CPHI & PMEC China 2025: Navigating through China's Spectacular BioPharma Industry forging Asia-Pacific

July 11, 2025 | Friday | News | By Hithaishi C Bhaskar

CPHI & PMEC China, held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from June 24 to 26, highlighted China's pivotal role in reshaping global value chains. The event underscored the pharmaceutical industry's evolving landscape, driven by market expansion, increased capital investment from biotech and major pharmaceutical companies, and a surge in global outreach efforts.

Image Credit: CPHI & PMEC China 2025

CPHI & PMEC China 2025 redefined China's pharmaceutical landscape, offering unparalleled opportunities for industry leaders to explore new horizons, navigate the country’s country’s rapidly expanding market and its growing appeal to global investors, driven by dynamic market dynamics.

CPHI & PMEC China returned to the Shanghai New International Expo Center on June 24-26, riding a wave of renewed international interest as the pharmaceutical industry rebounds from recent developments in global trade and investment. The 2025 edition was poised to be the largest pharma event in Asia, with over 90,000 attendees and more than 12,000 International executives from 150 countries convened to network, exchange knowledge, and collaborate, unlocking new growth opportunities across Asia's thriving pharmaceutical sector.With over 20 years of legacy connecting global and Chinese pharmaceutical professionals for sourcing, networking, learning, and innovation, CPHI & PMEC China is proven as Asia's leading pharmaceutical event.

Recent trade tariff disruptions and evolving market dynamics are reshaping the global pharmaceutical landscape, driving curiosity about market shares, cross-border trade prospects and increasing capital expenditure from biotech and major pharmaceutical companies, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. This shift was evident at CPHI & PMEC China, where a throng of executives at the spectacularly spacious exhibit provided evidence of the industry's growing global ambitions. Pharma and life science enthusiasts were able to connect at a magnificent exhibition focusing on a wide range of industry aspects from ingredients to suppliers to equipment providers to bioscience solutions to APIs, reflecting the tremendous potential and rapid growth of the industry.

Spectacular throngs of global executives gathered to discuss industry trends:

CPHI & PMEC China 2025 reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the pharmaceutical industry through a series of highly impactful forums and seminars. The forum featured an exhibition area of more than 230,000 square meters, attracted over 100 conferences, and held over 150 presentations during the three-day long extensive event. Global industry leaders came together to share their expertise, innovative approaches, and insights into trade prospects, fostering knowledge exchange and driving innovation.

A dynamic start to the event was marked by the 14th Pharmaceutical Industry International Development Forum and the Natural Extracts hosted Buyer Program. During the first day, a plant visit was organized to provide comprehensive insight into pharmaceutical equipment and to explore the future of bioengineering and fluid equipment.

CPHI & PMEC hosted a series of conferences to amplify the voices of thought leaders from across the globe, who brainstormed their passion for the industry, discoveries, and crucial insights across multiple stages throughout the three-day event. For stakeholders in the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare industries, these presentations provide valuable insight into market expansion and innovation strategies.

Some of the notable sessions from Key Opinion Leader (KOL) are listed below:

CPHI Pharmaceutical Innovation and Development Forum 2025 was held alongside the Global Trade Access Regulations and Compliance Strategies Seminar for Pharmaceutical Intermediates. The session on "Cooperation with Medicines Patent Pool to Access LMICs Market" highlighted the Go Global efforts of the Chinese pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the MPP business model and the therapeutic area prioritization process. It provided a detailed pathway for Chinese companies to partner with MPP and access low- and middle-income country (LMIC) markets. Strategic collaborations and market expansion avenues were explored in detail during this session.

The “Pharmaceutical CXO Ecosystem Collaboration and Development Forum” and the “Small MoleculIInnovative Drug Development and Application Seminar” took center stage at CPHI, attracting strong interest from industry leaders. These sessions highlighted the growing role of AI in small molecule drug development, driving collaboration and innovation. Attendees explored emerging trends and applications, underscoring the transformative potential of these advancements in shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry.

The 10th CPHI Biopharmaceuticals Outlook Forum highlighted key advancements in Chinese innovative drugs, strategies for global expansion, next-generation CGT therapy innovations, and a showcase of high-quality peptide products. These sessions offered trade visitors unparalleled insights and networking opportunities, solidifying the event's role as a critical platform for professionals in biopharmaceuticals, drug development, and advanced therapies.

