The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), together with nine other government departments, has issued the 15th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry, setting out China's industrial development priorities for the pharmaceutical sector during the 2026–2030 period.
The Plan focuses on strengthening pharmaceutical innovation, advancing the development of innovative medicines and medical devices, and enhancing manufacturing capabilities and supply-chain resilience. Particular attention is given to first-in-class medicines, advanced biopharmaceutical technologies, cell and gene therapies, intelligent medical devices, and the integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies into pharmaceutical research and manufacturing. It also establishes indicative targets for 2030 concerning industrial growth, research and development investment, innovative products and international competitiveness.
For pharmaceutical and medical technology companies operating in or considering entry into the Chinese market, the Plan provides a strategic policy reference for assessing investment priorities, research and development cooperation, manufacturing strategies and opportunities for international collaboration. Its provisions primarily establish industrial policy objectives and development priorities rather than introducing new, generally applicable compliance obligations for individual companies.