An AI-powered orthopedic surgical robot is seen in the Healthy Life Chain area of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

From showcasing their latest products to forging local partnerships, global pharmaceutical companies have emphasized local research and development (R&D) and partnerships at the third China International Supply Chain Expo as they seek to strengthen their presence in one of their largest markets.

The five-day expo highlights China's importance to multinational firms as both a major market and a hub for global innovation, advanced manufacturing and resilient supply chains.

"China is going to be the world's largest healthcare market and a crucial source of innovation," said Alex Gu, president of Medtronic Greater China, adding that China is playing an increasingly important role in the global healthcare industrial chain.

In 2024, an electric surgical stapler developed by the U.S. company transitioned from research and development to mass production in China and is now used at over 500 hospitals nationwide. It has also been exported to other markets.

Deep supply chain collaboration with local partners is vital and Medtronic now has nearly 7,000 suppliers in China.

During the expo, the company launched a new partnership to build an AI-powered diagnostic and treatment system for aortic disease and structural heart disease. This is part of a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry to use AI to drive R&D and improve disease diagnosis and treatment.

At the expo, French drugmaker Sanofi exhibited its ecosystem, as well as its latest products for conditions such as immunological, cardiovascular, metabolic and other diseases.

Local R&D plays a key role in Sanofi's development. Sanofi now operates R&D centers in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, and its Chinese research staff have been deeply involved in over 90 percent of its global co-development projects, including 12 potential blockbuster drugs.

For Sanofi, the supply chain expo serves as a platform not only to showcase its products but also to build collaborations.

"Here, we explore innovative collaborations with our global partners, from R&D to production and patient accessibility enhancement, and share the latest results of localized practices," said Wayne Shi, president of Sanofi Greater China. Sanofi will continue to support the Healthy China initiative with innovative drugs and vaccines, Shi said.

Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk announced new partnerships with local manufacturing, logistics and tech firms at the expo, as part of its latest efforts to deepen local industrial chain cooperation.

Novo Nordisk has continued to increase its investment in China, enhancing its presence throughout the industry chain to better serve patients in China. To date, the company has introduced 22 innovative drugs and 11 innovative injection devices in China for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and rare diseases.

As a participant in all three editions of the supply chain expo, Novo Nordisk is joining more industrial chain partners this year to build a comprehensive health management ecosystem that drives chronic disease management, said Christine Zhou, president of Novo Nordisk Region China.

Running from Wednesday to Sunday, the supply chain expo served as a key platform for multinational firms to strengthen collaboration with Chinese partners amid global economic uncertainties.

The event has attracted 651 companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions. Overseas exhibitors account for 35 percent, a three-percentage-point increase from last year.