By Fineline Cube 
Shenzhen has launched an ambitious policy package, “Several Measures to Support Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Across the Entire Industrial Chain,” effective through April 2028. This initiative spans nine critical sectors with 32 concrete measures to accelerate innovation from R&D to commercialization, positioning Shenzhen as a leading biopharmaceutical hub.
R&D Innovation Funding
The policy provides substantial funding boosts for clinical trials:
- Phase I: RMB 10 million (USD 1.4 million)
- Phase II: RMB 20 million (USD 2.7 million)
- Phase III: RMB 30 million (USD 4.1 million)
Focus areas include nucleic acid drugs, cell therapies, and precision instruments, with fast-track support for translating academic research into startups.
AI and Digital Transformation
Shenzhen will subsidize 15% of R&D costs for AI-driven drug and device development and fund public AI platforms for biomanufacturing, enhancing efficiency and innovation.
Clinical Trial Acceleration
The city aims to streamline ethics reviews:
- Lead Trial Sites: 15 days
- Participating Sites: 5 days
Plans for a Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Center aim to reduce trial startup timelines to under 25 weeks.
Regulatory and Manufacturing Support
Expanding the “Hong Kong-Macao Medicine Connect” program, Shenzhen will allocate 200,000 square meters of industrial land annually and develop 1 million square meters of specialized bioparks.
Market Access and Commercialization
A 15-day fast-track for Shenzhen procurement platform listings and mandatory hospital NRDL adoption within one month will enhance market access. The “Shenzhen Huiminbao” insurance program will expand coverage to support patient access.
Global Expansion Incentives
Export subsidies of 5% (up to RMB 10 million) and pilot programs in the Qianhai Free Trade Zone for stem cell and gene therapies will facilitate international market entry.-Fineline Info & Tech