Zhejiang province has issued a set of measures to support open and innovative development across the entire biopharmaceutical industry chain in the Hangzhou area of the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

The 20 policy measures, which will take effect on May 17, focus on five areas: research and development, regulatory review and approval, production and circulation, factor support, and risk prevention and control.

The measures draw on advanced policy experience from elsewhere in China while addressing practical challenges facing biopharmaceutical companies in the Hangzhou area. They include solutions in areas such as broader opening-up in biotechnology, segmented production of bioproducts, and mutual recognition of ethics review results.

The policy package covers the full lifecycle of the biopharmaceutical industry, from research and development, clinical studies, and approval and registration to manufacturing, circulation, application, and international expansion. It is also backed by support in key areas, including data, talent, funding, and safety supervision.

The measures also call for institutional innovation in areas such as broader market access for foreign investment, safe and orderly cross-border data flows, segmented production, and regulatory mutual recognition.