The Next-Generation CGT Therapy Innovation Summit addressed critical advancements and challenges in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector. Key topics included strategies for overcoming technical hurdles in CAR-T therapy for solid tumors, clinical progress in NK cell therapy, and innovative approaches to bridging the CGT "Valley of Death" through open innovation. Attendees explored new CGT regulations, the use of mesenchymal stem cells in stroke treatment, and advancements in liver cirrhosis therapy. The summit also featured discussions on gene therapy for diabetic retinopathy, improvements in next-generation TIL product quality, and the effectiveness of metabolically enhanced CD19 CAR-T in treating relapsed and refractory B-cell malignancies. These discussions underscored the pivotal role of collaboration and innovation in driving the future of CGT.

Activ Pharma Ingredients (API) demonstrate unprecedented performance in China:

A significant highlight of the Pharma APIs Internationalized Salon was a seminar on the Global Value Chain Restructuring and Data Empowerment for Veterinary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in 2025, along with sessions addressing the Chinese veterinary drug market, functional excipients for veterinary formulations, and trade tariff effects. In addition to providing valuable insight into policy, market trends, and technological advancements, these discussions reinforced CPHI's position as a pivotal platform for innovation and growth across these sectors.

The event also hosted the 'Global Value Chain Restructuring and Data Empowerment for Veterinary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients' seminar, which provided critical insights into the veterinary pharmaceutical sector. Among the key sessions were the release of China's veterinary drugs and API market report, analysis of industry trends and policy, and the advancement of functional excipients for veterinary formulations. A valuable data set and strategic perspective were provided to participants regarding the impacts of trade tariffs on the veterinary API industry and the factors driving its growth.

The 4th Pharma Excipients Innovation and Development Forum highlighted emerging technologies and innovations in pharmaceutical excipients, with a focus on quality showcases and the role of glycerol as an excipient. The forum also explored the African market’s efforts in medical product innovation and localization, alongside discussions on business development cooperation and advancements in excipient development.

Natural ingredients for Aestetic healthcare industries

CPHI & PMEC China 2025 saw record-breaking attendance as executives from the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries gathered to explore the integration of natural ingredients and innovative trends. The event featured sessions such as the Forum on Functional Cosmetics End-to-End Innovation & Future Trends 2025, the Natural Ingredients & Nutraceuticals Innovation Forum, the Innovation Gallery: Quality Natural Extracts, and the Innovation Tour: Quality Cosmetic Ingredients. These sessions highlighted advancements in quality and innovation while fostering collaboration and providing a glimpse into the future of both industries.

The CPHI Hot Ingredients Forum (Anti-Aging) brought together industry professionals to discuss emerging trends and strategies in the anti-aging sector. Key discussions included opportunities and challenges in the "blue ocean" of anti-aging, strategies for developing cell-level anti-aging products, and integrating anti-aging solutions into skincare and healthy foods. Attendees also explored anti-aging interventions based on aging mechanisms and innovative nutrition strategies aligned with the "Eight Signs of Health." These sessions provided valuable insights and fostered collaboration among experts in anti-aging and aesthetic healthcare.

Navigating regulatory frameworks across key markets

The Global Trade Access Regulations and Compliance Strategies Seminar for Pharmaceutical Intermediates offered critical insights into navigating regulatory frameworks across key markets. Among the topics discussed were EU REACH regulation management, K-REACH developments in Korea, and chemical substance regulations in Southeast Asia and India. Several case studies were also presented on new chemicals in pharmaceutical intermediates. Professionals were equipped with vital knowledge from these discussions to address compliance challenges and expand market access.

The PharmCube Transformation Talk and the 2025 CPHI-IPEC Pharmaceutical Excipients Regulatory Frontiers and Advanced Technology Conference provided valuable insights into the evolving pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on China's innovative drug transactions, overseas expansion strategies, and legal risk management in license-out transactions. Key topics included the NewCO Model, capital operations, and strategies for global expansion, offering attendees critical perspectives on emerging opportunities and trends in the Chinese market. These discussions highlighted the dynamic landscape of innovative pharmaceuticals and their impact on industry professionals and stakeholders.

The Pharmaceutical CXO Ecosystem Collaboration and Development Forum showcased significant advancements in drug development, emphasizing AI-empowered small molecule innovations, addressing unmet clinical needs, and utilizing translational medicine and digital technologies to accelerate clinical trials. Key discussions included AI-driven practices in small molecule discovery and Yaoshi Technology's digitalization efforts, offering attendees valuable insights into the transformative potential of AI and digitalization in overcoming clinical challenges and advancing new drug paradigms.

