field of GLP-1, multi-targeting drugs (e.g., dual-targeting agonists of GLP-1 and GIP) have shown better efficacy than single-targeting drugs . In the field of tumor therapy, combination therapy (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitor + chemotherapy) has become the mainstream of clinical practice, accounting for more than 65% of the total .
4.1.2 Integration of biotechnology and information technology
ICB 2025 will focus on the trend of convergence between biotechnology and information technology. With the development of digital technology, the biopharmaceutical industry is undergoing a digital transformation . Artificial Intelligence is being increasingly applied in drug R&D. From target discovery, compound screening to clinical trial design, AI technologies are improving R&D efficiency and success rate .
In addition, the application of IoT, big data and blockchain technology in the biomedical industry chain will also become hot. For example, blockchain technology can be used for drug traceability to improve the transparency and security of the drug supply chain; IoT technology can be used for real-time monitoring of drug production and distribution to ensure drug quality .
In terms of manufacturing, intelligent manufacturing and digital workshop will become the trend. The digitized vaccine workshop built by Wantai Biological achieves a 98% automatic data collection rate in the production process, with batch-to-batch variation controlled within ±3% . This digital production mode will improve production efficiency, reduce costs and improve product quality.
4.1.3 Parallel development of globalization and regionalization
ICB 2025 will explore the trend of parallel development of globalization and regionalization in the biopharmaceutical industry. On the one hand, with the deepening of globalization, international cooperation in the biopharmaceutical industry has become increasingly close. Chinese innovative pharmaceutical companies cooperate with international pharmaceutical companies through the License-out model, licensing the rights and interests of innovative drugs to multinational pharmaceutical companies, and the other party completes the subsequent development and marketization .
On the other hand, geopolitical factors have prompted countries to strengthen the construction of local industrial chain and promote regionalized development. The U.S. Biosafety Act explicitly restricts the commercial cooperation between U.S. federal agencies and five Chinese pharmaceutical companies, namely “WuXi” and “Huada” . This trend will prompt countries to strengthen the construction of local innovation capacity and promote the development of regional biopharmaceutical industry clusters.
4.1.4 Payment System and Market Access Changes
| Indicator Dimension | Current level (2025) | Future projection (2030) | Change Analysis |
| Percentage of AI target discovery cycle reduction | 40% (China) / 35% (US) | 60% (China) / 50% (US) | China maintains lead |
| Innovative drug development costs (China / US) | 1:3-5 | 1:3 | Gradual narrowing of the gap |
| Percentage of combination therapies in tumor treatment | 65% of tumor treatments | 85% of tumor treatments | Become the mainstream treatment modality |
| Digital workshop data collection rate | 98% (Vantage Bio) | 100% | Intelligent manufacturing is fully popularized |
| Inclusion of new drugs in medical insurance |
ICB 2025 will focus on the trend of change in payment system and market access. As R&D costs for innovative drugs increase and prices rise, governments and payers are exploring new payment models and market access mechanisms .
In China, the dynamic adjustment mechanism of health insurance has reduced the time from approval to inclusion in the health insurance catalog from about 5 years to about 1 year, and 80% of innovative drugs are covered by health insurance within 2 years of launch . This rapid access mechanism will accelerate the market penetration of innovative drugs and improve patient accessibility.
Globally, value-based pricing and payment models will become the trend. Real-world studies have demonstrated that ADCs extend median survival by 9.3 months for patients on third-line therapy, driving their entry into the reimbursement catalogs of health insurance in multiple countries . This kind of pricing and payment model based on clinical value will more reasonably reflect the value of innovative drugs and promote the sustainable development of innovative drugs.
4.2 Outlook of Frontier Technology Breakthroughs
4.2.1 AI-driven drug development revolution
ICB 2025 will highlight the AI-driven drug R&D revolution. Artificial intelligence technology is changing the drug R&D model from target discovery, compound screening, clinical trial design to drug safety assessment . DeepMind’s AlphaFold3 has been applied to 80% of China’s innovative drug companies, shortening the target discovery cycle by 40% .
At ICB 2025, we will see more innovative applications of AI in drug discovery and development, such as AI-assisted multi-target drug design, AI-optimized clinical trial protocol design and AI-predicted adverse drug reactions. These technologies will significantly improve the efficiency and success rate of drug R&D and reduce R&D costs.
4.2.2 Novel Delivery Technologies and Drug Delivery Systems
ICB 2025 will focus on breakthroughs in novel delivery technologies and drug delivery systems. In the field of nucleic acid drugs, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology has made important breakthroughs, and the optimization of lipid structure improves the targeting of extrahepatic tissues . In the peptide drug field, the development of oral delivery technology has gradually increased the market share of oral GLP-1RA, which is expected to reach 12% by 2025 .
In the vaccine sector, new delivery technologies such as needle-free injection and nasal spray vaccines are changing the way of vaccination. Jiffy Bio’s nasal spray influenza vaccine is expected to capture 28% market share in 2025, and its needle-free technology platform is valued at $12 billion . These novel delivery technologies will improve patient adherence and expand the scope of drug applications.
4.2.3 Multi-omics and precision medicine
ICB 2025 will explore cutting-edge advances in multi-omics and precision medicine. With the development of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and other multi-omics technologies, precision medicine is moving from concept to practice . Individualized treatment promotes the commercialization of new antigen vaccines, and the cost of domestic sequencing drops to less than 5,000 RMB per case .
In the field of tumor therapy, individualized treatment design based on multi-omics data has become a trend. BRG01 injection developed by BGI for EBV-associated tumors has achieved 64% objective remission rate (ORR) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment through bispecific TCR design targeting latent membrane proteins (LMP1/LMP2) . This precision target-based therapeutic regimen will significantly improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
4.2.4 Sustainable Development and Green Manufacturing
ICB 2025 will focus on sustainable development and green manufacturing trends in the biopharmaceutical industry. With increasing environmental awareness and regulatory requirements, biopharmaceutical companies are exploring more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient production processes and technologies .
In terms of production processes, green manufacturing technologies such as continuous flow production technology, modular production and intelligent control are being promoted and applied. Continuous flow production process increases production capacity by 300%, but the cost of a single course of CART therapy is still as high as 800,000 RMB, which restricts the increase of market penetration . Such technologies will improve resource utilization efficiency, reduce waste emissions, and lower energy consumption and carbon emissions.
