MSD vows to strengthen goal of Healthy China with local partners

Global biopharmaceutical giant MSD is celebrating 30 years of growth in the Chinese market and vows to further expand its presence, contributing to China's healthcare industry and public health development. One of the ways it hopes to accomplish this is through more partnerships.

On Sept 28, MSD signed a cooperation framework agreement with State-owned drugmaker and distributor Sinopharm, which has extensive expertise and a powerful network within China's pharmaceutical industry. The agreement will see MSD grant Sinopharm distribution rights and exclusive import rights for its oral antiviral medicine which fights against COVID-19, for patients in the Chinese mainland following regulatory approval. MSD and Sinopharm will also assess the feasibility of a future technology transfer with the aim of facilitating the production, supply, and commercialization of the new medicine in China.

When commenting on the cooperation, Anna Van Acker, senior vice president of MSD, and president of MSD in China said, "The cooperation with Sinopharm, a Chinese pharma giant, is meant to fight against COVID-19 together so that patients if needed can be treated as soon as possible. This is another important step taken by MSD to fulfill our mission, follow our century-old legacy of pandemic fighting, and meet the needs of patients and communities. We are convinced that public health knows no borders, and that international cooperation will accelerate all aspects of drug development and production and help China and even the whole world curb the pandemic.

A committed journey

In 1989, even before opening its first office in the country, MSD began its journey with China by transferring the then most advanced genetically engineered recombinant hepatitis B vaccine technology to help China curb the then-rampant hepatitis B public health problem.

Three years later, MSD established its headquarters in Shanghai. The company aspires to make a difference yet understands that it cannot do it alone.

As a firm believer in the potential of collaboration, MSD has valued its partnership with key players and some of its greatest achievements have been born out of collaborative efforts.

In 2011, MSD partnered with Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products on vaccines' import, distribution, and joint promotion. Among them, HPV and rotavirus vaccines have benefited 25 million Chinese women and girls, and approximately 9 million infants to date.

MSD also seeks to work with public institutions, universities, and associations to collectively promote public health for the well-being of more patients and the general public, enabling them to access affordable medical solutions. The ongoing CIIE is witnessing the launch of a Public Health Scholarship, demonstrating MSD's vision to work with public associations to support public health education for a healthier China.

"I think a successful partnership starts with a shared vision. It's not the size of a partner that matters, but their value system and the purpose. We have common goals, we need to do the right thing the right way, and we focus on our strengths to create synergies that can contribute to faster access or better patient outcomes, because patients are at the core of all of our decisions," Van Acker said.

30 years of growth

For MSD, finding the right partnership in the right place at the right time is just one of the many reasons the company has been successful in China.

As a world-leading research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, MSD's investment in research and development reached $12.2 billion in 2021. In China, the same commitment has resulted in the launch of nearly 30 human health products with more than 1,700 local scientists and supporting function employees at the R & D center in Beijing.

Another driving force is talent, not only for the development of MSD but also for the healthcare industry. The company has expanded significantly over the decades, while making efforts to build a culture of diversity and inclusion and create ample room for individual development. "Another priority we have is our talents. All of the growth and achievements can only happen when we have the best talent, when we provide them with an environment to which they can bring their best selves to work, and when they feel they are writing their future too," Van Acker said.

China has already become one of the biggest growth pillars and most vital markets for MSD's global growth strategy. "The regulatory environment has significantly geared up, the approvals and the access to innovative drugs has greatly improved and accelerated. We want to drive superior access and outcomes for patients and consumers so that healthcare can be enjoyed by all." Van Acker said.

Writing the future

The medical giant is on a continuous journey, aiming to become a trusted and leading partner in China's healthcare ecosystem with a sense of duty and urgency in order to save and improve more patients' lives, according to Van Acker.

Committed to further meeting the huge unmet medical needs in China, MSD launched the "Writing Our Future" China strategy, empowering MSD with sustainable, long-term growth and ongoing development with an ever-growing ability to support the goals of "Healthy China 2030". The Strategy also has a Chinese name where the character 'Yao' has multiple connotations.

"It's a homonym for 'medicine', illustrating our mission to save and improve lives with innovative drugs. It also symbolizes the Chinese character 'key' to patient access, which will help to unlock the benefits of 'Healthy China 2030'," Van Acker explained. "The third meaning is that we 'must' strengthen innovation and collaboration to achieve success. Finally, it demonstrates our determination to jointly 'light up' a brighter future for China's healthcare ecosystem."

Displays at the 5th CIIE

MSD China is showcasing its 30-year legacy and future vision with creative "Future Racetracks" to "Healthy China 2030" at the fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Located at 7.2A3-03, the MSD booth covers an area of 1,000 square meters, making it one of the largest and most eyecatching pavilions.

It consists of three racetracks corresponding to MSD China's core strategy. The M Cafe is one of the fun highlights, demonstrating MSD's innovative spirit of openness and cooperation through an interactive experience area.

A series of innovative exhibits are featured, including key human health products such as HPV vaccines, antiviral medicines, and tumor immunotherapy, as well as intelligent devices in animal health, outlining the remarkable journey and wonderful ideals of MSD in, with and for a flourishing healthcare industry.

There will be more than 10 events and agreement-signing ceremonies between MSD and its ecosystem partners in China at the CIIE, demonstrating the company's strong, long-term commitment to Chinese patients and the general public, to jointly write the future for a healthier China.