Shanghai's action plan aims to boost its gene therapy innovation capacity by 2025, with projects like the Zhangjiang Cell and Gene Industry Park set to enhance technological development in the sector.

Merck Testing plans to introduce advanced stem cell and gene therapy testing technologies from its parent company within six months, significantly enhancing its operations in Shanghai's Free Trade Zone.

On November 14, 2024, six foreign-invested biotechnology companies, including Merck Testing and Frontera Therapeutics, expanded their business scope to include cell and gene therapy in Shanghai's Pudong New Area.

The approved products from these companies can now be utilized nationwide in China, highlighting the country's commitment to liberalizing its healthcare sector.

Chen Li from Neukio Biotherapeutics emphasized that this regulatory change will accelerate the domestic cell and gene therapy industry and attract significant foreign investment and talent.

Pudong has emerged as a core hub for the cell and gene industry, with three CAR-T products already approved and ongoing developments targeting major illnesses.

Shanghai's commitment to international cooperation in life sciences was underscored by Chen Jining, Party secretary of Shanghai, during the recent International Biopharma Industry Week.

The revised business scope enhances the investment environment in China's cell and gene therapy sector, which is already recognized as a global leader.

This policy relaxation is expected to attract advanced technologies and expertise from multinational companies, fostering collaborations with local research institutions.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in a pilot project that allows foreign companies to engage in human stem cell development, gene diagnostics, and therapeutic technologies in Pudong.

The initiative follows a September announcement by the Ministry of Commerce, National Health Commission, and National Medical Products Administration, permitting foreign participation in eight cities for product registration and production.

Cell and gene therapy represents a new generation of precision medicine aimed at treating serious conditions such as tumors and rare diseases.