L.E.K. Consulting, in collaboration with PharmaDJ, has released “Advancing Innovation and Global Reach: The Next Chapter in China’s Clinical Trial Development,” a report examining how China’s clinical development ecosystem is entering a significant phase marked by stronger innovation, wider international participation, and greater use of AI-driven tools. The analysis shows China’s clinical trial volume has climbed to about 80% of U.S. levels and roughly 10% above the EU in 2024, underscoring its rising global research role.
The report also highlights three trends shaping the next phase: increasing focus on innovative therapies, continued globalization of Chinese biopharma research, and expanding adoption of AI to improve trial efficiency. Commenting on the findings, Helen Chen, Partner and Head of Asia Healthcare at L.E.K. Consulting, said, “China’s clinical development is not just getting bigger — it’s becoming more innovative, more global and more digital.”
Jialing Dai, President and Publisher of PharmaDJ, added, “By leveraging fixability in early phase and the large population in later phase in China, we can deliver innovative therapies at a faster pace to patients.” The report is based on a survey of 89 industry participants conducted in August and September 2025.