Foreign medical firms, local partners ink more deals

In the medical products pavilion — one of the most bustling areas at the recently concluded seventh China International Import Expo in Shanghai — multinational medical companies reached collaborations with local partners to further contribute to the country's healthcare ecosystem.

Attracting the world's top 10 medical device companies and 11 Fortune 500 pharmaceutical giants, the CIIE functioned as a platform for not only showcasing cutting-edge technologies but also linking healthcare authorities, hospitals and businesses in the country more deeply, the companies said.

Eyecare and eyewear company EssilorLuxottica signed agreements with the governments of Shanghai's Songjiang district and Danyang, Jiangsu province, to upgrade intelligent manufacturing at the production bases, aiming ultimately to deliver more high-quality optical products to consumers.

"As the CIIE provides us with a unique platform to engage with governments, academic institutions, industrial partners and media, we're confident that together we will strive to create a brighter future in China," said Chrystel Barranger, president of professional solutions for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia at EssilorLuxottica.

German company Boehringer Ingelheim and the Chinese Stroke Association also announced a partnership during the expo.

Through the collaboration, both parties aim to advance the treatment of ischemic stroke in the country by increasing the adoption of reperfusion therapies for ischemic stroke patients. The initiative seeks to reduce stroke-related disabilities and improve patients' quality of life.

Timely reperfusion therapy is crucial for ischemic stroke treatment, said experts. This involves restoring blood supply to brain tissues through medication and device interventions within the 4.5-hour window after the onset of symptoms. The approach can prevent further damage to the brain and reduce the rate and severity of disability for patients.

To promote the high-quality development of pediatric healthcare services in China, Roche joined hands with experts, medical institutions and public welfare organizations, and officially launched a pediatric exchange platform during the CIIE.

Together they will carry out sustainable projects, covering six areas, including the standardization of pediatric diagnosis and treatment, general education to empower pediatricians, academic exchanges with foreign entities and knowledge popularization about pediatric diseases.

The insufficiency of pediatric medication is one of the clinical problems. Doctors said many children have difficulty with varying levels of medication, which is usually related to the inappropriate form of the medicines and taste.

The CIIE also helps Chinese enterprises to go global.

Hong Kong-listed Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, entered into a strategic collaboration with SVAX from Saudi Arabia.

The two sides will establish joint ventures in Saudi Arabia to integrate Henlius' capabilities in R&D and manufacturing of biologics with SVAX's local expertise in registration, market access and commercialization.

Such collaboration seeks to advance the global registration and commercialization of multiple products of Henlius, which has already launched six products in China, while three have been approved for marketing in overseas markets.

"Our collaboration with SVAX will help strengthen our presence in key markets while enhancing our international competitiveness. Through the partnership, we aim to deliver more affordable medical solutions to patients in regions including the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye, contributing to the global healthcare initiative," said Zhang Wenjie, executive president of Fosun Pharma and chairman of Henlius.