Novo Nordisk typifies how import expo helps to build success

Danish biopharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has participated in consecutive editions of the China International Import Expo — each one marking another benchmark in enhancing the company's global profile and commitment to improving healthcare.

Expanding from a 250-square-meter booth with nine innovative drugs at the first CIIE to an 800-sq-m booth with 22 innovative drugs and injection devices for the fifth edition, the century-old enterprise views the CIIE as a perfect platform to showcase its new achievements.

"We attach great importance to the Chinese market and will continue to fulfill our long-term commitment of 'In China, For China; In China, For the World', constantly strengthening our layout and capability in the industrial chain in China," said Zhou Xiaping, president of Novo Nordisk China.

With the aim of turning exhibits into commodities, the CIIE has helped accelerate the market approval process for imported drugs and medical devices in China. Over the past five expos, Novo Nordisk showcased a total of 18 innovative drugs and 10 injection devices, and many other globally innovative products have likewise gone from concepts to marketable products in China that are eligible for inclusion in medical insurance.

"The CIIE is an important window for the world to observe China, showcasing the country's openness, cooperation and inclusiveness. The fact that many of our globally innovative products have entered the Chinese market and helped more patients is the best proof of this," Zhou said.

The CIIE has also prompted Novo Nordisk to ramp up investment in the country. During the 2020 expo, the company signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with the administrative committee of the Lingang New Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone to invest 200 million yuan ($27.38 million) in establishing its medical trade branch in Shanghai. The company is engaged in pharmaceutical research and development, finished products import, and distribution, becoming the first multinational pharmaceutical enterprise to settle in the new area. Currently, it has more than 3,500 employees.

At the fifth CIIE, Novo Nordisk announced another investment of 400 million yuan to establish its investment branch in the Lingang area, achieving controlling stakes in its production, trade, and R&D business engines on the Chinese mainland. Since 2019, Novo Nordisk's Tianjin factory has become the only global production base for insulin-durable injection devices, supplying products to more than 70 countries and regions. In February of this year, the factory was expanded and new production lines were introduced, adding new impetus to its portfolio made in China.

To further develop in the Chinese market, Novo Nordisk has launched a collaborative innovation program to ensure Chinese patients can benefit simultaneously from global innovative drugs.

In April, the program applied for market approval of a Novo Nordisk insulin product, marking the first time it has completed clinical trials in China, the European Union, and the United States and submitted a new drug application simultaneously. Relevant documents will also be displayed at the sixth CIIE, according to the company.