Global pharmaceutical leaders convened in Shanghai on July 22 for the first China Pharmaceutical Innovation Conference (CPIC 2026). The three-day event is taking place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in the Hongqiao International Central Business District.

The conference positions China as a burgeoning hub for global drug innovation and cross-border collaboration. It focuses on two forward-looking questions: How can China's efficiency accelerate global drug innovation, and how can global capital better seize the opportunities available in China?

The event has attracted over 10,000 participants from 22 countries, featuring nearly 900 speakers sharing insights across 65 sessions.

Organized by Tonacea, a platform in China's biopharmaceutical innovation sector, the conference follows the model of "China Innovation – Global Partnerships – Shanghai Dealmaking" to foster global collaboration within China's innovative pharmaceutical ecosystem.

Kong Fu'an, executive deputy director of the Administrative Commission of Shanghai Hongqiao International CBD, said at the opening ceremony that China has elevated biopharmaceuticals to a strategic pillar industry. He said Shanghai will provide enhanced policy support for global industry cooperation.