Dr. Hua Wang interviewed Dr. Lianshan Zhang, Vice President of Hengrui Pharmaceutical Group, on the challenges of recent pharmaceutical projects going overseas

At the 2024 CBIITA Anniversary Conference, as the vice chairman of the CBIITA BD Committee, Dr. Hua Wang interviewed Dr. Lianshan Zhang, VP of Hengrui Pharmaceutical Group, on the challenges of recent pharmaceutical projects going overseas and strategies for navigating economic pressures.

Dr. Zhang stressed the importance of maintaining confidence in the sector, which fundamentally serves patients and society by advancing biology and medicine. Despite economic adjustments and pressures like procurement negotiations, he emphasized that focusing on innovation and providing affordable, effective treatments will ensure long-term success. By staying committed to their core work, companies can position themselves for future growth.

Regarding R&D strategies, Dr. Zhang advocated for prioritizing key projects, especially when resources are limited. He urged large organizations to focus on globally competitive innovations and advised smaller startups to allocate resources to high-impact projects with tangible outcomes. Concentrating on innovation and realizing the potential of globally significant products is essential for driving industry advancement.

Dr. Zhang also highlighted the importance of international expansion through diverse strategies. He suggested traditional licensing, co-development partnerships, and comprehensive overseas models like those used by BeiGene as effective approaches to unlock global value. Diversified and flexible strategies are key to enhancing international collaboration and growth.

Finally, Dr. Zhang commended CBIITA’s role as a transformative force in the biomedical sector. By bridging research institutes, startups, and pharmaceutical companies, CBIITA accelerates innovation from concept to commercialization. Its ability to connect academia, industry, and research supports the entire value chain, driving progress and fostering collaboration.