In a recent PharmaBoardroom interview, Andy Liu, Novotech’s Managing Director for China, explains how regulatory reforms since 2015 and faster NMPA review timelines have positioned China as a leading destination for Phase I and proof-of-concept (PoC) trials. While the FDA still expects multi-regional data for Phase III, China is increasingly being integrated earlier into global development strategies.
Liu highlights how Novotech supports China-to-global development by combining global-standard platforms (including Veeva Vault EDC and Veeva Study Training), deep biometrics and pharmacovigilance expertise, a Chengdu global services center, and expanded U.S./EU operations following the NCGS (2022) and EastHORN (2023) acquisitions.
“With today’s shorter approval windows, China has become far more attractive as a market that can be integrated earlier into development strategies.” Andy Liu
Biotechs especially those in cell and gene therapy, RNA, ADCs, radiopharmaceuticals, and rare diseases are choosing China for faster, more cost-efficient early development, supported by a mature site network and per-patient costs roughly half those in the U.S.
With its expanded global footprint, Novotech now supports both domestic China studies and international programs, helping sponsors generate clean early data and move efficiently into global Phase III trials.