Study finds China approved more cancer drugs than US between 2020-2025, but US led in first-in-class and speed

A new analysis published in Health Affairs compares oncology drug approvals by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2020 through 2025. The data show the NMPA approved a larger total number of cancer therapies during that period.

Despite the higher overall count, the FDA approved more first‑in‑class oncology agents and tended to bring new products to market faster than its Chinese counterpart. The study highlights a gap in the novelty and speed of approvals between the two regulators.

These differences suggest divergent regulatory approaches that could affect pharmaceutical investment decisions and strategic planning for companies targeting the Chinese and U.S. markets.