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China’s innovative drug deals pivot to AI-powered candidates

Cross-border innovative drug deals totaled US$110 billion in the first half of 2026, and 81 deals through June 30 already matched about 80% of last year’s full-year figure.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

China’s cross-border deals for innovative drugs surged to a record US$110 billion in the first half of 2026, and the sector is now shifting toward AI-powered drug candidates to fuel the next wave of transactions, according to SCMP Economy.

SCMP Economy reports that about 30% of all new drugs currently under development worldwide are attributed to China, where the industry ranks second globally. China’s National Medical Products Administration deputy director general, Lan Gongtao, linked the outlook to AI-powered development, while Chinese state media said 81 deals were sealed by June 30, already equaling about 80% of last year’s full total.

The deals spanned 10 therapeutic areas, including oncology, metabolic diseases, immunology and neurology. Buyers came from 20 countries and regions, with activity led by the US, the UK, France and Italy, SCMP Economy reported.

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