Global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca is optimistic about China's economic prospects and the development of its health industry, and plans to expand its R&D footprint in China, according to Susan Galbraith, executive vice president of AstraZeneca.

Susan Galbraith, executive vice president of AstraZeneca, speaks at "R&D China Science Day," organized by global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca in Shanghai on March 25, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The company's "R&D China Science Day" event took place in Shanghai from March 24 to 25, intending to provide a platform for Chinese innovators and leading global pharmaceutical R&D teams to deepen their exchanges in basic medical research and clinical practice.

During the event, Galbraith, who also serves as the head of Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, stated that as the global economy rebounds from the pandemic, China can further accelerate its growth and become a significant innovator in the pharmaceutical industry.

She also praised China's pharmaceutical innovation capabilities and reaffirmed the company's long-standing commitment to the Chinese market.

"If we look back to 10 to 15 years ago, some products developed in China were similar to those developed in global markets. But now we are starting to see medicines developed in China in parallel with the speed of global R&D. In some areas, China's innovation is potentially leading," she said.

Galbraith pointed out that China's large population contributes to a pool of innovative talent, and the country has many patients with significant needs across oncology. "The large market has provided more opportunities for AstraZeneca to expand its R&D presence in China," she added.

By 2023, AstraZeneca aims to triple its R&D investment in China compared to 2020 and recruit over 900 R&D personnel, representing a 70% increase from 2020, according to data released by the company.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of AstraZeneca's entry into the Chinese market. Since 1993, AstraZeneca has continuously expanded its presence in the Chinese market, offering a broad portfolio of medicines across therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, respiratory, gastrointestinal, vaccines and antibodies, immunology, and rare diseases.

He Jing, senior vice president of AstraZeneca and head of AstraZeneca R&D China, speaks at "R&D China Science Day," organized by global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca in Shanghai on March 25, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

To better facilitate the development of first-in-class new drugs in China, AstraZeneca upgraded its R&D center in Shanghai in 2021, with all projects now being developed in conjunction with its global pipeline.

At least 15 new drugs are expected to be developed and made available to the Chinese market by 2030, covering oncology, respiratory diseases, immunization, vaccines, rare diseases and other therapeutic areas where Chinese patients have the greatest need.

"As China is rapidly emerging as a global scientific powerhouse in the pharmaceutical industry, our company is willing to pool global wisdom and promote innovation in China to benefit more patients," said He Jing, senior vice president of AstraZeneca and head of AstraZeneca R&D China.