The first quarter of 2023 has been pivotal for Pudong, Shanghai, marking significant achievements in the biotechnology and synthetic biology sectors.

Pudong New Area's Zhangjiang Science City and the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone have made considerable strides, leading the way with national approvals for innovative treatments and launching new research centers.

KeChow Pharma, located in Zhangjiang Pharma Valley, has developed Turalimertinib, a Class 1 innovative drug, while KaiXing Life Sciences, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited registered in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, has introduced the CAR-T therapy Zevorcabtagene Autoleucel. Both products have received market approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China, underscoring the region's role as a hub of medical innovation.

Moreover, the opening of the Shanghai Synthetic Biology Innovation Center on April 14 has set new standards in the industry. The center is dedicated to transforming scientific research into industrial applications and boosting international collaborations, affirming Shanghai's ambition to lead the world in this promising field.

Li Jizong, director of the Shanghai Biomedical Science and Technology Development Center, said that the dynamic integration of multiple disciplines in Pudong, including cell and gene therapy and artificial intelligence, has revitalized the area's productive capabilities.

This surge in innovation not only solidifies Pudong's competitive position but also contributes significantly to the global biopharmaceutical landscape, heralding a future where medical breakthroughs are both revolutionary and routinely accessible.

The China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in Pudong, Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: pdnews]