China’s rapid rise in biotechnology could begin to slow as its industry approaches the global research and development frontier, according to Pfizer’s strategy chief Andrew Baum.

The comments come as Chinese biotech companies have made major advances in drug discovery and development, increasingly attracting attention from major global pharmaceutical companies.

Baum suggested that China’s progress may eventually face limits as companies move closer to the technological frontier and the easiest opportunities for rapid growth become harder to capture.

However, China’s biotech sector continues to benefit from strong research capabilities, large clinical-trial networks and faster development timelines, making it an increasingly important player in the global pharmaceutical industry.

The growing influence of Chinese biotech is also encouraging Western drugmakers to explore licensing and partnership opportunities with Chinese companies to access promising new medicines.

The development highlights a major shift in the global biotech industry, with China increasingly moving from a manufacturing hub to a significant source of innovative drug discoveries.