China Ranks #1 In Survey Of Asian Biopharma Clusters

China is the top biopharma cluster of Asia's eight biotech-involved countries, according to a ranking by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN). In four out of GEN's five criteria, China placed first. In addition, the publication noted that China's 13th Five-Year Plan, which became effective this year, puts a priority on biopharma R&D. The Plan establishes a new competitive grant program to fund stem cell and translational research. It also encourages biopharma to expand development programs “to strengthen the prevention and cure of infectious, chronic, and endemic diseases.” Plus, China will make a big push in personalized medicine, spending as much as $9 billion over 15 years.