China's Innovative Drug Out-Licensing Hits 81 Deals ~$110 Billion in H1 2026; 38 Class 1 Drugs Approved
In the first half of 2026, China's innovative drug out-licensing reached 81 deals valued at about $110 billion, already 80% of the full-year 2025 total. Meanwhile, 38 Class 1 innovative drugs were approved for market, including 11 with new targets and mechanisms, all domestically developed. Chinese companies accounted for eight of the top ten global pharmaceutical deals, and total deal value represented about 70% of global M&A. The period also saw the first AI-discovered drug enter Phase III trials in China.
- Effective
- +33
- Intensity
- 60
- Confidence
- 70%
- Horizon
- Long term