A higher level of international cooperation is needed to enhance the resilience of the biopharmaceutical industry to ensure better preparation for future health emergencies and the well-being of humanity, experts and business leaders said.

The remarks were made during a panel discussion on "Biopharmaceutical Innovation and the New Path of International Cooperation" at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023, which was held in Hainan province from March 28 to 31.

"By promoting development through international cooperation, we can enhance the resilience of the industry and provide solid protection for health," said Qin Xiaoling, director-general of the Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation at the National Medical Products Administration of China.

Building resilience is not only about the safe use of drugs, but also the high-quality development of the pharmaceutical industry, which requires a balanced approach to safety, health and development, Qin said.

Qin also said this will require proper policies, technological support and international cooperation.

Wang Xiaodong, member of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States and a foreign associate of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said one of the biggest differences in the industry in recent years is that people have now realized that China has risen to be a major global player.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wang said there have been several Chinese companies working on new vaccine development, from recombinant protein to mRNA and of all sorts.

On March 22, China approved its first COVID-19 vaccine based on mRNA technology to be used within the country. The vaccine was developed by domestic drug manufacturer CSPC Pharmaceutical Group.

Wang said he is confident that Chinese companies will be able to make better medicines than those currently available. And when that happens, it will have a global impact as it will help lower the whole cost structure of the industry and make medicines much more affordable.