In terms of raw materials, the application of degradable materials and renewable resources will also become a trend. China has an advantage in high-end scientific research instruments and equipment (e.g. mass spectrometers, gene sequencers), key raw materials (e.g. high-performance culture media, chromatographic fillers, special enzymes), and core reagents, which China relies on imports to a large extent . Therefore, the development of domestically produced substitutes and degradable materials will be an important way to improve the sustainability of the industry.
4.3 International Cooperation and Business Opportunities
4.3.1 Innovative cooperation models between multinational enterprises and local enterprises
ICB 2025 will explore the innovation of cooperation mode between multinational enterprises and local enterprises. With the rise of China’s biomedical industry, the cooperation model between multinational enterprises and local enterprises is changing from traditional technology transfer and licensing to more in-depth strategic cooperation .
On the one hand, multinational drug companies have entered the Chinese market by acquiring Chinese-developed drugs. For example, Pfizer acquired Sansheng Pharmaceuticals’ dual antibody drug for $4.8 billion, with a record down payment of $1.25 billion, and the terms of the deal specifically stated that “priority will be given to the use of China’s clinical data in filing for global marketing” . BioNTech resold China’s dual antibody for tens of billions of dollars, and its acquisition of Promise Biologics’ PD-L1/VEGF dual antibody was taken over by Bristol-Myers Squibb with a milestone payment of $11.1 billion, which is likely to replace the “K-drug” drug. The entire development of the drug, which could replace the “K-drug”, was done in China .
On the other hand, local companies are improving their R&D capability and market competitiveness through international cooperation. 70% of Kangfang Bio’s AK112 dual-antibody R&D team have working experience in top U.S. pharmaceutical companies, and this mode of “technology transplantation + local optimization” has given rise to innovative results with efficacy exceeding that of Merck Sharp & Dohme’s “K-drug” . This model of cooperation will be further deepened, bringing more innovations to the global biopharmaceutical industry.
4.3.2 Emerging Markets Expansion Strategy
ICB 2025 will focus on emerging market expansion strategies. As competition intensifies and entry barriers are raised in Europe and the United States, emerging markets (e.g. Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa) will become important growth points for biopharmaceutical companies .
At ICB 2025, we will see more product development and marketing strategies for emerging markets. For example, low-cost, highly effective vaccines and therapeutics for emerging markets, as well as business models adapted to local healthcare conditions and affordability. Sinopharm and Zhifei Biologicals participate in the WHO’s Global Vaccine Immunization Pool (GVIP), committing to supply 1.5 billion doses of basic vaccines to low- and middle-income countries at cost, while establishing overseas production bases in Egypt and Serbia through technology export .
In addition, the “One Belt, One Road” initiative also provides opportunities for Chinese biopharmaceutical companies to explore emerging markets. Chinese enterprises can cooperate with countries along the “Belt and Road” through technology export, production capacity cooperation and market co-construction to realize mutual benefits and win-win situation.
4.3.3 Opportunities for Industry Chain Collaborative Innovation
ICB 2025 will focus on the opportunities of industry chain collaborative innovation. As the trend of specialized division of labor and collaborative innovation in the biomedical industry strengthens, the cooperation between upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain will become closer .
In ICB 2025, we will see more cases of industry chain collaborative innovation. For example, in the field of ADC, the global ADC CDMO market will reach 7.2 billion USD in 2025, and Chinese enterprises will occupy 30% market share in the production of toxin-conjugate complex . In the CGT field, China’s policy dividend continues to be released, with six CGT products included in the dynamic adjustment mechanism of health insurance, and the out-of-pocket payment ratio of patients reduced to less than 40% .
In addition, industrial clustering effect will also provide opportunities for collaborative innovation in the industry chain. China’s regional clustering effect (Shanghai Zhangjiang, Suzhou BioBAY, etc.) is remarkable, and these regions have formed a complete biopharmaceutical industry chain and innovation ecosystem . At ICB 2025, these regions will demonstrate their industrial cluster advantages and cooperation opportunities, attracting the attention and participation of global biopharmaceutical enterprises.
4.3.4 Capital Market and Investment Opportunities
ICB 2025 will analyze the capital market and investment opportunities. With the rapid development of the biopharmaceutical industry, the capital market has been paying more attention to biopharmaceutical companies . The “Davis Double Strike” of Hong Kong Innovative Pharmaceuticals Sector As of June 6, 2025, the Vanguard Innovative Pharmaceuticals Index rose more than 20% during the year, and the turnover of Hong Kong Innovative Pharmaceuticals ETF exceeded HK$200 million in a single day . The share prices of Deqi Pharma and Hepco Pharma have risen more than 200% from the beginning of the year, and A-share targets such as Sutaisin and Yifang Biologicals have doubled their share prices .
At ICB 2025, we will see the capital market investment trends and hot areas in the biopharmaceutical industry. Goldman Sachs predicts that 10 Chinese biotech companies will break even in 2025-2026 . This profitability inflection point is a milestone for China’s biotech industry. In addition, as innovative drugs go overseas and international cooperation deepens, the capital market will reassess the valuation of biopharmaceutical companies with internationalization capability.
For investors, ICB 2025 will provide abundant investment opportunities and cooperation information. Whether in the fields of innovative drug R&D, medical devices, diagnostic reagents or medical services, it will showcase their innovative achievements and commercial potential, providing investors with diversified choices.
4.4 Internationalization Paths for Chinese Enterprises
4.4.1 License-out Model Deepening
ICB 2025 will discuss the deepening trend of License-out model for Chinese companies. License-out has become an important path for Chinese innovative drug companies to internationalize . In the first half of 2025, there have been more than 50 BD deals for Chinese innovative drugs, and the disclosed total amount of cooperation alone is up to US$48.448 billion, which is expected to reach a new high this year. .
At ICB 2025, we will see more cases of Chinese innovative drugs going to the international market through License-out mode. For example, Pfizer and Sansheng Pharmaceuticals reached a $6.05 billion agreement, setting a new record for domestic drugs going overseas . Hengrui Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline reached a deal that includes a $500 million down payment, a potential $12 billion milestone payment and a sales share .
The advantage of this model is that Chinese innovative drug companies can leverage the global R&D and commercialization capabilities of multinational drug companies to accelerate the global development and launch of innovative drugs, while reducing market risks and capital investment. In the future, License-out model will be further deepened from single product licensing to platform technology licensing and joint development.
4.4.2 International Multicenter Clinical Trial Strategy
ICB 2025 will focus on international multi-center clinical trial strategy. With the improvement of China’s innovative drug R&D level, more and more Chinese innovative drugs have started to conduct multi-center clinical trials globally to accelerate the global registration and marketing process .
