In 2002, the profits of both private and foreign-funded pharmaceutical companies grew 30%, higher than 24.8%, the average growth rate of China's pharmaceutical industry. Foreign-funded companies hold a 70% market share in Chinese hospitals. Rocephin was the bestselling drug of Shanghai Roche in 2002. A majority of drugs developed by Shanghai Squibb are for the treatment of infections and cardiovascular diseases. Beijing Bayer is a leading maker of diabetes drugs.

Source: China Medicines Economic News June 26, 2003

Added: 2003-08-20