Forum discusses how foreign pharma can empower China's public health system

A forum about China's public health and epidemic prevention efforts was held on the opening day of the 5th China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Nov 5.

During the event, participants from the CIIE Bureau and members of the CIIE Public Health Epidemic Prevention Special Committee discussed how foreign pharma companies could coordinate resources and collaborate so as to empower China's public health system.

"The CIIE is committed to creating a platform to facilitate communication between government departments and enterprises. We expect all the efforts to drive development and improve public well-being," said Liu Fuxue, deputy director general of the CIIE Bureau.

"The Hall of Medical Equipment and Healthcare Products has been a feature ever since the inaugural CIIE in 2018. We then set up an area dedicated to public health and epidemic prevention at the third CIIE. We hope that all parties involved could share resources and promote communication and collaboration to empower China's public health system."

Jean-Christophe Pointeau, China president for Pfizer Global Biopharma Business, said the CIIE has proved to be a valuable platform for exhibition and communication to enhance joint efforts to optimize the public health and epidemic prevention system.

During last year's CIIE, Pfizer's antiviral oral therapeutic drug for COVID-19 Paxlovid made its debut in China. Earlier this year, the drug was granted approval in China as authorities optimized drug review and approval procedures.

"China has opened new ground for its public health system by introducing innovative reform on drug approval procedures. This has also brought tremendous opportunities for business development," said Pointau. "With the approval of the Chinese authorities, Paxlovid is now covered under reimbursement schemes in many places, allowing Chinese patients to benefit from this breakthrough innovation together with other people in the world. This is the best proof of win-win collaboration."

A blue paper on China's public health and epidemic prevention was also released at the forum. The paper, compiled by the special committee, took an in-depth look at six companies - Pfizer, Siemens Healthineers, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, BioMerieux and PerkinElmer - and how their investments, best practices, innovations, corporate social responsibility and strategic agendas in China can be used as a reference to enhance China's public health system.

The CIIE Public Health Epidemic Prevention Special Committee was established in June 2020 to facilitate exchanges about cutting-edge public health and epidemic prevention products, technologies and services.