Rouse and Codex launch new China partnership

IP firm  Rouse will collaborate with life sciences service provider  Codex to support companies looking to enter the Chinese market.

In a move announced this week, Rouse said the new partnership would help companies navigate the changing regulation of drugs and medical devices in China.

According to Rouse, the two companies can offer more than 300 China-focused life sciences and IP experts, including analysts, pharmacists, consultants, translators, and patent attorneys.

Rouse CEO Luke Minford described the deal as 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,” Minford added.

The firm is also predicting “significant change” to regulatory and IP procedures in the Chinese life sciences market due to COVID-19.

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has committed to fast-tracking the review of any pharmaceutical and medical products that could help in tackling the virus.

Jean-Marie Blanc, Codex CEO, said the fast-track measures presented a “major opportunity for international rights holders to gain market access, providing they can access the right advice”.

Rouse last week named former British diplomat and venture capitalist John McLaren as its new chairman.

McLaren’s predecessor in the role, Rupert Ross-Macdonald, will continue to sit on the board as chief operating officer.

Did you enjoy reading this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories sent like this straight to your inbox.