2016 was again another busy year on the commercial front in China, with market changes, new regulations, and ongoing pricing pressures all affecting the pharma sector. Meanwhile, the push for licensing deals, innovation, and international expansion continued apace.

The successful IPO of China's drug innovation darling Betta may herald a new wave of capital inflow and renewed interest in new drug R&D in China, but hurdles to the pursuit of original research remain.

Although Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed the country's willingness to work with the newly elected US president to promote ties in a constructive way, potential setbacks for bilateral trade and regulatory talks are worrying observers.