At the recent China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, we had the chance to speak with Jin Fangqian, the Vice President and General Manager of Gilead Sciences China, about the company’s journey and ambitions in the region.
As Gilead Sciences prepares for its third appearance at the expo in 2024, it’s clear that their presence has grown significantly. “From our initial participation, our booth size increased fivefold this year, and we’ve dedicated twice as much space to showcasing innovative products,” Jin shared. “We’ve even created a dedicated area for our research pipeline to highlight our ongoing clinical studies and new product launches in China.”
Gilead’s commitment to the Chinese market is evident, with 11 of its leading drugs now approved in the country since they began operations here in 2017, and 8 of those included in the national medical insurance catalog. “China is one of our three major strategic markets globally, and attending the CIIE has truly allowed us to witness the impressive speed at which innovations can reach patients here,” Jin noted.
He referred to the innovative drugs that have launched thanks to the expo, affectionately calling them “CIIE babies.” For instance, after participating in the 2022 expo, Gilead introduced two new drugs in the antifungal and oncology fields. “The antifungal drug, Adefovir dipivoxil, received market approval just three months post-expo—this is a great example of the expedited access that can happen in China,” Jin explained.
Looking ahead, Gilead is eager to showcase its latest breakthrough, the long-acting HIV medication Lenacapavir, which generated substantial interest at the 2023 expo. “The CIIE has become an important accelerator for the launch of innovative drugs, helping to streamline the process significantly,” Jin emphasized.
Gilead also views the expo as a chance to broaden its medical collaboration ecosystem. In previous years, it has initiated projects like the hepatitis C case management program with the China STD/AIDS Foundation and signed cooperation agreements to promote HIV treatment through collaboration with local health organizations.
“We’re committed to expanding our network within the healthcare ecosystem in China,” Jin stated. “Our partnerships illustrate the win-win relationships we aim to build.”
Amidst the growing opportunities in the Chinese market, Gilead is prioritizing local research and development. “The CIIE has shown us the platform’s potential to convert showcased products into marketable items. We recognize China’s ambition to share development opportunities globally, and this reinforces our determination to deepen our presence and invest in local medical innovation,” Jin declared.
With a focus on patient-centered outcomes, Gilead is launching clinical research projects in sync with global timelines, particularly in oncology and virology. “Our goal is to ensure that innovative therapies reach patients promptly in China,” Jin concluded, highlighting the company’s commitment to overcoming barriers to accessibility and enhancing local research capabilities for the benefit of patients.
