At the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, UK-based pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca plc (AZ; NASDAQ: AZN) has signed over 30 agreements with Chinese provincial governments and other entities, marking a significant expansion in China. The agreements include substantial investments and collaborations aimed at enhancing local production, improving access to medicines, and fostering innovation in the healthcare sector.
Investments and Collaborations in Jiangsu, Shandong, and Guangdong
AstraZeneca has reportedly agreed to invest nearly USD 400 million in Jiangsu to build a new small-molecule factory in Wuxi. Additionally, the company will invest RMB 190 million to establish a production line for the diabetes drug Xigduo (dapagliflozin, metformin) in the Taizhou Pharmaceutical High-tech Zone.
In Shandong, AZ has finalized deals including the second phase of its inhalation respiratory-aerosol production and supply base in Qingdao, a partnership with a commercial insurer focusing on rare diseases, and another aimed at bio-park construction.
The cooperation with Guangdong province involves improving patient access to rare disease drug Strensiq (asfotase alfa) and liver cancer therapy Imjudo (tremelimumab) in the Greater Bay Area, as well as the establishment of a life science innovation park venture capital fund.
AstraZeneca Global R&D Hong Kong Branch Establishment
AstraZeneca has announced the establishment of the “AstraZeneca Global R&D Hong Kong Branch”, which aims to leverage the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA region to connect China with the company’s global R&D innovation network.
Cooperations in Clinical Research and Digital Health
AstraZeneca has also reached cooperation agreements related to clinical drug research, registration, and commercialization with companies such as Luye Pharma (HKG: 2186), Ascentage Pharma (HKG: 6855), and CSPC Pharmaceutical Group (HKG: 1093). Furthermore, the company has signed a series of digital health-related collaborations with entities like JD Health and the East China University of Science and Technology.-Fineline Info & Tech