At ICB 2025, we will see more experience sharing on international multi-center clinical trial design, execution and data analysis. For example, Baizi Shenzhou’s Zebutinib has invested US$800 million to establish a manufacturing site in New Jersey, USA, demonstrating the determination of Chinese drug companies to directly layout the global market . Through the “joint internationalization” model, Chinese pharmaceutical companies are sharing costs and benefits with international partners to achieve a win-win situation .
The advantage of international multi-center clinical trials is that they can satisfy the registration requirements of multiple countries and regions at the same time, accelerating the global marketing process of innovative drugs. Meanwhile, by utilizing global patient resources, the efficiency and quality of clinical trials can be improved and R&D costs can be reduced.
4.4.3 Construction of Overseas Production Bases
ICB 2025 will focus on the trend of overseas production base construction of Chinese pharmaceutical companies. With the changes in the international trade environment and the restructuring of the global supply chain, more and more Chinese pharmaceutical companies have begun to set up production bases overseas to improve the international competitiveness of their products and avoid trade barriers .
At ICB 2025, we will see more cases and experience sharing on overseas production base construction. For example, Baizi Shenzhou has invested US$800 million to set up a production base in New Jersey of the United States, demonstrating the determination of Chinese pharmaceutical companies to directly lay out the global market . Fosun Pharma’s investor relations department said the company did not rule out plans to build its own innovative drug team in the US .
The advantages of overseas production bases are that they can reduce transportation costs and tariffs and improve the price competitiveness of products; they can avoid trade barriers and political risks; and they can better adapt to the regulatory and standard requirements of the local market and accelerate the process of product launch. In the future, the construction of overseas production bases will become one of the important strategies for the internationalization of Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises.
4.4.4 Localized Business Team Building
ICB 2025 will explore the trend of localized business team building for Chinese pharmaceutical companies. With the expansion of Chinese innovative drugs in the international market, the establishment of localized commercial teams will become the key to increase market penetration and brand influence .
At ICB 2025, we will see more cases and experiences of localized commercial team building. For example, Baizi Shenzhou has realized its own sales in the U.S., and its BTK inhibitor zebrutinib sales in the U.S. market reached 8.958 billion yuan in the first half of ICB 2025, a year-on-year increase of 51.7% . This localized commercial team can better understand the local market demand and competitive environment, and develop more effective marketing strategies and sales plans.
The advantages of localized business teams are that they can improve market response speed and service quality, enhance brand influence and customer stickiness; they can reduce communication costs and cultural differences, improve business efficiency and success rate; and they can make better use of local resources and networks to expand market channels and partners.
V. ICB 2025 Exhibiting Guidelines and Value Maximization Strategies
5.1 Exhibition Objectives and Strategy Planning
5.1.1 Define Exhibition Objectives and Positioning
As a top event in the global biopharmaceutical field, ICB 2025 attracts industry elites and decision makers from all over the world. Exhibitors should firstly define their exhibition objectives and positioning in order to formulate targeted exhibition strategies .
For innovative pharmaceutical companies, the objectives may include showcasing innovative products and technologies, finding international partners, attracting investment, recruiting talents or understanding market dynamics. For CRO/CDMO companies, the objectives may be to expand customer resources, demonstrate service capabilities or seek technical cooperation. For medical device and diagnostic reagent companies, the goal may be to promote products, collect market feedback or establish sales channels.
Regardless of the exhibition objectives, enterprises need to conduct sufficient market research and competitor analysis before the exhibition to clarify their differentiation advantages and market positioning so as to stand out at the exhibition.
5.1.2 Formulate differentiated exhibition strategies
Based on clear exhibition objectives and positioning, enterprises need to formulate differentiated exhibition strategies . The differentiation strategy can start from the following aspects:
- Product differentiation: Highlighting products or technologies with innovative and market potential, such as the latest achievements in cutting-edge fields such as ADC, nucleic acid drugs and CGT.
- Technology differentiation: Demonstrate unique technology platforms or R&D capabilities, such as AI drug design, novel delivery technologies or high-throughput screening platforms.
- Service differentiation: emphasize personalized services and solutions, such as customized R&D, manufacturing and commercialization services.
- Collaboration model differentiation: Innovative collaboration models are proposed, such as joint development, risk sharing or revenue sharing.
At ICB 2025, enterprises can highlight their differentiation advantages and attract the attention of target customers and partners by holding special conferences, technical seminars, one-on-one negotiations or joint presentations.
5.1.3 Exhibition Budget and Resource Allocation
Exhibiting budget and resource allocation are the key factors to ensure the effect of exhibiting. Enterprises need to plan their budget and resource allocation reasonably according to the objectives and strategies of the exhibition .
The exhibition budget usually includes the cost of booths, booth design and construction, production of promotional materials, travel and accommodation costs, and event organization costs. Resource allocation includes human resources (e.g. technical experts, sales team, translators, etc.), product resources (e.g. samples, demonstration equipment, etc.) and market resources (e.g. customer lists, partner information, etc.).
In terms of resource allocation, enterprises should focus on the following points:
- Professional team: Form a professional team consisting of technical experts, business people and translators to ensure that they can communicate and demonstrate effectively.
- Core exhibits: Select the most representative and market potential products or technologies for display, and prepare detailed technical information and presentation materials.
- Promotional materials: Prepare multi-language brochures, product introductions, company profiles and success stories to facilitate the understanding of customers from different countries and regions.
- Digital tools: Utilize digital tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality or interactive display to enhance the display effect and user experience.
Through rational planning of budget and resource allocation, enterprises can maximize the value of exhibiting at ICB 2025.
5.2 Efficient Business Negotiation and Cooperation Matchmaking
5.2.1 Target Customers and Partners Screening
ICB 2025 will attract biopharmaceutical companies, research institutes, investment institutions and regulatory agencies from all over the world. Exhibitors need to screen target customers and partners in advance and formulate targeted negotiation plans .
The selection of target customers and partners can be considered from the following aspects:
- Business relevance: choose enterprises or organizations with complementary or synergistic effects with their own business.
- Market influence: choose enterprises or organizations that have influence and resources in the target market.
- Technical strength: choose enterprises or organizations with advantages in technology or R&D.
- Willingness to cooperate: Select enterprises or organizations with clear willingness and demand for cooperation.
Before ICB 2025, enterprises can collect information on target customers and partners through the official website of the exhibition, industry databases or social media, establish preliminary contacts, and make appointments for negotiation during the exhibition.
