Chongqing - Chongqing has recently reached a significant milestone with the approval of its first Class I innovative drug, Siliq Monoclonal Antibody Injection. This drug was independently developed by Chongqing Genrix Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., based in Chongqing International Biological City.

As the first fully human IL-17A targeted drug approved in China, it disrupts the monopoly of foreign pharmaceutical companies and fills a critical gap in domestic biological treatments for psoriasis.

In recent years, Chongqing has prioritized the development of the biopharmaceutical sector, with plans to establish Chongqing International Biological City as the core of a national biopharmaceutical cluster, stated Zhong Tao, Mayor of Banan District, during a press conference on September 5.

Banan District has elevated the development of Chongqing International Biological City to a "top-priority project." Over the past five years, the city has become a premier hub for leading enterprises and industry platforms, cementing its status as a major player in the city's biopharmaceutical landscape.

Chongqing International Biological City is located in Banan District. (Photo/Chongqing International Biological City)

Leading domestic biopharmaceutical companies, including Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products and Porton Pharma Solutions, have established a strong presence. They are helping to create a 100 billion yuan industrial cluster and reinforcing the city’s leadership in innovative drug development.

Zhong added that supported by a 13 billion yuan investment, and the Zhirui Bio-Medical Industry Park has introduced the city's largest biomedical projects, attracting a range of industry-linked enterprises.

These include leading-edge projects, with over 130 initiatives currently underway. Notable clusters include Chongqing Genrix Biopharmaceutical, Chongqing Bovax  Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in biopharmaceuticals, and Chongqing Sintaho Pharmaceutical in chemical drugs. Chongqing has emerged as a key hub for cutting-edge biopharmaceutical companies.

Chongqing International Biological City is also committed to becoming a center for high-quality biopharmaceutical production. In collaboration with Professor Wu Yuzhang’s team from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the city has established the Chongqing International Institute for Immunology. 

It has introduced key research centers for the vaccine, antibody drug, insulin development, and animal testing platforms. Currently, 56 innovative drugs are under research, with 23 in clinical stages and 10 in Phase III trials.

A researcher is conducting experiments in the laboratory. (Photo/Chongqing International Biological City)

In June of this year, the Chongqing Biopharmaceutical Industry Alliance was formed to integrate local pharmaceutical resources, foster cross-industry collaboration, and accelerate high-quality development in the biopharmaceutical sector. 

The city now has 15 listed pharmaceutical companies and 271 high-tech enterprises. These companies have increased their R&D investments, supported by 160 million yuan in special industrial and information technology funds for 65 biopharmaceutical projects over the past two years.

Zhong said that looking ahead to 2027, Chongqing International Biological City aims to attract over 200 enterprises and achieve an industry scale exceeding 150 billion yuan, establishing itself as a leading international biopharmaceutical cluster in the Yangtze River Basin.