China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA) initiative aims to create a single, integrated economic zone, fostering innovation, connectivity, and environmental sustainability.
We explore how the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is transforming life sciences and medical device access in China, with regulatory benefits and streamlined market entry opportunities.
What is the Greater Bay Area (GBA)?
The Greater Bay Area, also known as the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), is a megalopolis consisting of nine cities and two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) in South China and Hong Kong.
With a population of approximately 86 million and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) representing over 10% of China’s national total, the GBA is positioned as a powerhouse of innovation, commerce, and healthcare advancement.
This is particularly impactful in the life sciences sector, where regulatory harmonisation, real-world evidence generation, and faster market access are becoming increasingly achievable across borders within the GBA.
The GBA is rapidly evolving into a leading centre for life sciences innovation and cross-border collaboration, fostering a rich ecosystem of startups, incubators, and accelerators in biotechnology, medical technology and healthcare innovation.
Life Sciences Expansion Strategies in the Greater Bay Area
Streamlined Access for Medicines
The pharmaceutical registration landscape has been increasingly shaped by mechanisms such as the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). CEPA offers Hong Kong-based pharmaceutical companies, preferential access to the Chinese market, including tariff exemptions and streamlined drug approval pathways.
This framework significantly reduces regulatory hurdles, accelerating time-to-market for innovative therapies.
One of the most significant benefits to the GBA agreement is the mutual recognition of clinical data between the nine cities and two SARs.
The GBA provides a direct registration route into an important cohort of mainland China, the ability to generate relevant local clinical data, including the collection of real-world data (RWD), and a good initial entry point into the Chinese market.
Streamlined Access for Medical Devices
Benefits for Medical Technology / Devices include:
- Streamlined Access for Medical Devices
- Market Expansion
- Regulatory Alignment
Under the ‘Work Plan for Regulatory Innovation and Development of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’, Hong-Kong registered medical devices can be directly used in designated GBA hospitals without approval from the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).
This allows for almost immediate sales to a population of 86 million people, as hospital procurement occurs quickly within the GBA.
This unique ecosystem has allowed for greater post-market surveillance (PMS) and real-world evidence (RWE) which is crucial for ongoing drug and medical device safety, effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
Talk to Adjutor Healthcare About Your Greater Bay Area Strategy
If you’re considering market entry into mainland China via the GBA, the Adjutor Group can provide expert guidance and support on your journey.
We’re here to help you navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and to unlock the full potential of the Greater Bay Area.
Looking for Expansion Strategies in China’s GBA?
Contact us today and let’s work together to achieve your goals. Whether you have a question, need more information, or want to discuss your project, our team is here to help.
