Amid the global wave of digital transformation in the healthcare industry,MK sports China's market is evolving from a "primary sales hub" to a "primary innovation hub." Recently, Hong Chow, Executive Vice President of Merck and Head of China & International for Merck Healthcare, led a delegation on the first "China Visit" of 2025, reaffirming that collaboration and innovation are the core strategies for Merck's development in China over the next five years.

Building a Collaborative Network for Mutual Success

As a key market for Merck, China contributes double-digit growth to the company's global business. Hong Chow noted that Merck has established a fully localized value chain covering R&D, supply chain, and sales. In recent years, Merck has formed strategic partnerships with domestic industry leaders such as Wondfo Biotech, Hengrui Biopharma, and Abbisko Therapeutics to explore breakthrough treatments, while also introducing innovative products to Chinese patients through accelerated processes—including the Work Plan for Regulatory Innovation and Development of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. "The Chinese market holds immense potential, and we will continue to expand our collaborative network in China," She emphasized.

Empowering Innovation with 'New Quality Productive Forces'

Since 2024, Merck has incubated 16 digital projects through its internal innovation incubation project, iCAT, spanning health management, diagnostics, and treatment optimization. In digital health, Merck China Healthcare forged partnerships with the China Alliance for Rare Diseases and Baidu in February of this year, jointly promoting rare disease treatment and awareness. As a result of these efforts, Merck has been recognized as a "Digital Health Innovation Leader" for two consecutive years since 2023. "China's digital progress is astounding, and we will increase our resource commitments," Chow added.

Shaping an Innovation Ecosystem Through Partnership

As China's innovative drug R&D pipeline climbs to the second largest in the world, Chow has called for an improved innovation ecosystem. By 2025, it will mark the 92nd year since Merck entered China. Over the past decade, the company has cumulatively invested 7 billion yuan in production bases, R&D centers, and technical service systems, with future plans to focus on areas including oncology and assisted reproduction. At recent industry conferences, Chow engaged in in-depth discussions with government and industry leaders to explore new pathways for deepening collaboration.

Reflecting on the visit, Chow described it as both a deep dive into local innovation and a resolute declaration of Merck's commitment to expanding its presence and strengthening local partnerships. "We believe that through collaboration and innovation, Merck will achieve even greater success in China. We will continue to bolster local partnerships, drive innovative R&D, and contribute to the advancement of China's healthcare industry with our expertise and global reach."