5.2.2 Efficient Business Negotiation Skills
Efficient communication and presentation skills are crucial in business negotiations at ICB 2025. Here are some tips for efficient business negotiations :
- Concise and clear introduction: Prepare a clear and concise introduction of the company and products, highlighting the core values and differentiating advantages.
- Targeted communication: Adapt the content and focus of your communication to the needs and interests of different customers.
- Data-driven presentation: Use concrete data and case studies to demonstrate the advantages and value of the product or technology.
- Solution Oriented: Position the product or technology as a solution to the customer’s problem, not just a product or service.
- Open-ended questioning: Understand the customer’s real needs and pain points through open-ended questioning and provide targeted solutions.
- Clear next steps: At the end of the negotiation, clear next steps and follow-up plans to ensure that the results of the negotiation are implemented.
By mastering these skills, enterprises can improve efficiency and success rate in business negotiations in ICB 2025 and realize more valuable cooperation.
5.2.3 Design of Cooperation Models and Terms and Conditions
In the business negotiation of ICB 2025, the cooperation mode and the design of terms and conditions are the key factors determining the success or failure of cooperation. Enterprises need to design flexible and diversified cooperation modes and terms according to different cooperation targets and objectives .
Common cooperation models include:
- License-in/License-out: Introducing or licensing the development and commercialization rights of products or technologies.
- Joint development: Both parties jointly invest resources to develop new products or technologies.
- Strategic Investment: One party makes equity investment in the other party to establish a long-term strategic partnership.
- Joint Venture: Both parties jointly invest in a joint venture to develop and commercialize a specific product or technology.
- Service Outsourcing: one party provides services such as research and development, production or commercialization to the other party.
In terms of designing the terms, companies need to consider the following factors:
- Distribution of rights and interests: to clarify the distribution of rights and interests between the parties in terms of intellectual property rights, revenues and risks.
- Responsibilities and Obligations: Clarify the responsibilities and obligations of both parties in terms of R&D, production, sales and regulation.
- Timetable and milestones: Setting clear timetables and milestones to ensure that the project advances as planned.
- Exit mechanism: Design a reasonable exit mechanism to cope with possible changes or risks.
By designing flexible and diverse cooperation models and terms, enterprises can find the most suitable partners on ICB 2025 and realize mutual benefits and win-win situations.
5.2.4 Post-conference Follow-up and Relationship Maintenance
The results of business negotiations at ICB 2025 need to be implemented and deepened through post-conference follow-up and relationship maintenance. Post-conference follow-up is the key link to maximize the effect of the exhibition .
The main tasks of post-event follow-up include
- Collation and analysis: Collate the information and potential customers’ data collected during the exhibition, analyze and evaluate them.
- Timely follow-up: Follow up with target customers and partners as soon as possible after the exhibition to confirm the cooperation intention and next steps.
- Provide detailed information: Provide more detailed product or technical information according to customers’ needs and answer customers’ questions.
- Arrange site visits: Invite important customers or partners to visit the company or production base to deepen understanding and trust.
- Maintain regular communication: Maintain regular communication with customers through email, phone or social media channels to maintain the relationship.
- Participate in follow-up activities: Invite customers to participate in company follow-up activities or industry conferences to maintain interaction and contact.
Through effective post-conference follow-up and relationship maintenance, companies can convert potential opportunities during the exhibition into actual cooperation and maximize the value of the exhibition.
5.3 Technology Display and Academic Exchange Strategy
5.3.1 Content and Form Design of Technology Exhibition
ICB 2025 provides an excellent platform for enterprises to display their technical strength and innovation achievements. The content and form design of the technology exhibition is the key to attracting audiences and establishing a professional image .
In terms of the content of the technology exhibition, enterprises should focus on the following contents:
- Core technology platforms: Demonstrate unique technology platforms or R&D capabilities, such as AI drug design, novel delivery technologies or high-throughput screening platforms.
- Innovative Product Pipeline: Showcases innovative product pipelines at different stages of development, including preclinical, clinical stage and commercialized products.
- Technological breakthroughs and achievements: Demonstrate recent technological breakthroughs and research achievements, such as clinical data, patents or awards.
- Application cases and effects: Demonstrate the actual value and advantages of the technology or product through specific application cases and effect data.
In terms of the form of technology display, enterprises can adopt the following methods:
- Physical display: display product samples, models or prototypes, so that the audience intuitively understand the product features and advantages.
- Interactive experience: set up interactive experience area, let the audience through the operation or experience, personal experience of the product or technology functions and effects.
- Multimedia Demonstration: Through video, animation or virtual reality and other multimedia forms, vividly demonstrate the technical principles and application scenes.
- Technical lectures: Organize technical lectures or seminars to introduce technical details and innovations in depth.
- Poster Presentation: Display research results, technical routes or clinical data through posters to facilitate in-depth understanding by professionals.
Through well-designed contents and forms of technical presentations, enterprises can effectively demonstrate their technical strength and innovative achievements at ICB 2025 and attract the attention of target customers and partners.
5.3.2 Academic Reports and Speaking Strategies
ICB 2025 will hold several academic forums and technical seminars, which provide enterprises with opportunities to show their academic strength and professional image. Academic reports and speeches are an important way to enhance the visibility and influence of enterprises .
In terms of academic reports and speeches strategy, enterprises need to pay attention to the following points:
- Selection of topics and content: Choose topics with academic value and market interest, such as cutting-edge technologies, clinical data or innovative therapies. The content should be scientific, innovative and practical, and be able to arouse audience interest and discussion.
- Presentation skills: Speakers need to have good presentation skills and be able to convey the technical content and innovations clearly and vividly.
- Visual aids: Use high-quality visual aids such as slides, charts or videos to enhance the attractiveness and persuasiveness of the presentation.
- Interaction and communication: Setting up interactive sessions in the presentation, encouraging audience questions and discussions, and enhancing the sense of participation and communication effect.
- Post-meeting follow-up: After the presentation, conduct further communication and follow-up with the interested audience to establish contact and cooperation opportunities.
Through well-prepared academic reports and speeches, companies can demonstrate their professional strengths and innovations at ICB 2025, and enhance brand awareness and industry influence.
5.3.3 Technical Seminar and Workshop Design
During ICB 2025, enterprises can hold technical seminars or workshops to present technical details and application cases in depth and have more in-depth communication and interaction with professional audiences .
The design of technical seminars and workshops should pay attention to the following points:
- Theme selection: Select themes with relevance and practicality, such as application cases of specific technologies, solutions to technical difficulties or analysis of industry trends.
