Merck, Sharp & Dohme Inc., (MSD, NYSE: MRK), through its China R&D president Li Zhengqing, has shared the company’s pipeline plans with local press. As reported by the China Daily, MSD is planning to introduce over 50 innovative drugs, vaccines, new indications, and companion diagnostics to the Chinese market over the next five years.
Expansion and Growth in China’s R&D
Li, speaking at an awards ceremony in Beijing for MSD’s R&D center, highlighted the significant growth of MSD’s R&D team in China during the COVID-19 pandemic, which more than tripled in size, and the number of clinical research projects completed surged by nearly 300%. In 2022, the US pharmaceutical giant conducted 140 clinical research projects in China, aligning with the strategic aim to synchronize global development with the China market.
MSD’s Commitment to China and Market Performance
MSD China R&D is based in a Beijing headquarters established in 2011, with branch centers across the country in Shanghai, Chengdu, Wuhan, and Guangzhou. The growing strategic resources focused on accelerating China’s development capabilities also reflect MSD’s recent market performance. China now represents the second single most significant market for MSD outside the United States. MSD’s recently reported H1 2023 financial results showed China sales grew by 45% year-on-year (YOY) during the first six months of this year, reaching over USD 3.5 billion, leading the market performance among multinational corporations.-Fineline Info & Tech
