Shanghai, the cradle of China's modern biomedical sector, stands at the forefront of innovation with a thriving ecosystem of top-tier biomedical enterprises.

Leading the nation in scientific and technological advancements in biomedicine, the city has strategically focused on the "R&D in Zhangjiang + Made in Shanghai" initiative.

This visionary approach aims to cultivate a world-class biomedical industry cluster, solidifying Shanghai's position as a global hub for cutting-edge research, development, and manufacturing in the biomedical field.

I. Key segments

Drugs

• High-end biologics
• Innovative chemical drugs and high-end formulations
• Modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

High-end medical devices

• High-end imaging equipment
• High-end implantable and interventional devices and consumables
• Surgery and life support equipment
• High-end rehabilitation aids
• In vitro diagnostic devices and reagents
• Biomedical materials

Advanced equipment and materials

• Precision instruments for scientific research
• Pharmaceutical equipment
• High-end raw and auxiliary materials

Medical services

• New models of service outsourcing
• Digital healthcare (pharmaceutical) products and services

II. Development opportunities

Full support for achievement transformation

• Shanghai saw the approval of 7 new domestically-developed Class I innovative drugs for market launch, ranking second nationally;
• 329 domestically-developed Class I innovative drugs received clinical trial approval.

Ample supply of clinical resources

• Shanghai is home to 6 national clinical medical research centers;
• 33 municipal hospitals have built over 3,000 demonstration beds for research purposes.

Clustering of leading enterprises

• Foreign-invested biomedical enterprises account for about 60 percent of the city's total biomedical enterprises;
• 18 of the world's top 20 pharmaceutical companies and 18 of the world's top 20 medical device companies have set up their China headquarters, R&D centers, or production bases in the city.

III. Industry support

Industry associations

• Shanghai Biopharmaceutics Industry Association (SBIA)
• Shanghai Medical Instrument Trade Association (SMI)

Conventions and exhibitions

• International Biopharma Industry Week Shanghai
• Shanghai International Biomedical Industry Exhibition

Industry platforms

• Shanghai Functional Platform for Biomedical R&D and Innovative Translation (SFPBRIT)
• Shanghai Center of Biomedicine Development (SCBD)

IV. Industry map

V. Spatial layout: '1 + 5 + X'

One core

Zhangjiang Core Zone for Leading Biomedical Innovation: Areas of focus — small-molecule drugs, cell therapy, antibody drugs, minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, etc.

Five specialized industry zones

• Pilot Demonstration Zone for Precision Medicine in the Lin-gang Special Area
• Integrated Development Area for Life Science and Healthcare in Oriental Beauty Valley
• Golden Coast Green Zone for Modern Pharmaceuticals
• North Shanghai High-end Biomedical Manufacturing Cluster
• South Hongqiao Pilot Zone for Smart Healthcare Innovation

Multiple specialized industry carriers

G60 Biomedical Industry Base, Qingpu Life Science Park, Circum-Tongji Medical College Base for Life Science and Healthcare, etc.

Source: 2025 Shanghai Foreign Investment Guide