China takes leadership in cell and gene therapy research, commercialization

China is increasingly emerging as a global leader in cell and gene therapy innovation, with the government granting thousands of patents in the field, and Chinese laboratories already conducting or scheduled to begin more than 1,000 clinical trials over the next two years.

 

Driving the industry’s rapid growth are Chinese government policies that speed approvals and registration of new therapies. More than 45 Chinese companies are vying with each other for preeminence in the field, attracting capital investment, and working with the government to develop industry standards. 

 

Cell and gene therapy research is also growing to meet the needs of the COVID-19 pandemic. But that same global health crisis presents strong obstacles to the industry’s continued expansion. The potential is emerging for major disruptions in clinical studies and to both the regulatory approval process and supply chains.