- Content design: The content should be systematic and in-depth, and be able to provide participants with practical value and inspiration. Case studies, group discussions or hands-on demonstrations can be used to enhance interactivity and participation.
- Speakers: Invite speakers with authoritative and professional backgrounds, such as enterprise technology leaders, academic experts or industry opinion leaders, to enhance the professionalism and attractiveness of the seminar.
- Time arrangement: Reasonable arrangement of time, to ensure that each topic has enough time for explanation and discussion, to avoid too compact or loose.
- Publicity and promotion: Promote the theme and content of the seminar before the show through the official website, social media or emails to attract the target audience to attend.
- Follow-up: After the seminar, provide relevant information and contact information to encourage further communication and cooperation among participants.
Through the well-designed technical seminars and workshops, enterprises can have in-depth communication with professional audiences at ICB 2025 and build up professional image and industry influence.
5.3.4 Intellectual Property Protection and Technology Confidentiality Strategy
Intellectual property protection and technology confidentiality are issues that enterprises need to pay attention to in the technology exhibition and academic exchanges at ICB 2025. Reasonable intellectual property protection and technology confidentiality strategy can ensure that the core technologies and innovations of enterprises are effectively protected .
Intellectual property protection and technology confidentiality strategy should include the following contents:
- Patent Layout: Ensure that adequate patent applications and layouts have been made to protect intellectual property rights before presenting core technologies or innovative products.
- Confidentiality agreement: Sign confidentiality agreement with potential partners or customers to clarify the content and responsibility of confidentiality and prevent technology leakage.
- Information grading: Grade management of technology information on display, and stricter confidentiality measures should be taken for core technologies and commercial secrets.
- Display control: Avoid displaying overly detailed technical details or commercial secrets in the technology display to protect core competitiveness.
- Employee training: Train employees involved in the exhibition on intellectual property protection and technology confidentiality to improve confidentiality awareness and ability.
- Legal support: Consult professional legal advice before the exhibition to ensure that the content and behavior of the display comply with relevant laws and regulations and avoid the risk of infringement.
Through reasonable IPR protection and technology confidentiality strategies, enterprises can fully demonstrate their technological strengths and innovations at ICB 2025, while protecting their core competitiveness and commercial secrets.
5.4 Media Publicity and Brand Building Strategy
5.4.1 Pre-exhibition Publicity Strategy
Successful participation in ICB 2025 depends not only on the performance during the exhibition, but also on the warm-up publicity before the exhibition. Pre-exhibition publicity can increase the awareness and attention of the company and attract more target customers and partners .
A pre-show publicity strategy should include the following:
- Media relations: Establish contact with industry media, academic journals, and social media to release information and highlights of your company’s participation in the show in advance.
- Press Release Distribution: Distribute an exhibit press release that describes the goals, content and highlights of the exhibit and attracts the attention of the media and visitors to the event.
- Social Media Warm-up: Through LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat and other social media platforms, release exhibition information and countdown to create a sense of anticipation.
- Industry Forum Participation: Participate in industry forums or online seminars to share insights and experiences and enhance visibility and professional image.
- Customer Invitation: Send personalized invitations to target customers and partners, introducing exhibition highlights and cooperation opportunities.
- Media Interview Appointment: Appointment for industry media interviews, prepare interview content in advance to increase exposure and influence.
Through effective pre-show warm-up publicity, enterprises can attract the attention of target customers and partners before ICB 2025 is launched, laying the foundation for success during the show.
5.4.2 Media publicity strategy during the show
Media publicity during ICB 2025 is the key to expanding influence and enhancing brand awareness. The media promotion strategy during the show should focus on real-time and interactive .
The media publicity strategy during the exhibition should include the following contents:
- On-site news report: Invite industry media to report on the exhibition site and release the dynamics and highlights of the exhibitors.
- Social media live broadcast: Live broadcast through social media platforms to showcase booths, technology demonstrations and activities.
- Press Conference: Organize a press conference to release important product or technology information and attract media attention.
- Interviews and reports: Accept media interviews to share corporate strategies, technological innovations and market insights, and improve professional image.
- Application for industry awards: Apply for exhibition-related awards to increase exposure and recognition.
- Interactive activities: Organize interactive activities or competitions to encourage audience participation and sharing and expand influence.
Through diversified media promotion strategies during the show, companies can gain more exposure and attention at ICB 2025, enhancing brand awareness and industry influence.
5.4.3 Post-conference Media Follow-up and Brand Communication
After ICB 2025, media follow-up and brand communication is an important part to consolidate the achievements and expand the influence of the exhibition. Post-conference media follow-up and brand communication strategy should emphasize the continuity and depth of .
Post-conference media follow-up and brand communication strategy should include the following:
- Press release: issue a press release summarizing the exhibition, reviewing the highlights and achievements of the exhibition, and demonstrating the strength and achievements of the enterprise.
- Media Interviews: Follow up with media interviews during the show, provide more detailed information or cases, and deepen the content of the report.
- Industry article writing: Write industry analysis articles or technical insights, share observations and thoughts on the show, and improve professional image.
- Case study release: Release successful cases or application studies based on the exhibition exchanges to demonstrate the actual value of products or technologies.
- Social Media Sharing: Share the exciting moments and achievements of the exhibition on social media platforms to maintain interaction with the audience.
- Participation in industry activities: Participate in follow-up industry activities or conferences to continue the influence during the exhibition.
Through continuous post-exhibition media follow-up and brand communication, enterprises can extend the influence of ICB 2025 beyond the exhibition and maximize the brand value.
5.4.4 Internationalized Brand Building and Communication
ICB 2025 provides enterprises with an important opportunity for internationalized brand building and communication. Internationalized brand building and communication require systematic strategies and long-term investment .
An internationalized brand building and communication strategy should include the following elements:
- Brand positioning and core values: Define the brand’s international positioning and core values to ensure consistency and recognition in the global market.
- Brand Visual Identity: Design a brand visual identity system in line with international standards and aesthetic habits, including logo, colors, fonts and so on.
- Multi-language content strategy: Prepare multi-language brand materials, product introductions and technical documentation to meet the needs of different markets.
- Industry Leader Image Shaping: Shape the industry leader image of corporate leaders through speeches, articles, interviews, etc.
- Social Responsibility Presentation: Demonstrate the company’s efforts and achievements in environmental protection, public welfare or sustainable development to enhance brand reputation.