The ADC Drug Development and Innovative Technology Forum provided key insights into the competitive biotech landscape, focusing on win-win collaboration models with major pharmaceutical companies and addressing technological breakthroughs and clinical challenges in ADC drug development. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on how multinational corporations evaluate high-quality ADC assets and navigate regulatory differences between the US and China. These discussions offered strategic guidance on leveraging resource complementarity and advancing ADC innovations in a rapidly evolving market.

Day 2 of CPHI & PMEC China culminated with the CPHI Celebration Awards & Networking Party, a vibrant event that brought together industry professionals to celebrate achievements in pharmaceutical innovation. The gathering provided a dynamic platform for networking, fostering collaboration, and recognizing excellence within the pharmaceutical sector, reflecting the industry's ongoing growth and global reach.

Global Perspectives on Current Affairs:

The CPHI Pharmaceutical Innovation and Development Forum 2025 hosted a series of impactful sessions that explored critical topics shaping the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Discussions focused primarily on the development of China's pharmaceutical industry, the role of stable isotopes in the advancement of biopharmaceuticals, and strategies for navigating trade frictions and emerging markets. Attendees gained valuable insights into policy impacts, generic drug industry trends, and the underwriting and risk analysis of the biopharmaceutical supply chain. In addition to highlighting new opportunities and challenges, these sessions were pivotal for stakeholders in the industry.

The 12th PMEC China Pharmaceutical Engineering Summit offered critical insights into emerging trends and development prospects in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on preparing for FDA inspections, the current status of EU GMP certification, and an in-depth analysis of China's sterile pharmaceutical sector. The summit provided valuable guidance on regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and industry advancements, making it a crucial event for professionals. In view of the ongoing growth and challenges of the pharmaceutical engineering industry, the summit highlighted the changing demands of global pharmaceutical engineering.

The exclusive session on "Connecting With the U.S. Health Market" provided significant insights into the development and implementation of standards for drugs, dietary supplements, and food ingredients under the United States Pharmacopoeia. It also covered introductions to U.S. State Associations in China, the investment environment in five major U.S. states, and the latest interpretations of U.S. tax law. This session was extremely relevant to current affairs and industries focusing on regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, and international business strategies in the pharmaceutical and health sectors, since Chinese companies shared their experiences with ongoing global trade strategies.

The AI Application in Pharmaceutical Production Session highlighted the transformative impact of digitalization and AI on the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the shift from Industry 4.0 to Pharma 4.0, the holistic ICH control strategy, and the integration of digital operations with GXP design. Speakers discussed emerging trends in lean digital operations and the implementation of AI to bridge gaps in pharmaceutical production. These discussions provided critical insights into the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, compliance, and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.

The Commercial Production and Innovation Forum of Biopharmaceuticals provided valuable insights into the development trends and future prospects of the biopharmaceutical industry, with particular emphasis on antibody drug production capacity building. It offered valuable perspectives on advancing production capabilities and addressing the ever evolving dynamics of biopharmaceuticals markets. Professionals gained insight into fostering innovation and enhancing production efficiency for future success.

The Pharmaceutical Raw Materials Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Forum offered critical insights into the evolving landscape of China's API industry. Discussions focused on the role of advanced analytical technologies in new molecular drug development, the application of immobilized enzyme catalysis in amino acid derivatives, and the adoption of liquid-phase preparation, separation, and purification technologies to support innovation. The forum also explored the shift from batch to continuous and smart manufacturing, shedding light on enhancing efficiency and driving technological advancements in pharmaceutical raw materials production.

The 11th International Summit for Pharmaceutical Packaging & Drug Delivery Systems highlighted key advancements in injectable and biologic packaging. Attendees explored cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions designed to meet the changing needs of the injectable and biologics markets. The event reinforced its role as a key platform for industry professionals to drive innovation and address challenges in pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems.

The Drug-Device Combination Products Conference served as a pivotal platform for industry professionals, offering sessions on the latest developments in pharmaceutical and medical device product innovation, regulation, and market strategies. A key highlight was the roundtable discussion on the 'Challenges and Opportunities of Internationalization'. The event provided critical insights into the evolving landscape of combination products, equipping attendees with essential knowledge to navigate the dynamic pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.

