China’s biotech sector sets record $60 billion deal volume
In the first quarter of 2026, the volume of cross-border deals involving licensing of developments by Chinese biotech companies reached a record $60 billion. This information was reported by China’s National Medical Products Administration. The figure highlights growing global interest from pharmaceutical corporations in China’s innovative medical breakthroughs.
The total value of deals signed in this period increased by 73% year-on-year, reaching $136 billion—nearly half of the total deal volume recorded throughout 2025. This milestone reflects rapid growth and strengthening of China's biotech sector on the international stage.
Analysts attribute this surge to accelerated industry development and improved quality of Chinese biotech research and products. The innovative drug market in China is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 20% between 2026 and 2030.
China’s biotech sector is one of the country’s priority high-tech industries, backed by government efforts promoting investment in scientific research and new medicine development.
Consequently, the record-breaking cross-border deals and expanding market size confirm China’s enhanced position in the global biotech industry and lay the foundation for further growth in the coming years.
With continued state support and increased international cooperation, China’s biotech sector is projected to maintain strong momentum and expand its economic role in global pharmaceuticals.
