Global pharma giants turn to Chinese biotech to tap innovation, valuation growth

The foreign investments can help Chinese companies grow and compete on the global stage, according to Citic Securities

Global pharmaceutical giants are doubling down on investing in China’s fast-growing biotech companies given the sector’s huge room for valuation growth, according to speakers at the Global Health Summit, which concluded in Hong Kong on Saturday.

“They are moving towards investing in companies with strong innovation capability, as well as deeper integration with Chinese partners,” Xu said during a panel discussion on Friday. The investment “could help Chinese companies grow, pushing them to compete on the global stage”, he added.

Under the deal, AstraZeneca will hold a 49 per cent stake while CSPC owns the remaining shares. In its initial phase, the joint venture is expected to focus on manufacturing and supply of products for the global market, with plans to expand its product line in the future.

In May, Swedish wound care and surgical products provider Mölnlycke formed a joint venture with Zhejiang province-based Zhende Medical, a domestic supplier of medical care and protection items, to combine their business portfolios and co-develop future products.