In an apparent softening of its tough stance on the overseas transfer of personal data, China’s top data security regulatory agency, the Cybersecurity Administration of China (CAC), has issued a new proposal to make such transfers easier for foreign businesses, including pharma and biotech companies looking to conduct global clinical studies and transfer manufacturing-related information.
China May Ease Data Transfer Rules But Regulatory Ambiguity Remains
New Approach To 'Important Data'
China's latest proposed rules governing the overseas transfer of personal data may allow pharma, biotech and digital health companies to avoid regulatory security reviews and formal standard contracts, as well as personal information protection certification, but key definitions of “important data” and “negative list” items remain to be clarified.

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While CMC glitches linger over a US NDA for Elevar/Hengrui’s novel liver cancer combination following a second complete response letter, the separate issue of underrepresentation of US patients in multiregional trials is looming large after new FDA draft guidance last year.
The main 2025 policy priorities for China's government as outlined in an annual report will include the strengthening of commercial insurance for innovative drugs and opening up cell and gene therapy and the hospital sector to foreign investment.