Chinese Vice President Han Zheng has called upon global pharmaceutical companies, including Novo Nordisk, to strengthen their collaborations within China's expanding biomedical sector. This appeal was made during a recent meeting with Helge Lund, the chair of Novo Nordisk's board of directors, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

Han emphasized that through ongoing reforms and high-level openings, China is poised to offer substantial development opportunities for international enterprises. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare landscape and welcomed Novo Nordisk and other leading players in the biomedical arena.

In his remarks, Han highlighted China’s significant advancements in healthcare, pointing out that the country has established the world's largest basic healthcare insurance network. Furthermore, he noted the increase in average life expectancy, underscoring the nation's focus on prioritizing public health.

Lund acknowledged China's impressive economic and social progress in recent years. He also outlined Novo Nordisk's plans to deepen its market presence in China by increasing investments, thereby aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes.

In a separate engagement on the same day, Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), also met with Lund. Their discussions centered on enhancing international cooperation within industrial and supply chains, particularly regarding Novo Nordisk's investment initiatives in the Chinese market.

China's increasing economic growth and rising living standards have fostered rapid advancements in innovative pharmaceuticals. Many multinational firms are now intensifying their efforts to establish research and development (R&D) centers in the country.

For instance, in March, Pfizer inaugurated a new R&D center at the BioPark located in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca announced a significant investment of $2.5 billion in Beijing, which will support the establishment of a global strategic R&D center.

The Chinese authorities approved 43 innovative drugs during the first half of 2025, marking a 59 percent increase from the previous year. This surge nearly matches the total of 48 approvals recorded throughout the entire previous year, according to data from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

The approved innovative drugs largely target serious health conditions, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases, thereby addressing critical healthcare needs within the country.

This growing emphasis on biomedical collaboration and investment underlines China's commitment to enhancing its healthcare system while fostering a conducive environment for foreign investments in the pharmaceutical sector.