On July 8, the Sanlongwan Biomedical Industry Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony and Unveiling Ceremony of Sanlongwan Sino-German BioPark was grandly held at the Guangdong Tech-Gather Life Science and Technology Industry Center. Leading research institutions such as the Helicobacter Laboratory at the University of Western Australia, led by Professor Barry J. Marshall, known as the "Father of Helicobacter Pylori," and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Molecular Virus and Immunology Key Laboratory, gathered in Foshan to empower the high-quality development of the biopharmaceutical industry.
Gathering of Elite Teams to Discuss Industry Frontiers
Professor Barry J. Marshall, the recipient of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, was elected as a member of the US National Academy of Sciences in 2008, a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in 2011, and was awarded the China Friendship Award by the State Council in 2015. His groundbreaking research proved that Helicobacter pylori is the main cause of most gastric ulcers and gastritis, revolutionizing decades of erroneous medical treatment and diagnosis, and is regarded as a milestone in the field of gastroenterology research.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences Molecular Virus and Immunology Key Laboratory is dedicated to fundamental and applied research in pathogen science and immunology. They discover new mechanisms of pathogen-host interactions, seek new targets for antiviral infections, and innovate solutions for infectious disease prevention and control. They have three main research directions: virus research focusing on virus immunology, immunology research closely related to the development of virology and vaccinology, and vaccine research with the development, evaluation, and platform construction of vaccines and antibodies. Currently, they have 216 master's and doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows.
The University of Western Australia is one of Australia's most historical, representative, and powerful research universities. In the 2022 U.S. News World University Rankings, the University of Western Australia ranked 83rd globally. The Marshall Centre and Helicobacter Laboratory led by Professor Barry J. Marshall currently have 40 international top scholars and researchers, and have established partnerships with 60 research institutions worldwide, including the US National Academy of Sciences. There are currently more than 200 medical experts and full-time researchers.
Unveiling of International Top Research Team Laboratories
During the event, two international cooperative research platforms were unveiled in Sanlongwan: the "Biomedical and Innovative Drug Joint Laboratory" co-established by the Helicobacter Laboratory at the University of Western Australia and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Molecular Virus and Immunology Key Laboratory, and the "Biomedical and Vaccine New Drug Research Institute" established through the cooperation between the Helicobacter Laboratory at the University of Western Australia and Guangdong Tech-Gather Bio-Technology Industry Co., Ltd. and Guangdong Yuntian Antibody Bio-Technology Co., Ltd.
This marks that Foshan's high-quality development in the biopharmaceutical industry is taking another step forward, and a batch of biopharmaceutical research institutions with global competitiveness and industrial platforms for vaccine and new drugs will rise in Foshan.
"This cooperation is just the beginning. Let us join hands to address the major challenges in human health and create a bright future for biomedical research and vaccine new drug development," said Professor Barry J. Marshall. The Helicobacter Laboratory at the University of Western Australia has started cooperation with Foshan in 2023 and has a solid foundation for collaboration, enabling complementary advantages.
Zhou Zixiao, member of the Foshan Municipal Party Committee and Minister of Organization, stated at the event that Foshan is currently making every effort to cultivate a trillion-yuan biopharmaceutical industrial cluster. The establishment of the laboratories marks the localization of leading global pharmaceutical innovation and research. She hopes that experts can convert and implement more outstanding biomedical achievements in Foshan, jointly creating a promising future for the industry.
This year, the government issued policy to provide comprehensive support for the development of the biopharmaceutical industry, focusing on seven key projects, including characteristic biopharmaceutical parks and industrial clusters in advantageous fields, and multi-tiered enterprise clusters.
In 2022, the output value of the biopharmaceutical and health industry in Foshan reached 46.2 billion yuan, with 150 large-scale enterprises, including 47 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies and 57 medical device companies. There were 728 approved second-class medical devices and 80 third-class medical devices, forming a significant scale of industry.
Precise services to provide the best carriers
With the unveiling of Sanlongwan Sino-German Bio Park, it marks that there is a new carrier for Sanlongwan to gather high-end biomedical innovation resources.
In the future, Sanlongwan will serve as the forefront of Foshan's biopharmaceutical industry park, actively optimizing the industrial environment, improving the service system, further gathering high-quality talent teams and project resources, and creating an internationally first-class business environment. Through high-quality industrial transformation, it will realize the complementary development of the biopharmaceutical industry resources in the city.
Sanlongwan Sci-Tech City has already attracted prominent biomedical research institutions and established specialized facilities, such as the Guangdong Tech-Gather Life Science and Technology Industry Center, which serves as a leading biomedical and medical precision equipment manufacturing hub. These developments align with Foshan's plan to cultivate a strong biopharmaceutical industrial cluster and promote its integration into the global value chain.
The Guangdong Tec-Gather Life Science and Technology Industry Center is one of the prominent institutions in Foshan. Jointly established by the Shunde District and Lecong Town, this project focuses on attracting investments in the biopharmaceutical, medical device, and bioremediation industries. Its goal is to create the most professional and comprehensive hub for biopharmaceuticals and medical precision equipment manufacturing in Foshan and even the Pearl River Delta region.
Located in Sanlongwan Sci-Tech City, the Guangdong Tech-Gather Life Science and Technology Industrial Center covers a total area of 230,000 square meters and serves as a multifunctional hub for research, development, and production. The center is dedicated to develop biopharmaceuticals and precision medical equipment manufacturing. It offers comprehensive services to support the growth of biomedical companies, including business services, technology conversion platforms, and financial support systems.
Deng Jianming, Chairman of Guangdong Tech-Gather Life Science and Technology Industry Co., Ltd. emphasized that the biopharmaceutical ecosystem has a collaborative effect, attracting top-notch biopharmaceutical teams from both China and the world. As these teams grow and expand beyond the center, they will contribute to the high-quality development of Foshan's biopharmaceutical industry, empowering its continuous growth.
With the official unveiling of the Sanlongwan Sino-German BioPark, Foshan solidifies its position as a premier destination for high-quality biopharmaceutical research and development. The Sanlongwan Sci-Tech City is committed to providing an optimal business environment and support services, attracting top talent and fostering a thriving ecosystem for biomedical innovation. The comprehensive efforts aim to create a symbiotic relationship between the city's biopharmaceutical industry resources, facilitating its advancement to the forefront of global biomedical research.
Reporter | Linn
Reviser | Eddie, Christy
Photo | Sanlongwan Sci-Tech City