Chinese Drug Firms Shatter Record with $136 Billion Licensing Spree
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Chinese pharmaceutical companies signed a record $135.7 billion in out-licensing deals in 2025. This more than doubles the total value from the year before.
The surge was driven by dozens of multibillion-dollar agreements. Hong Kong and mainland China-listed drug makers struck these deals with global pharmaceutical giants.
State media reported the data, citing China's drug regulator. There were 157 out-licensing deals in 2025. This compares to 94 transactions worth $51.9 billion in 2024.
Out-licensing occurs when a domestic firm sells the rights to develop or sell its drug abroad. This trend highlights the growing innovation and global appeal of China's biotech sector.