- International awards and certifications: Apply for internationally recognized awards and certifications to increase the authority and credibility of the brand.
Through systematic international brand building and dissemination, enterprises can build up a global brand image at ICB 2025 and increase recognition and influence in the international market.
VI. Suggestions and Action Plan for Exhibiting at ICB 2025
6.1 Exhibition Suggestions for Different Types of Enterprises
6.1.1 Suggestions for Innovative Pharmaceutical Enterprises to Exhibit at ICB 2025
For innovative pharmaceutical enterprises, ICB 2025 provides an excellent opportunity to display their innovative achievements and seek international cooperation. Below are the exhibition suggestions for innovative pharmaceutical companies :
- Focus on innovative product pipeline: Focus on innovative product pipelines at different stages of development, especially those entering the clinical stage.
- Highlight differentiation advantages: Identify your own differentiation advantages, such as unique technology platform, efficient R&D capability or significant clinical data.
- Seek international cooperation opportunities: Actively seek cooperation opportunities with multinational pharmaceutical companies, CROs or investment institutions, and explore License-out or joint development models.
- Participate in academic exchanges: Participate in academic exchanges through lectures, seminars or poster presentations to enhance your professional image.
- Recruit international talents: Utilize the exhibition to contact and recruit high-end talents with international background.
- Understand market dynamics: Understand the global market dynamics and competition pattern through communication with international counterparts and customers.
Innovative pharmaceutical enterprises should make full use of the platform of ICB 2025 to demonstrate their innovative strength, expand international cooperation, and accelerate the global development and commercialization of innovative drugs.
6.1.2 Suggestions for CRO/CDMO Enterprises to Exhibit at ICB 2025
For CRO/CDMO enterprises, ICB 2025 is an important platform for expanding customer resources and demonstrating service capabilities. The following are the exhibition suggestions for CRO/CDMO enterprises :
- Demonstrate one-stop service capability: Demonstrate one-stop service capability from drug discovery, preclinical research to clinical trial and commercialization.
- Highlight technical advantages and quality system: emphasize professional advantages in specific technical fields and strict quality control system.
- Provide customized solutions: Demonstrate the ability and experience in providing customized solutions to customers.
- Sharing Successful Cases: Demonstrate service capability and customer value through successful cases.
- Finding strategic partners: Actively search for strategic cooperation opportunities with innovative pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions or investment institutions.
- Understanding industry needs: Understand the latest needs and technology trends of the industry through communication with customers and peers.
CRO/CDMO enterprises should utilize the platform of ICB 2025 to demonstrate their professional service capabilities, expand customer resources and enhance market competitiveness.
6.1.3 Suggestions for Medical Device and Diagnostic Reagent Enterprises to Exhibit at ICB 2025
For medical device and diagnostic reagent enterprises, ICB 2025 provides an important opportunity to showcase innovative products and expand the international market. Below are the exhibition suggestions for medical device and diagnostic reagent companies :
- Highlight product innovation and advantages: Showcase product innovation, performance advantages and clinical value.
- Provide Demonstration and Experience: Through live demonstration and interactive experience, allow visitors to experience the functions and effects of the products.
- Emphasize Compliance and Certification: Demonstrate the product’s international certifications and compliance, such as FDA, CE or NMPA approvals.
- Find Distribution Partners: Actively seek international distribution partners to expand your global sales network.
- Understanding Market Demand: Understand the needs and regulatory requirements of different markets through communication with international customers and partners.
- Demonstrate application cases: Demonstrate the clinical value and economic benefits of products through actual application cases.
Medical device and diagnostic reagent enterprises should utilize the platform of ICB 2025 to showcase innovative products, expand international markets and enhance brand influence.
6.1.4 Suggestions for Investment Institutions to Exhibit at ICB 2025
For investment institutions, ICB 2025 is an important platform for discovering investment opportunities and establishing industry influence. Below are the exhibition suggestions for investment institutions :
- Demonstrate investment strategies and advantages: clearly demonstrate investment strategies, sector preferences and value-added services to attract potential partners.
- Find quality projects: Actively search for early-stage projects or growth companies with innovative technologies and market potential.
- Participate in industry discussions: Share investment views and market insights through presentations, seminars or roundtable discussions.
- Networking: Expand your network by connecting with innovative pharmaceutical companies, CRO/CDMO companies and industry experts.
- Learn about industry trends: Learn about the latest industry trends and technology development direction through exchanges with industry leaders.
- Demonstrate successful cases: Demonstrate investment capabilities and returns through successful investment cases to enhance brand credibility.
Investment institutions should utilize the platform of ICB 2025 to discover quality investment opportunities, establish industry influence, and promote the innovative development of the biomedical industry.
6.2 Action Plan and Timeline
6.2.1 Pre-Exhibition Preparation Schedule
Successful exhibiting at ICB 2025 requires advance planning and thorough preparation. Below is a suggested timeline for pre-exhibition preparation :
| Timeline | Key Tasks | Department responsible |
| 6-12 months before exhibiting | Determine exhibition objectives and budget Apply for booths Develop exhibition strategy | Management Marketing Department Sales Department |
| 4-6 months before exhibition | Determine the content and format of the exhibition Design the booth Prepare promotional materials Make appointments with key customers and partners | Marketing DepartmentResearch and Development DepartmentSales Department |
| 2-4 months before exhibition | Confirmation of lecture or seminar topicsPreparation of technical data and presentation materialsArrangement of travel and accommodation booking for exhibitors | R&D Marketing Human Resources |
| 1-2 months prior to exhibition | Publish press releases and launch social media campaignsConfirm customer and partner invitationsTraining for exhibitors | Marketing & Sales HR |
| Within 1 month prior to exhibition | Finalize booth design and constructionPrepare samples and display equipmentPrint promotional materialsFinalize pre-exhibition preparations | Marketing R&D Logistics |
By following this timetable, companies can ensure that all preparations for the exhibition are in order, laying the foundation for a successful exhibition at ICB 2025.
