International IP firm Rouse and Life Sciences services provider Codex have announced a collaboration that is intended to support life sciences companies accessing the Chinese market.
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has intensified the global search for treatments, applications, and devices. In its response to the pandemic, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has moved to fast-track the review of drugs and medical devices that might be used to prevent or treat COVID-19.
As a result, regulatory, approval, and IP protection procedures are likely to undergo significant change. In this context, the opportunity of faster market access brings a heightened risk of IP exposure. With more than 300 China life sciences and IP experts now working together, including regulatory analysts, pharmacists, consultants, translators, patent attorneys, and lawyers, Rouse and Codex say they are aiming to help their life sciences clients navigate the NMPA’s evolving approval practices to gain prompt market access, while ensuring valuable exclusivity of IP and marketing rights.
According to Rouse CEO, Luke Minford, “This is a game-changing moment for life sciences globally. Never before has entering and excelling in the China market been so important to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and life sciences companies. The opportunity is huge, but businesses need to understand the nuances of patent protection and approval in China, amidst a complex and frequently changing regulatory regime. Together, Rouse and Codex are unrivaled in their ability to guide clients on this journey.”
Jean-Marie Blanc, Codex CEO, commented:
“China’s life sciences regulatory regime is undergoing rapid transformation. The new fast-track measures introduced by the [NMPA] presents a major opportunity for international rights holders to gain market access, providing they can access the right advice. Our partnership with Rouse means no other firm is better placed to offer end-to-end IP advisory services built upon forensic understanding of China’s evolving regulatory rules.”