J&J IM: Be Bold to shape the future of healthcare in China

As Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, or J&J IM, marks its 40th anniversary in China, the company is embracing a new chapter with bold ambition. Under the theme of "Be Bold", J&J IM is reaffirming its enduring commitment to China through three foundational pillars: breakthrough innovation, unwavering perseverance, and talent empowerment — the driving forces as a pioneer in the pharmaceutical industry.

From being one of the earliest multinational pharmaceutical companies to enter the Chinese market, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine has always been at the forefront of medical science. Over the past four decades, the company has been addressing critical areas such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

"Innovation defines us," said Cherry Huang, president of J&J IM China. "We're not just developing medicines — we're changing life trajectories with first-in-class and best-in-class therapies."

In the next five years, J&J IM plans to launch more than 40 new therapies or indications in China. This commitment is fueled by significant investment — in 2024 alone, Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of J&J IM, invested $17.2 billion, or 19.2 percent of its global revenue, into research and development, surpassing many industry peers.

This bold investment reflects the company's belief in breakthrough science, powered by a global network of scientists and medical experts working hand-in-hand with local partners in China.

Through its open innovation approach, J&J IM is also expanding collaborations with Chinese biotech companies to accelerate drug development and commercialization. Two innovative products in hematology have already been introduced through these partnerships.

"At J&J, we believe that good science can come from anywhere," said Huang. "Our goal is to boldly turn innovation — no matter its origin — into accessible, impactful therapies for more patients around the world."

Courage to persevere

Since the establishment of its first Chinese entity in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, in 1985, J&J IM has embedded the philosophy of "putting patients first" into its DNA.

This commitment is evident in every aspect of its business, from facilitating access to cutting-edge treatments to building robust patient support systems and promoting healthcare awareness.

Since 2015, the company has brought 34 innovative drugs to China, with 31 included in the national reimbursement drug list. Beyond medicines, J&J IM is also actively developing patient-centered ecosystems in critical areas such as mental health, cancer, and lung disease.

Taking oncology as an example, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine excels in hematology and solid tumors. In recent years, thanks to the collective efforts of all stakeholders, these breakthrough therapies have driven steady improvements in survival rates.

A new challenge has emerged: as patients live longer, their needs evolve — demanding greater focus on quality of life, long-term disease management and comprehensive rehabilitation support.

Recognizing this paradigm shift, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine launched an industry-leading initiative in 2024: an oncology full life cycle management ecosystem developed in collaboration with multiple partners.

"By integrating the entire continuum of care — from diagnosis through long-term survivorship — we're empowering patients to combat cancer more effectively while advancing our ultimate vision: transforming malignancies into manageable chronic conditions. In 2025, this transformative program has reached patients nationwide," said a company statement.

Its Mental Health Month campaign, launched in 2011, has already reached over 600 million people, raising awareness and mobilizing support for mental well-being across China.

These ecosystems are built in partnership with the healthcare industry — all working together to offer holistic, personalized care that spans the entire treatment journey.

"More importantly, we want to collaborate with partners to serve over 500,000 patients and their families annually in five years through our evolving patient-centered care ecosystems," Huang noted.

Dare to empower

Talent has always been the cornerstone of J&J IM's success. "We dare to empower people because talent is our most vital resource," Huang emphasized. "It is the living source of our innovation, our vision, and our future."

Since the 1980s, J&J IM has played a key role in nurturing pharmaceutical talent in China. The company now seeks to elevate this mission by fostering a "Be Bold" culture, encouraging employees to take initiative, embrace new challenges and grow from every experience.

"We don't just look at past achievements," said Huang. "We value potential. Through job rotations, cross-functional training, and leadership development programs, we provide diverse opportunities for our people to shine."

Earlier this year, the company launched a 10-month leadership program to prepare high-potential individuals for larger responsibilities. The goal is to develop at least 30 exceptional future leaders in the next five years who can drive innovation both locally and globally, extending China's influence on the global healthcare stage.

Fearless commitment

As J&J IM looks ahead, its leadership remains committed to contributing to China's healthcare transformation with vision and resolve.

"In today's fast-paced world, we cannot simply rely on past glory," said Huang. "We must boldly shape the future together, with our partners, patients and employees."

From innovation that redefines possibilities, to partnerships that center around people, and cultivating talent that leads with purpose, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine continues to dare to lead, as it writes the next chapter of healthcare in China.

tangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn