Early Inclusion of China Boosts Global Biotech Clinical Development Efficiency

Many global biotech firms still treat China as a later-stage commercial market, adding it only after key development decisions. This practice often forces costly bridging studies, extends timelines, and leaves China’s research capacity underused.

Over the last ten years China has shifted from a pure commercial destination to a strategic engine for worldwide drug development. Incorporating China from the earliest planning stages can speed trials, improve data quality and reduce costs.

George Li, Managing Director of Clinical Development for China at Syneos Health, said sponsors who embed China early capture far greater value than those who consider it only as an operational afterthought.

Since joining the ICH in 2017, China’s regulatory framework has evolved, allowing faster participation in global trials and supporting the move toward early inclusion.