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Fosun's Global Drug Strategy: Emphasizing Affordability and Reliability

On October 20, 2026, the Sustainability Global Leaders Conference took place in Shanghai, featuring a notable appearance from Chen Qiyu, Co-CEO of Fosun International. The event gathered over 300 guests, including representatives from UN agencies, Nobel laureates, and experts from various fields, all under the theme of constructing a resilient future for global governance and industrial growth.

Significance of the Conference

Chen Qiyu's speech, themed "Value-Driven Globalization of Chinese Enterprises," highlighted the transformative journey of Chinese innovative drugs. He stated, "Chinese innovative drugs are not just participants in global innovation anymore; they are now contributing to global health solutions."

The statistics support this claim, with the global licensing deals for Chinese innovative drugs amounting to around USD 136 billion in 2025. By the first half of 2026, this figure had already surpassed USD 100 billion, demonstrating significant growth in the sector. Additionally, clinical research assets originating from China now represent one-third of the global total, rivaling contributions from the United States.

The Core Mission of Fosun

Central to Chen's vision for Fosun is a commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide. He pointed out that the fundamental purpose of innovation at Fosun is to aid more people in living healthier lives. Chen asserted, "As we expand the global reach of Chinese medicines, our focus must be on the value these innovations bring to patients."

Pharmaceuticals and healthcare have been foundational areas for Fosun since its inception. Chen recounted the company's early days when it developed a PCR-based diagnostic reagent for hepatitis B in 1993, coinciding with the Nobel Prize being awarded for PCR technology.

Historical Impact of Innovations

Over the years, Fosun has been unwavering in its pursuit of scientific advancement. Chen cited artesunate, a treatment for malaria derived from artemisinin discovered by Tu Youyou, as a prominent example of Fosun's pioneering efforts. Following Fosun's acquisition of Guilin Pharma, the company invested heavily in research and development, improving manufacturing processes and quality systems. This led to artesunate receiving WHO prequalification, allowing it to reach millions of patients in need.

By June 30, 2026, Fosun had supplied over 460 million vials of artesunate globally, with significant impacts demonstrated in malaria treatment results across Africa. Chen emphasized, "Scientific discovery offers hope, and sustained innovation ensures that this hope is translated into tangible benefits for patients."

Affordability and Reliability as Competitive Advantages

As Chinese innovative drugs gain traction in the global market, a pertinent question arises regarding their competitive edge. Chen identified affordability and reliability as critical attributes. Citing the success of HANQUYOU, a trastuzumab biosimilar for breast cancer treatment, Chen explained how Fosun was able to significantly reduce treatment costs, allowing more patients access to effective medicines.

He underscored the importance of maintaining quality standards alongside affordability, stating, "Our target extends beyond merely providing lower prices; we are equally dedicated to ensuring the trustworthiness of our products."

Meeting Global Standards

Fosun's commitment to international standards is exemplified by HANQUYOU's approval in major markets like the EU and the U.S. This reflects the potential for affordable Chinese medicines to compete on a global scale. However, Chen cautioned that achieving such competitiveness requires overcoming significant development costs and stringent quality requirements—challenges that Chinese firms must navigate adeptly.

Innovation and Future Development

In the pursuit of becoming a multinational innovative drug entity rooted in China, Fosun continues to enhance its development frameworks. The company has invested considerably in innovative drug research; in 2026, its R&D expenditure was RMB 3.247 billion, with a substantial portion directed toward innovative drug development.

Fosun's future strategy has been shaped by three principles: leveraging Chinese innovation, fostering global collaborations, and ensuring access to affordable healthcare. The aim is to make innovations accessible to broader populations globally, thus improving health equity.

Conclusion

As Fosun aims to bring its innovative Chinese drugs to international markets, Chen Qiyu affirms the company’s unwavering commitment to creating significant health impacts worldwide. With a focus on both affordability and reliability, Fosun seeks to set a benchmark for the global pharmaceutical industry by facilitating broader access to effective and life-saving treatments. Chen stated, "At the heart of innovation lies a mission to enhance lives, ensuring that science translates to improved health for all."

Fosun's journey exemplifies how a dedicated approach towards healthcare transformation can yield significant benefits for patients globally.