Merck’s Keytruda finds fast entry into China via medical tourism

 23-Sep-16, Forbes

The regulatory environment for multinational pharmaceutical companies in China remains a major stumbling block to get innovative products to the Chinese consumer. The news that Merck's Keytruda, an innovative molecule with application to melanoma and lung cancer, will be fast tracked for approval in China is therefore exciting.

Image: Anthony Wallace / AFP / Getty Images

For now Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug, will only be available for Chinese patients who can travel to a specific geographic location in the country: Bo’ao, in Hainan, a resort island east of Vietnam. 

Bo’ao is also one of a handful of areas pre-approved by China’s government where 100% Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprises (WFOE) for hospitals and healthcare service delivery platforms can operate. New pharmaceuticals can also be approved for use here via the CFDA’s fast track approval process.

Questions remain around how to ensure innovative products such as Keytruda are made available to more Chinese, not just those with the disposable income to travel to a resort island to receive care.

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