Editor's Note: The fifth China International Import Expo will open in less than 20 days. In October, several participants of the CIIE will tell their stories themed around "great opportunity" to showcase the positive changes the expo has made to the world and how it has helped build a community with a shared future for mankind over the past five years.

Jean-Christophe Pointeau is at the Pfizer's booth during the fourth CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

I came to China in the 1980s with my father for the first time and fell in love with the ancient but vigorous land in just a few days. I have only left China for two years since 2011 and witnessed the drastic changes in China's pharmaceutical industry over the past decade.

China is one of Pfizer's most important markets. Since its entry into the country, the company has introduced more than 60 innovative drugs and high-quality medical solutions to Chinese patients. Pfizer is now striving to be a science-based, innovative, and patient-centered biopharmaceutical company, and the CIIE will help with the process.

I assumed the role of president of Pfizer Biopharmaceutical Group China last year, and soon after this attended the fourth CIIE. Through the expo, I learned that China's economy was stable and resilient, and this strengthened my determination to gain a stronger foothold in the Chinese market. I will implement an "in China, for China" strategy and help the country realize its "Healthy China 2030" goals as early as possible.

In 2019, which marked the 30th anniversary of Pfizer's entry into the Chinese market, we made our debut at the second CIIE and showcased the Eucrisa (crisaborole) ointment, a novel non-steroidal topical treatment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, and Vyndamax, an orphan drug. The two products were approved by China's authorities in 2020 and included in the country's national reimbursement drug list in December 2021.

In the following two editions, Pfizer showcased more innovations, including a lung cancer treatment Lorbrena and a medicine for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis Cibinqo. Many of these exhibits received approval within a year and have provided Chinese patients with more and better treatment options.

Pfizer has also introduced its advanced technologies to China to accelerate local research and development. We put forward a strategy in 2020 that China will by 2022 take part in more than 80 percent of Pfizer's early phase and pivotal clinical research. In addition, 80 percent of the projects will seek approval from Chinese authorities at the same time. This is expected to allow Chinese patients to benefit from Pfizer's innovations in a timelier manner.

During the past editions of the CIIE, we signed cooperation agreements with many Chinese partners to share development opportunities in the healthcare industry and offer Chinese patients more comprehensive and convenient services.

In 2019, we established a partnership with the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan to carry out trials of the lung cancer drug lorlatinib. During the third expo in 2020, a national speaking tour themed on rational drug use for children, which was initiated by China's National Health Commission and supported by Pfizer, was launched.

Last year, we signed an agreement with the People's Insurance Company of China to integrate prophylactic inoculation, insurance and science popularization to improve the public's health awareness.

At the fifth CIIE, Pfizer will set up a 1,000-square-meter booth. A series of products and treatment plans for cancer, vaccine, anti-infection, inflammation and immunization, as well as rare diseases will make their China or Asia debuts.

Pfizer, the president of the public health and epidemic prevention special committee of the CIIE Enterprise Alliance, will also share its breakthroughs in building public health systems. The COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid will also be exhibited.

By Jean-Christophe Pointeau

The author is the president of Pfizer Biopharmaceutical Group China.