Investing in China is investing in the future, Lundbeck's senior executive says

Editor's Note: As China steps up efforts to boost domestic demand and drive consumption-led growth, multinational corporations are uniquely positioned to seize the opportunities presented by this transformative period. China Daily examines how these companies are aligning with China's new round of high-standard opening-up policies, embracing emerging tech innovation trends, and expanding their presence in a market that increasingly values high-quality development and upgraded consumption.

Interview Questions and Answers:

1. Driving domestic consumption is a top priority for China's economic growth this year. With the country placing greater emphasis on consumption-led development, how is your company adapting its products, services, or localization strategies to meet evolving domestic demand and shifting consumer preferences?

In regards to the healthcare industry that Lundbeck is in, it is one of the strategic industry pillars and a key contributor to China's economic growth. It is also an industry that has strong connection with people's well-being.

As a pharmaceutical company solely focused on neuroscience, Lundbeck is committed to advancing brain health and transforming lives in China and globally. We have been leveraging our domain expertise in brain health to ease the burden of people with brain disorders in China, while delivering our business goals for nearly two decades.

Improving migraine care has become a key focus for Lundbeck in China, alongside mental health and broader brain health services. Migraine's impact is growing, particularly among middle-aged individuals, and patients increasingly demand high-quality therapies. Lundbeck has responded to this need by introducing innovative migraine therapy through China's early access pathways. Pilot launches in zones such as the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area have already benefited patients.

This approach reflects Lundbeck's commitment to supporting China's healthcare evolution while staying true to our purpose of advancing brain health and transforming lives.

2. "China Travel" and "Shopping in China" have become buzzwords among international visitors, fueled by China's unilateral visa-free policies for multiple countries and the new initiative allowing eligible travelers to receive instant tax refunds. How is your business planning to innovate and capture the momentum from this trend? Additionally, how do you view emerging opportunities in areas such as green technology, the low-altitude economy, smart manufacturing, and experiential services?

As a global company with a long-term vision for sustainable development in China, Lundbeck welcomes these forward-thinking policies. They not only position China as a top destination for international consumers but also strengthen the domestic economy, creating a robust foundation for sustainable business operations for multinational companies like ours.

To harness this momentum, we are committed to accelerating the pace of global innovation in China. This includes fostering international academic collaboration and advancing brain health standards across the nation - not only in major cities but also in rural areas where there is a pressing need for high-quality healthcare solutions.

3. AI and digitalization are rapidly transforming industries across the globe. How are your China operations incorporating these technologies to boost efficiency, improve customer experiences, or unlock new revenue streams in light of the country's push for "new quality productive forces"?

AI and digitalization are revolutionizing industries worldwide, and Lundbeck China is embracing these transformative technologies to boost efficiency, enhance patient experiences, and unlock new opportunities. In line with China's push for "new quality productive forces", we are leveraging digital innovation to shape the future of healthcare.

Lundbeck China is actively collaborating with leading digital healthcare companies to expand mental health awareness and improve patient access through online platforms. These partnerships are vital in bridging gaps in healthcare and enhancing patient outcomes. By integrating advanced digital technologies, we are optimizing processes across our value chain, paving the way for more efficient and patient-centric solutions.

Our journey in digital transformation is far from over. We remain dedicated to exploring new possibilities that strengthen our competitiveness in the Chinese market while improving lives for those living with brain disorders. Overall, at Lundbeck China, digital innovation is more than a strategy - it's a commitment to advancing brain health and transforming lives.

4. China is stepping up efforts to promote high-end manufacturing, the digital economy, and upgraded services. In this context, is your company planning to increase investment, establish new partnerships, or expand R&D capabilities in China? What are the core objectives of your long-term strategy in the Chinese market?

China is Lundbeck's second-largest market globally, and we are deeply committed to its long-term sustainable development. "Believing in China is believing in tomorrow, investing in China is investing in the future." These words resonate strongly with Lundbeck's vision, as our core objectives align with China's pursuit of innovation and high-quality development.

Building on our strong legacy in psychiatry and neurology, Lundbeck is expanding into neuro-specialty and neuro-rare areas. In China, our aspiration is clear: to be a focused innovator in neuroscience, a trusted partner to the Chinese brain health community, and a significant contributor to easing the burden for patients living with brain disorders.

With patients at the center of everything we do and our expertise in neuroscience, we are continuing working closely with stakeholders across the local brain healthcare ecosystem to expand market access, promote synchronized global R&D efforts, drive digital transformation, strengthen collaborations to deepen our roots in the Chinese market while fulfilling our unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Chinese patients.