The Life Sciences & Technology Innovation Forum brought together professionals for a focused exploration of cell and gene therapy advancements. Sessions delved into quality control and analytical techniques for cell and gene therapies, with a particular emphasis on stem cell quality assurance. The discussions offered attendees critical insights into emerging developments and challenges in the field, reinforcing the forum's role as a key event for professionals in the life sciences and biotechnology industries.

The 9th Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Forum highlighted key developments shaping the pharmaceutical industry's future, focusing on regulatory innovations, digital traceability of biological products, and global trade compliance challenges. Sessions delved into opportunities for vaccine manufacturers and biological product concentrates in international markets, particularly the EU, with an emphasis on cold chain logistics and cross-border collaboration. For stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain, the forum's roundtable discussions provided critical insight into industry responses to shifting global trade dynamics.

The Pharmaceutical Analysis and Testing Technologies & Standards Application Seminar provided a comprehensive overview of advancements in pharmaceutical quality control and regulatory compliance. Sessions highlighted ANPEL's role in driving cost reduction and efficiency improvements, updates to regulatory standards for biopharmaceutical testing, and innovative technologies for pesticide residue analysis in traditional Chinese medicine. The seminar also explored advanced testing methods, regulatory compliance for chemical drug quality control, and strategies for optimizing analytical testing reagents and consumables. These discussions offered attendees critical insights into quality assurance, regulatory standards, and cost optimization, making the event essential for professionals in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors.

The "Chinese Strength Empowering Pharmaceutical Innovation" sessions provided a comprehensive exploration of advancements in biopharmaceutical analysis and purification. Chromatographic columns were introduced, roundtable discussions on localization challenges in China were held, and strategies for efficient analysis and purification were discussed.Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to engage in face-to-face discussions with Welch technical experts, including the Vice President of Welch. Several industry professionals navigating China's evolving pharmaceutical landscape gained knowledge and insights from these presentations on biopharmaceutical analysis, localization challenges, and efficient analysis methods.

Green Energy and sustrainble operations

A series of sessions at the event provided valuable insights into global corporate sustainability standards and their impact on renewable energy sourcing strategies, particularly in the healthcare sector in China. These sessions covered microbiology, clean room practices, and the adoption of renewable energy, emphasizing the critical role of renewable energy in achieving global sustainability goals and reducing healthcare risks. The discussion on China's renewable energy sourcing challenges, market outlook, and strategies for efficiency and risk reduction was highly relevant to participants and industries focused on sustainability, healthcare, and energy.

The Pharma Cleanroom Design and Engineering Innovation Forum facilitated a comprehensive exploration of advancements in cleanroom design and engineering. Sessions addressed challenges in constructing pharmaceutical clean laboratories, shared case studies to prevent potential issues, and offered an overview of GMP standards across China, the US, and Europe, along with strategies for international expansion. The forum also covered energy-efficient solutions for cooling and heating systems in API factories, maintenance strategies for API cleanrooms, and energy-saving HVAC designs for pharmaceutical and chemical laboratories. Attendees also exchanged detailed purification air conditioning system designs for pharmaceutical engineering projects. These discussions provided critical insights into cleanroom design, GMP compliance, and energy-efficient practices, making the forum an essential event for professionals in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

The China Pharma Environmental Forum brought together industry leaders to discuss the pharmaceutical sector's path toward a sustainable future. Carbon peak and neutrality policies, emerging pollutant control, waste management, and green manufacturing practices were some of the topics discussed.As part of pollution and carbon reduction goals, the forum highlighted innovative approaches to ESG integration, sustainable water management, and waste-free factory initiatives.AWS standards and advanced wastewater treatment expertise were shared by industry leaders, such as Boehringer Ingelheim.Green development opportunities and challenges were explored in interactive sessions, emphasizing the industry's commitment to sustainability.

The Green Energy and Emission Reduction Innovation Forum showcased groundbreaking strategies for advancing sustainability in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Modular equipment for micro-chemical processes, biocatalytic techniques in CDMO operations, and energy-efficient distillation and continuous manufacturing methods dominated discussions.A wide range of carbon reduction solutions, green biomanufacturing practices, and low-carbon wastewater treatment technologies were explored by participants.A robust ESG management system was also emphasized at the forum, along with balancing emissions across organizations, supply chains, and products.