Asia Becomes New Hub for Global New‑Drug Development

The center of global new‑drug development is moving from the United States and Europe to Asia. While the Asia‑Pacific (APAC) region was previously valued mainly for its lower clinical‑trial costs, recent government investments, regulatory reforms, and a growing biotech ecosystem have elevated its role to that of an innovation driver. China, Japan, and South Korea are emerging as core hubs for clinical research and new‑drug development, prompting global pharmaceutical and biotech companies to adjust their R&D strategies. Currently, APAC accounts for roughly 43% of the worldwide pipeline of innovative therapies and hosts a significant share of early‑stage and multi‑regional clinical trials (MRCT).