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Entering the Chinese market

Our in-house expert team assures your smooth market access in China

We provide a one-stop customized solution for regulatory strategy and filing, NMPA interaction, and other support.

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expert guidance China market access regulations

SOLUTIONS

At VCLS, we provide pharmaceutical regulatory consulting and product registration services tailored to the unique and dynamic regulatory landscape of China.

Regulatory strategy development
Agency interaction
Operational support
Regulatory intelligence
International collaboration facilitation

  • Feasibility and gap analysis
  • Product development strategy and regulatory roadmap
  • Type I, II, III meetings and other forms of interaction
  • Meeting briefing package preparation
  • IND application
  • Marketing authorization application
  • Dossier preparation
  • Ad-hoc advice on regulatory requirements
  • CRO or CMO partner selection

Updates and insights into the Chinese regulatory environment, including policy changes, draft guidelines, and market authorization trends

Facilitate collaborations with international partners, providing guidance on cross-border regulatory requirements and strategies

Customized solution

  • Provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs and objectives

  • Global team structure to ensure streamlined process and timely delivery

 

In-house expert team​

  • In-depth knowledge and understanding in Chinese regulation and legislation
  • Scientific expertise in the fields of CMC, nonclinical, and clinical

 

​Confidentiality & integrity

Maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity in all our engagements

FAQs

How long does it take to obtain clinical trial approval after Investigational New Drug (IND) filing and manufacturing drug approval, following New Drug Application (NDA) filing in China?

The average approval time for an IND filing for drugs can be within 60 working days.

 

China now utilizes a “silent approval” system, where if the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) doesn’t respond to an IND application, it’s considered approved.

 

Expect the drug approval process through the NDA to take 1 year to 1.5 years on average, depending on the drug’s complexity, data completeness, and potential for additional inquiries from the reviewers. It is stated officially that NDA review takes 200 working days, or 130 working days with priority review.

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Do Chinese authorities accept the dossier in CTD format?

In 2017, China became a full member of ICH, demonstrating a commitment to aligning its regulations with international standards.

 

This means that CTD format is fully accepted by Chinese authorities, with regional differences in M1 of the CTD.

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How can overseas clinical data be utilized for drug approval in China?

In 2018, the NMPA issued technical guidelines outlining the acceptance of overseas clinical trial data.

 

This allows foreign pharmaceutical companies to potentially use data from trials conducted outside China to support drug registration applications, making possible drug approval in China without Chinese clinical data. Regardless of the data’s origin, it should meet the criteria based on scientific guidelines and unmet medical needs.

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Are there any Chinese programs designed to accelerate drug development?

NMPA has implemented several programs to accelerate drug development, making it a more attractive market for innovative drugs.

 

Here are some key initiatives:

 

  • Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD): Similar to the FDA’s program in the US, the NMPA offers BTD for drugs targeting serious or life-threatening diseases with no effective treatment options. This designation provides benefits like priority review, close communication with the NMPA, and the potential for rolling submissions (submitting data as it becomes available).
  • Conditional Marketing Approval (CMA): This program allows for conditional marketing authorization for drugs with significant clinical efficacy addressing unmet medical needs. The company can launch the drug in the market while completing confirmatory post-marketing studies.
  • Priority Review: The NMPA offers expedited review for innovative drugs with clear advantages over existing treatments. This can significantly reduce approval timelines.
  • Special Approval Procedures: For drugs targeting significant public health issues, the NMPA offers special approval procedures with streamlined requirements.
  • Pilot Programs: China is piloting various programs focused on specific areas including orphan drugs, pediatric drugs, and drugs with urgent medical needs, aiming to accelerate their development, approval, and patent exposure.

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Related Glossary

National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
China’s Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE)
China Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH)
National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)
Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP)

Questions? Get the answers from our expert team ​

No two product development paths are the same. Talk to our experts about your development challenges and we will provide you actionable recommendations.​