‘Product Development Capability’ key to Biologics growth in China
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Biologic manufacturing in China is still in its early stages, but given the developments that have been transpiring lately, there is no denying that a path to growth is clearly set. Dr. Allan Riting Liu, Senior Advisor and Vice President of Wanbang Biopharmaceutical Group shared some of his thoughts about the fast-growing biopharma industry.
Dr. Liu’s 20 years of experience in R&D and business development at international pharmaceutical companies and research institutions has given him a unique insight about the industry and how long-term growth can be achieved by Chinese entrepreneurs dealing in this trade.
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IQPC: In your opinion, what is biggest challenge for biologics manufacturing in China?
Dr. Liu: In the short term, product quality and the compliance to the international cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) standards at a cost effective way are the major challenges for the Chinese biologics manufacturing. In the long term, the challenges are a little different. Chinese entrepreneurs need to learn the business model of “product development capability”, totally different from the opportunistic business model that they are used to. The former model involves a mechanism to motivate and really respect talents who possess expertise that needs long-term training and development at high levels such as those in world-famous universities or global big companies.
In other words, this challenge requires that the No.1 leader or CEO of the enterprise needs to possess the ability to identify the true value of R&D talent—who can really do the job and how much and what you need to offer to attract such talent? I think this is the greatest hardship in shifting from the opportunistic model to the "product-development-capability" model.
IQPC: Do you see significant opportunities in biologic manufacturing in China for companies engaged in such trade and what would you consider as key factors for success?
Dr. Liu: I see two significant opportunities: First is to use China as a global manufacturing base to manufacture high quality, cGMP compliant biologics products particularly monoclonal antibodies for the global market. Second is to manufacture biologics products that are Chinese cGMP compliant and are sold at lower prices, which many Chinese people will find affordable.
IQPC: What kind of advancements would you like to see in the biologic manufacturing sector? How will it help the entire industry in general?
Dr. Liu: In the current environment, we see an increasing number of pharmaceutical companies that are willing to invest to develop and manufacture bio-similar products. This is an important initial step for developing biologic products that will help the industry as a whole.
IQPC: How do you foresee the future of biologics manufacturing in China in 3-5 years time?
Dr. Liu:In the next 3-5 years, I believe that more domestic companies would make it a part of their corporate strategy to develop biologics. At the same time, we will also be looking at more partnerships that will be established between Chinese domestic companies and foreign companies.
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Hear more from Dr. Allan Riting Liu as he focuses on the opportunities and challenges for biosimilars development in China at Biologic Manufacturing China 2012.
To learn more email us at enquiry@iqpc.com.sg or visit www.biologicmanufacturing.com
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