6.2.2 In-show Execution and Management Plan
Efficient execution and management during ICB 2025 is key to achieving the objectives of the exhibition. The following is a suggested plan for the execution and management of the exhibition :
| Key Segments | Execution Points | Responsible Department |
| Booth Management | Ensure the booth is clean and organized Arrange for special receptionists to collect customer information and record the content of exchanges. | Marketing and Sales Department |
| Technical Demonstration | Conduct technical demonstration on timeAnswer visitors’ questionsCollect feedbackProtect intellectual property rights | R&D Marketing Department |
| Business Negotiation | Receive customers according to the appointment timePrepare negotiation materialsRecord the content of the negotiationDefine the next action | Sales DepartmentBusiness Development Department |
| Presentations and Seminars | Arrive at the venue in advance to prepare presentation materials and interact with the audience to collect contact information. | R&D Marketing |
| Media Activities | Media interviewsParticipate in media eventsPress releasesCollect media coverage | Marketing Public Relations |
| Team Management | Daily morning meeting to summarize and coordinate the division of work among the team to solve unexpected problems and ensure information sharing. | Management Marketing Department |
Through effective execution and management during the exhibition, enterprises can make full use of the ICB 2025 platform to maximize the exhibition objectives.
6.2.3 Post-show Follow-up and Evaluation Plan
Post-exhibition follow-up and evaluation of ICB 2025 is a key element to ensure the effectiveness of the exhibition. The following is a suggested plan for post-show follow-up and evaluation :
| Timeframe | Key Tasks | Responsible Department |
| 1-2 weeks after the show | Organize customer information Analyze potential opportunities Assign follow-up tasks Prepare detailed information | Sales Department Business Development Department Marketing Department |
| Post-show 2-4 weeks | Follow-up with important customersAnswering customer questionsArranging site visitsProviding samples or trials | Sales Department R&D Department Logistics Department |
| 1-3 months after show | Prepare cooperation agreement and promote specific projects Maintain regular communication and evaluate the effect of the exhibition | Business Development Department R&D Department Marketing Department |
| 3-6 months after the show | Review the progress of the cooperation and adjust the marketing strategy, summarize the lessons learned and plan for the next exhibition. | Management Marketing Department Sales Department |
Through systematic post-show follow-up and evaluation, enterprises can turn potential opportunities of ICB 2025 into actual cooperation and maximize the value of the exhibition.
6.2.4 Long-term Strategy and Continuous Development Plan
Exhibiting at ICB 2025 should not be viewed as a one-time event, but as part of a long-term strategy. The following is a suggested plan for long-term strategy and ongoing development :
| Strategic Direction | Key Initiatives | Timeframe | Sector responsible |
| Internationalization Strategy | Strengthen international cooperation and market expansion Establish overseas R&D or production bases Enhance internationalization team capacity | 1-3 years | Management Business Development Department Human Resources Department |
| Technology Innovation Strategy | Increase R&D investment and introduce advanced technology to establish an innovation platform | 1-5 years | R&D Department Management Marketing Department |
| Brand Building Strategy | Enhance the internationalization of the brand and shape the image of the industry leader to strengthen brand communication. | 1-3 years | Marketing Department Public Relations Department Management |
| Talent Strategy | Attracting international talents and cultivating local talents to establish talent incentive mechanism. | 1-5 years | Human Resources Management |
| Sustainability Strategy | Promote green manufacturing and enhance social responsibility to improve ESG performance. | Long Term | Management Operations Public Relations |
By integrating the ICB 2025 experience into the long-term strategy and sustainable development plan, companies can realize the leap from exhibiting to international development, and promote the innovation and sustainable development of the biopharmaceutical industry.
6.3 Risk Assessment and Response Strategy
6.3.1 Risk Identification and Assessment for Exhibiting
ICB 2025 exhibitors may face various risks that need to be identified and assessed in advance. The following are common risks and their assessment :
| Risk Type | Specific Risks | Probability of occurrence | Degree of impact |
| Market Risk | Low target customer engagement More attractive competitor displays Changing market demand | Medium Medium Low | Medium-Medium-High |
| Technology Risks | Poor technology demonstration Intellectual property disputes Technology leakage | Low Low Medium | Medium-high-high |
| Operational Risks | Delay in booth construction Equipment failure Absence of personnel | Medium Medium Low | Medium Medium High |
| Financial Risk | Budget overruns and investment returns not meeting expectations Exchange rate fluctuations | Medium-low | Medium-low Medium-low |
| Compliance Risks | Intellectual property infringement Data privacy issues Export control violations | Low Low Low | High High High |
By identifying and evaluating these risks, enterprises can formulate response strategies in advance to reduce the likelihood of risk occurrence and the degree of impact.
6.3.2 Risk Response Strategies and Pre-planning
Enterprises need to formulate corresponding strategies and plans to deal with the risks they may face during the participation in ICB 2025 :
| Risk type | Response strategy | Contingency plan |
| Market Risk | Screening target customers in advance and strengthening differentiated displays to regularly assess market demand. | Adjust display content and increase interactive activities to expand potential customers |
| Technology Risk | Conduct technical tests and apply for intellectual property protection to limit the display of core technologies. | Prepare backup equipmentSign confidentiality agreementSeek legal support |
| Operational Risks | Advance planning and coordinationConduct equipment inspectionArrange backup personnel | Adjust booth designPrepare spare equipmentReassign tasks |
| Financial Risks | Strict budget controlSet return on investment targetsUse exchange rate hedging tools | Adjust exhibition scale to increase sponsorship income Optimize travel arrangements |
| Compliance Risks | Conduct intellectual property reviewComply with data privacy regulationsUnderstand export control requirements | Remove potentially infringing contentDestroy sensitive dataSeek professional advice |
By developing a comprehensive risk management strategy and plan, companies can effectively deal with all kinds of risks during the exhibition of ICB 2025 and ensure the realization of exhibition goals.
6.3.3 Crisis Management and Emergency Response
During the participation in ICB 2025, various emergencies or crises may occur, which require timely and effective crisis management and emergency response .
Key steps in crisis management and emergency response include:
- Crisis identification: Identify potential crisis situations, such as booth safety incidents, intellectual property disputes or negative media reports.
- Crisis assessment: Assess the nature, scope and severity of the crisis and prioritize the response.
- Emergency Response: Activate the emergency response plan and take necessary measures to control the development of the crisis and reduce the negative impact.
- Communication and coordination: Communicate effectively with internal teams, customers, partners and media, and maintain information transparency.
- Crisis resolution: Seek professional support to address the root causes of the crisis and resume normal operations.
- Lessons Learned: After the crisis is resolved, summarize the lessons learned, improve the contingency plan, and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
By establishing a perfect crisis management and emergency response mechanism, the enterprise can effectively respond to emergencies and protect its brand reputation and business interests during the participation in ICB 2025.
6.3.4 Continuous Improvement and Optimization Strategy
The experience of exhibiting at ICB 2025 should provide companies with opportunities for continuous improvement and optimization. The following is a suggested strategy for continuous improvement and optimization :
- Evaluation of participation: Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the achievement of participation objectives and analyze the successes and shortcomings.
