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Medtechs Must Reflect On China Localization Policies As VBP Expands

 
• By Brian Yang

China continues to roll out volume-based procurement for medical devices and pharma products and companies should plan their strategies accordingly, advises EY Parthenon’s Hua Su.

China growth

China's volume-based procurement (VBP) scheme is already in its fourth round for medical devices – and 10th round for pharma – and companies affected by these price-cutting schemes should be preparing their growth strategies locally.

That was the advice of Hua Su, life science and healthcare practice leader and partner at Ernest & Young Parthenon, based in

The rationale behind the Chinese government’s price-cutting drive and implementation of VBP – also referred to in medtech circles as state-based procurement − is to lower prices based on international reference pricing and benchmark markets such as those of South Korea and Taiwan

More from Asia

Medical Devices Not The Focus Of FDA’s Plans To Step Up Foreign Inspections, Expert Says

 
• By Brian Bossetta

The US FDA recently announced plans to carry out more unannounced inspections of foreign facilities. But those inspections will primarily target drug producers, with less attention and resources allocated to those making devices.

Consumer Healthtech Investment Totaled $4.5BN In 2024, But Bar Is High Amid Economic Uncertainty

 
• By Marion Webb

Global investment in consumer healthtech increased by 9% year-over-year in 2024, totaling $4.5bn, with significant interest in mental health solutions, according to Galen Growth. While the first quarter of 2025 saw raised confidence and investments, the Trump administration’s new tariffs and sweeping changes to healthcare have introduced new uncertainties.

Don’t Sleep On Inspections: Experts Warn FDA Maintains Enforcement Resources

 
• By Brian Bossetta

Manufacturers of medical products would be foolish to think that recent upheavals at the US FDA will result in a lack of inspections in the coming years. A panel of experts discussed the current state of inspections during a webinar hosted by the Food and Drug Law Institute.

South Korea Adds Digital Health Rules To Already Complicated Regulatory Landscape

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

A New South Korean law, the Digital Medical Products Act, enhances regulation for digital health products. Medical devices in the country are categorized both by risk and by similarity to already authorized devices. The approval process may stretch to 515 days for new manufacturers.

More from Geography

Health Secretary Defends Spending Cuts During Senate Hearing On HHS Budget

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized administrative cost reductions and defended budget decisions during a Senate hearing on HHS funding. Some senators, however, expressed concerns over the impacts spending cuts had on essential health programs.

Tariffs Threaten Medtech Innovation And US Position As World Leader, Whitaker Tells Lawmakers

 
• By Brian Bossetta

During his testimony before US senators on the impact of tariffs on critical supply chains, AdvaMed’s Scott Whitaker said the Trump tariffs could jeopardize America’s preeminence in medtech. Other industry experts echoed similar concerns.

Califf Warns Progress May Be In Danger Due To ‘Decimated’ FDA Staff

 
• By Barnaby Pickering

In Vivo spoke to the previous commissioner of the US FDA about recent ongoings at the agency, and where he believes policy should be directed for patient and industry benefit.