China has emerged as the world’s second-largest hub for new drug development, with domestically researched medicines now accounting for more than one-fifth of the global pipeline, according to health officials.
Guo Yanhong, deputy head of the National Health Commission, highlighted the country’s rapid progress at a press briefing on healthcare advances from 2021 to 2025. He confirmed that in recent years, China has rolled out a series of homegrown innovative drugs, including cutting-edge cancer therapies, that are filling long-standing treatment gaps.
He says one of these breakthroughs, Zanubrutinib, has already gained approval in multiple countries worldwide.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, China is also making notable strides in high-end medical technology. Breakthroughs include:
- Photon-counting CT scanners capable of up to three times the resolution of conventional models, offering faster scans with lower radiation exposure.
- Robotic surgery systems for orthopedics and soft-tissue operations, improving precision and minimizing trauma.
- Life-support and advanced therapeutic equipment, such as ECMO machines, artificial hearts, and proton and heavy-ion therapy systems, all of which have been independently developed and deployed in domestic hospitals.
These innovations, according to the NHC official, are enabling patients to access more affordable, cutting-edge, locally made medical solutions, strengthening both healthcare quality and availability across the country.
China is also advancing in novel therapies for hard-to-treat diseases. Guo spotlighted a breakthrough treatment for immunotherapy-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer, developed under a national science and technology initiative. The therapy increased patient response rates from 13% to 44% and extended progression-free survival by 61% — outcomes described as the best globally in this field.
“China’s innovations in pharmaceuticals and medical technology are not only safeguarding public health but also elevating the nation’s capacity to deliver world-class healthcare,” Guo said.
