Pfizer China has invested over US$1.5 billion in China to date and introduced over 50 drugs into the country. How important is China to the Pfizer group, and looking forward, what is the company’s vision for its presence in this market?

Pfizer recognizes the significance of China as a key market and has maintained a strong presence in the country for over 30 years. In fact, China is our largest Emerging Market (EM) and continues to offer attractive growth opportunities. We are committed to working in partnership with the Chinese government to improve patient care and support their healthcare goals. This includes supporting policies that encourage biopharmaceutical innovation, expedite the approval process for new medicines, and elevate the quality of domestic generics to international standards. Our vision for the Chinese market is centered around strengthening our legacy brands portfolio, particularly in cardiovascular and artificial intelligence areas, exploring opportunities in the innovative portfolio and biosimilars, and expanding our reach to more patients across mid- and lower-tier cities and provinces.

Increasingly, the Chinese government is putting pressure on companies to mitigate their environmental footprint. How does Pfizer China balance environmental responsibilities with achieving optimal operational efficiency?

Pfizer is fully aligned with the Chinese government’s focus on reducing the environmental impact caused by manufacturing activities. We approach sustainability with a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset, aiming to create measurable value for our business and society. Leveraging our global presence and scale, we are dedicated to addressing environmental challenges and making a positive difference in local communities. We believe that responsible business practices begin with a comprehensive understanding of our environmental footprint, its impact, and how it can be minimized. By integrating sustainable practices into our operations, we strive to strike a balance between environmental responsibilities and operational efficiency.

The last decade has seen an expansion of Pfizer China’s R&D activity. What has been the most critical driving force pushing Pfizer and the nation to invest more in this area?

The past decade has witnessed significant healthcare reforms in China, including the establishment of the world’s largest medical insurance system, expanded healthcare coverage in rural areas, introduction of catastrophic disease insurance, and reforms in regulations and public hospitals. These reforms, along with the recent update to the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), which enhances patient access to quality medicines, have been critical driving forces for both Pfizer and the nation to invest more in research and development. We believe that access to quality healthcare and fostering innovation are two key priorities for China’s continued progress in the healthcare sector. We are encouraged by the Chinese government’s efforts, such as promoting international multi-centered clinical trials and supporting native and international clinical trials simultaneously, to address the “drug lag” and create an environment conducive to innovation. Pfizer is committed to partnering with stakeholders to help China achieve a balance between innovation and access, modernize its biopharmaceutical sector, and contribute to the development of treatments and cures not only for China but also for the world.

In early 2018, Pfizer China announced an investment in Chinese biotechnology company NetVation DL Medicine. What are the attributes you consider most critical when assessing potential partners in the Chinese biopharmaceutical space?

When evaluating potential partners in the Chinese biopharmaceutical space, Pfizer considers several critical attributes. We seek partners who share our dedication to improving patient outcomes and can contribute value to both patients and shareholders. The availability of new target ideas and novel chemical matter is vital for our success in developing innovative therapies worldwide. Our collaboration with NetVation and other local partners in China exemplifies Pfizer’s commitment to partnering with companies engaged in innovative scientific work that aligns with our strategic goals and strengthens our portfolio across multiple disease areas. By collaborating with such partners, we can expand our capabilities and advance the development of breakthrough treatments.

Going forward, what is your outlook on the future of the country’s pharmaceutical industry, and what steps is Pfizer China taking to ensure its clients and partners that its products meet the highest standards?

 Pfizer places the utmost importance on patient safety and product quality throughout the manufacturing and supply chain process. All Pfizer products released in the market adhere to national and international testing specifications, ensuring their safety and efficacy. We have established a global supply network that guarantees the availability of high-quality products, which have the potential to significantly improve patients’ lives, whenever and wherever they are needed. Pfizer’s supply network maintains consistent high standards for quality, compliance, and supply reliability. By delivering value without compromising quality or compliance, we are able to provide fast and flexible solutions across the entire manufacturing and supply chain spectrum. Our commitment to delivering safe and effective medicines is unwavering, and we continue to uphold the highest standards to ensure the trust and confidence of our clients and partners.