CPIC 2026 opens in Shanghai on July 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Global pharmaceutical leaders convened in Shanghai on July 22 for the first China Pharmaceutical Innovation Conference (CPIC 2026). The three-day event is taking place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in the Hongqiao International Central Business District.
The conference positions China as a burgeoning hub for global drug innovation and cross-border collaboration. It focuses on two forward-looking questions: How can China's efficiency accelerate global drug innovation, and how can global capital better seize the opportunities available in China?
The event has attracted over 10,000 participants from 22 countries, featuring nearly 900 speakers sharing insights across 65 sessions.
Organized by Tonacea, a platform in China's biopharmaceutical innovation sector, the conference follows the model of "China Innovation – Global Partnerships – Shanghai Dealmaking" to foster global collaboration within China's innovative pharmaceutical ecosystem.
Kong Fu'an, executive deputy director of the Administrative Commission of Shanghai Hongqiao International CBD, said at the opening ceremony that China has elevated biopharmaceuticals to a strategic pillar industry. He said Shanghai will provide enhanced policy support for global industry cooperation.
Kong Fu'an delivers a speech at CPIC 2026. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In a video address, Olivier Charmeil, executive vice-president of global drugmaker Sanofi, said he hoped the connections made during the conference would lead to meaningful partnerships that accelerate the delivery of innovative medicines to patients both in China and around the world.
CPIC brought together a high-caliber assembly of multinational pharmaceutical giants, global investment banks, major stock exchanges, and top-tier legal and accounting firms.
Beyond deep-dive explorations of China's biopharmaceutical landscape and site visits to flagship industrial parks, participants can engage in one-on-one strategic matchmaking with over 1,000 pioneering enterprises to facilitate high-impact cross-border deals.
Cheng Zengjiang, founder of Tonacea and executive chairman of CPIC, said China needs a global pharmaceutical conference of its own to showcase its innovation strength and connect domestic companies with international partners.
As drug development costs continue to rise worldwide, he said China offers advantages in clinical resources, manufacturing capacity, talent and development efficiency. The model of "Developed in China, validated globally and shared worldwide" has become an increasingly important path for international pharmaceutical cooperation.
Cheng also announced that CPIC will become an annual event after Tonacea signed a long-term strategic agreement with the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
