China is the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market — and a vital anchor for many global companies. Innovation continues to emerge from local biopharma, but commercializing new products across 12,000 public hospitals and thousands more private institutions presents real challenges. 

In this video briefing, L.E.K. Partner Helen Chen explains why partnerships and licensing deals are becoming the preferred route to market. Drawing on examples like Merck’s 2023 collaboration with China’s Abisco, she highlights how the right partnerships can accelerate pipelines, expand portfolios, and strengthen therapeutic area leadership. Watch the full video to learn how global and local players can capture value from China’s innovation while navigating capital constraints and competitive pressures.

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