Clinical trials are an essential part of developing new medicines and treatments. In recent years, China has become an increasingly important center for clinical research and drug development.
On September 22, 2026, Dr. Amy Abernethy, cofounder of Highlander Health and former principal deputy commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Dr. Ruby Wang of LINTRIS discussed the differences between U.S. and Chinese approaches to clinical trials, including the tradeoffs between speed, safety, and research quality. How is China’s growing role in drug development changing the global pharmaceutical landscape? Might the United States and China work together on clinical research?
This conversation builds on discussions at the National Committee’s 2026 U.S.-China Track II Dialogue on Healthcare, held in Hangzhou, during which American and Chinese experts shared thoughts on the accelerating pace of biomedical innovation in China and opportunities to maintain cooperation in healthcare despite tensions in the bilateral relationship.
