German pharma giant Boehringer Ingelheim has announced an plan to  increase its investment in China in research and development, production, and commercialization across its human pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses.

The move aims to leverage China's research and clinical strengths earlier in the company's global new-drug development process, bringing more innovative treatments and solutions to patients and customers in China and around the world, according to the company.

Ioannis Sapountzis, president and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim Greater China, said China is becoming an increasingly important hub in global pharmaceutical innovation.

He noted that expanding its footprint in China reflects Boehringer Ingelheim's long-term commitment to the market and plays a key role in the company's global innovation strategy.

Boehringer Ingelheim plans to establish a new R&D center in Zhangjiang Science City in Pudong New Area to strengthen external innovation collaboration and early-stage clinical development capabilities.

The center will generate early clinical evidence and proof-of-concept data for patients with significant unmet medical needs, supporting key decisions to advance promising projects into later development stages.

In recent years, China has become a vital part of the company's global R&D network, with multiple innovative drugs achieving global first launches or simultaneous approvals in the country.

Two innovative products entered the Chinese market in 2026. One is the first approved new therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a decade and for progressive pulmonary fibrosis in more than five years. The other is China's first approved targeted therapy for first-line treatment of HER2-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Boehringer Ingelheim will enhance local production and supply of key innovative drugs. The company also plans to enhance commercialization capabilities and expand market coverage with local partners.

In animal health, the company will leverage its global innovation center in China to focus on livestock and poultry vaccines and pet health, while upgrading production bases in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, and Taizhou, Jiangsu province.

Boehringer Ingelheim aims for nearly 20 regulatory approvals of its products in China by 2030 across cardiorenal, metabolic, respiratory, oncology, and eye health, as well as nearly 10 new animal health products and indications.

Source: Shanghai Observer