Guangdong Leads the Way in Real-World Medical Research with Innovative "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Medical Pass
Real-World Studies (RWS) are crucial as they utilize data from actual clinical environments to assess medication safety and effectiveness, thereby broadening the patient base and integrating data from health information systems, insurance databases, and disease registries. These studies are vital for providing clinical evidence that complements controlled trials, offering insights into drug utilization and risk-benefit profiles. Since 2020, guidelines like the "Guidance on Supporting Drug Development and Review with Real World Evidence (Trial)" have significantly shaped the framework for RWS, impacting drug research, evaluation, and regulation across China.
Guangdong, a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, boasts a comprehensive infrastructure with numerous clinical trial facilities, innovative medical device enterprises, and research platforms. This infrastructure supports a full spectrum of activities from basic research to clinical application, creating a distinctive industrial cluster advantage. Under the guidance of the National Medical Products Administration, Guangdong has reaped continuous benefits from innovative development policies in drug and medical device regulation. The GBA Medical Pass specifically allows the use of internationally advanced, clinically urgent medicines and devices in designated medical institutions within the region, providing a strategic advantage for conducting real-world studies.
The establishment of an open and shared platform for real-world research not only facilitates the rapid approval of innovative medical products by licensed enterprises but also integrates real-world data into routine regulatory reviews as supportive evidence. This enhances decision-making in medical regulation and promotes the scientific development of the industry. As of March 2024, the policy has approved 19 designated medical institutions and issued six batches of the "Catalogue of Clinically Urgent Imported Medicines and Medical Devices from Hong Kong and Macao for the Mainland of the GBA," approving 59 types of these products and benefiting over 5,000 individuals.
Looking ahead, the Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration plans to leverage its industrial leadership and integrate resources from academia, research, and commerce across the GBA to continuously unlock the benefits of regulatory innovation and solidify its position as a premier international biopharmaceutical hub.
The proactive approach to real-world studies in the GBA was anticipated. A year ago, clients were already inquiring about this, and the response was affirmative. In addition to Hainan and the GBA, which have special provisions for unapproved drugs and medical devices, similar policies are being developed in other parts of mainland China, including Beijing, Xiong'an, and Beidaihe. These areas are in the early stages of establishing their systems. With extensive experience in market access and real-world research in both Hainan and the GBA, TX Medical is well-equipped to address any inquiries related to these developments.
For any questions, please reach out to TX Medical via contact@txcro.com.