- Customer Feedback Analysis: Collect and analyze customer feedback to understand customer needs and satisfaction.
- Competitor analysis: study competitors’ exhibition strategies and effects to find differentiated advantages.
- Internal experience sharing: Organize internal meetings to share exhibiting experience and lessons learned and promote knowledge sharing.
- Process optimization: Optimize the exhibition process and standard operation procedures based on the exhibition experience.
- Strategy Adjustment: Adjust market strategies and product planning based on exhibition results and market changes.
Through continuous improvement and optimization, enterprises can continuously improve the exhibition results and market competitiveness, and achieve better results in future industry events.
VII. Summarize and Prospect
7.1 Significance of ICB 2025 to the Global Biomedical Industry
As a top event in the global biopharmaceutical field, ICB 2025 will have a profound impact on the global biopharmaceutical industry .
First of all, ICB 2025 will promote the innovation cooperation in the global biopharmaceutical field. By showcasing the latest technological achievements and innovative products, ICB 2025 will promote the cooperation between multinational and local enterprises and accelerate the R&D and commercialization of innovative drugs.
Secondly, ICB 2025 will accelerate technological innovation and industrial upgrading. By showcasing cutting-edge technologies and academic exchanges, ICB 2025 will promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading, and push the biopharmaceutical industry to develop in a higher quality and more sustainable direction.
Finally, ICB 2025 will strengthen the synergistic development of the global biopharmaceutical industry chain. By promoting exchanges and cooperation between upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain, ICB 2025 will promote the synergistic development of the global biopharmaceutical industry chain and improve the overall efficiency and competitiveness of the industry.
7.2 Opportunities and Challenges for Chinese Biopharmaceutical Enterprises
ICB 2025 provides rare opportunities for Chinese biopharmaceutical enterprises and also brings challenges .
In terms of opportunities, ICB 2025 provides an important platform for Chinese biopharmaceutical enterprises to showcase their innovations, find international partners and expand the global market. With the rapid development of China’s biopharmaceutical industry, Chinese companies’ innovations in cutting-edge fields such as ADC, nucleic acid drugs, CGT, etc. have attracted global attention. more than 50 innovative drug BD deals have been made overseas in the first half of ICB 2025, and the disclosed total amount of cooperation is as high as US$48.448 billion, which is expected to reach a new high this year .
On the challenge side, Chinese biopharmaceutical companies still face many obstacles in the process of internationalization. On the one hand, the U.S. policy circle has been pursuing and blocking China’s biopharmaceutical industry, such as the draft of U.S. Biosafety Act by the end of 2023, which explicitly restricts U.S. federal agencies from cooperating with five Chinese pharmaceutical companies, including WuXi PharmaTech and Welltec . On the other hand, Chinese companies still need to improve their international brand building, global R&D network and commercialization capabilities.
In the face of opportunities and challenges, Chinese biopharmaceutical enterprises need to adhere to the innovation-driven development strategy, strengthen international cooperation, and enhance their international operation capability, so as to play a more important role in the global biopharmaceutical industry.
7.3 Outlook of biopharmaceutical industry in the next five years
Looking forward to the next five years, the global biopharmaceutical industry will usher in a new round of innovation and development opportunities .
In terms of technological innovation, AI, gene editing, cell and gene therapy and other cutting-edge technologies will make major breakthroughs, providing more options for disease treatment. DeepMind’s AlphaFold3 has been applied to 80% of China’s innovative drug companies, shortening the target discovery cycle by 40% . It is expected that by 2030, AI will reduce the cost of innovative drug R&D in China to 1/3 of that in the US, truly realizing the DeepSeek-style breakthrough of “fast and cheap” .
In terms of market landscape, the global biopharmaceutical market will continue to expand, and the importance of emerging markets will continue to rise. the global biopharmaceutical market is expected to reach US$530.1 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 12.2% . China’s market will maintain rapid growth and become an important engine for the global biopharmaceutical industry.
In terms of industry model, innovative drug R&D will develop from single technology-driven to multi-technology integration and multi-disciplinary cross direction. Meanwhile, the division of labor in the industry will become more specialized, and the importance of CRO/CDMO enterprises will continue to rise. The global ADC CDMO market will reach $7.2 billion in 2025, and Chinese companies will occupy 30% market share in the production of toxin-linker complexes .
In the next five years, the global biopharmaceutical industry will face more opportunities and challenges. Enterprises need to continue to innovate, strengthen cooperation and enhance core competitiveness in order to be invincible in the fierce market competition.
7.4 Exhibitors’ Call to Action
As exhibitors of ICB 2025, we call for:
- Insist on innovation drive: take innovation as the core strategy of enterprise development, increase R&D investment and promote technological breakthroughs.
- Strengthen international cooperation: through ICB 2025 and other platforms, strengthen cooperation with global biopharmaceutical enterprises and jointly promote industrial development.
- Emphasize intellectual property protection: Strengthen the layout and protection of intellectual property rights, respect the intellectual property rights of others, and work together to maintain a fair and competitive market environment.
- Promote sustainable development: Integrate the concept of sustainable development into corporate strategy, pay attention to environmental protection and social responsibility, and promote green transformation of the industry.
- Promote Talent Cultivation: Strengthen the cultivation and introduction of talents, enhance the ability of internationalized teams, and provide talent support for industrial development.
- Strengthen industry self-discipline: comply with industry norms and regulatory requirements, and jointly maintain the reputation and image of the industry.
Through joint efforts, we can showcase the innovation and development achievements of the global biopharmaceutical industry at ICB 2025 and jointly promote the healthy development of the global biopharmaceutical industry.
7.5 Conclusion
As a top event in the global biopharmaceutical field, ICB 2025 will bring new opportunities and challenges to the global biopharmaceutical industry. At this important moment, we are looking forward to working with global biopharmaceutical enterprises, research institutions and investment organizations to share innovative achievements, discuss development trends, seek opportunities for cooperation and promote the innovative development of the global biopharmaceutical industry.
Facing the future, we believe that with the acceleration of technological innovation, deepening of international cooperation and growth of market demand, the global biopharmaceutical industry will usher in a broader development prospect. Chinese biopharmaceutical enterprises will continue to adhere to the innovation-driven development strategy, strengthen international cooperation, enhance their international operation capabilities, and play a more important role in the global biopharmaceutical industry.
Let’s meet at ICB 2025 and create a bright future for the global biopharmaceutical industry together!
