Fosun Pharma

Corporate brand

A Chinese pharmaceutical and healthcare group active in drug development, manufacturing, medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare services.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

Fosun Pharma is the pharmaceutical and healthcare platform associated with Fosun International. Its predecessor, Shanghai Fortune Industrial Company, was established in January 1994, while the listed company was incorporated and launched its A-share initial public offering in the late 1990s. The business subsequently adopted the Fosun name in English and shifted its corporate identity from a general industrial company toward pharmaceuticals and healthcare. It later expanded its capital-market presence through a Hong Kong listing in 2012. The company operates across several connected areas. Its core activities include pharmaceutical research, development, production, licensing, commercialization, and distribution. It also has interests in medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, healthcare services, and international healthcare businesses. This diversified structure allows Fosun Pharma to combine manufacturing and commercial infrastructure with investments and partnerships in specialized products, biologics, medical technology, and overseas distribution. A significant early strategic move was Fosun Pharma's investment in Sinopharm-related assets. In 2003 it acquired a 49% interest in Sinopharm Group, later holding an interest in Sinopharm Industrial Investment before Sinopharm Group's public-market development. The company then broadened its international exposure through transactions and partnerships. In 2014 it participated in a consortium that acquired US-listed Chindex International, whose businesses included private hospitals in mainland China. In 2016 it agreed to acquire approximately 74% of India's Gland Pharma, completing the transaction in 2017 after regulatory review. Gland Pharma strengthened Fosun Pharma's position in injectable and generic medicines and gave the group a substantial Indian operating platform. Fosun Pharma has also developed and separated specialized businesses. Sisram Medical, the parent of Alma Lasers, was spun off and listed in Hong Kong in 2017; Fosun Pharma retained a majority holding at the end of that year. The group also acquired Tridem Pharma in 2017 through subsidiaries. The French company was focused on pharmaceutical distribution in African markets, supporting Fosun Pharma's stated internationalization strategy. In 2021 Fosun Pharma entered a partnership with Insilico Medicine intended to facilitate that company's entry into the Chinese market. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fosun Pharma developed a nucleic-acid detection kit and obtained regulatory or market clearances described in public materials, including emergency authorization in the United States, approval in China, and European CE certification. The company also supplied protective and medical equipment to epidemic-control areas. Its most prominent pandemic partnership was with BioNTech. In March 2020, Fosun invested in BioNTech and obtained development and commercialization rights for the company's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in mainland China, while later partnering with Jacobson Pharma for supply to Hong Kong and Macau. Fosun initially conducted Chinese testing of BNT162b1, then discontinued further development of that candidate in favor of BNT162b2 after comparative data indicated a more favorable safety profile for the latter. The partnership made Fosun a central Chinese commercialization participant for the BioNTech vaccine, although the timing and regulatory pathway for mainland availability remained subject to Chinese approval. Fosun Pharma is listed in mainland China and Hong Kong and has been included in major Chinese equity indexes. Its business combines domestic pharmaceutical scale with international subsidiaries, equity investments, licensing arrangements, and distribution networks. Publicly identified senior figures include Wu Yifang, president and chief executive officer, and Chen Qiyu, chairman of Fosun Pharma and co-chief executive officer of Fosun International. The company remains an active Fosun Group healthcar…

History

Fosun Pharma traces its origins to Shanghai Fortune Industrial Company, established in January 1994. Its early shareholders included Fosun High Technology and its parent, Guangxin Technology, which was associated with Fosun's founding entrepreneurs. The listed corporate entity was established in 1998 and initially used the English name Shanghai Fortune Industrial Joint-Stock Co., Ltd. The company later changed the transliteration of its Chinese name from Fortune to Fosun and replaced the broader Industrial designation with Pharmaceutical, reflecting the development of its principal business identity. The company began trading A shares in 1998 and later listed H shares in Hong Kong in 2012. Fosun High Technology, an intermediate holding company within the Fosun structure, was connected to Fosun International, which became publicly listed in 2007. Fosun Pharma's relationship with the wider group has generally given it access to capital, investment resources, and healthcare-related businesses while leaving Fosun Pharma as a separately listed operating platform. Fosun Pharma expanded beyond its original pharmaceutical base through investments in distribution, healthcare services, medical technology, and international manufacturing. In 2003 it acquired a 49% stake in Sinopharm Group and later held the direct parent investment vehicle, Sinopharm Industrial Investment, before Sinopharm's public-market development. In 2014 it joined a consortium involved in the acquisition of Chindex International, a business associated with private hospitals in mainland China. International expansion accelerated in the second half of the 2010s. Fosun Pharma agreed in 2016 to acquire roughly 74% of Gland Pharma in India. The deal required regulatory engagement and was completed in October 2017. Gland added an important Indian pharmaceutical platform, particularly in injectable and generic medicines. In the same period, Sisram Medical, whose activities included the Alma Lasers medical-aesthetics business, was separated and listed in Hong Kong. Fosun Pharma retained a majority stake reported at 52.83% at the end of 2017. Fosun subsidiaries also acquired Tridem Pharma, a French distributor with an Africa-focused commercial footprint. The COVID-19 period demonstrated the company's reliance on both internal capabilities and external partnerships. Fosun Pharma developed a PCR-based nucleic-acid diagnostic kit and reported obtaining relevant Chinese, US, and European certifications or authorizations. It also donated masks, protective clothing, ventilators, ambulances, and other supplies to affected areas. In March 2020, Fosun invested in BioNTech and obtained rights relating to the development and commercialization of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in mainland China. Fosun initially tested BNT162b1 in China, but announced in November 2020 that it would stop further trials of that candidate after BNT162b2 demonstrated a more favorable safety profile in broader testing. It subsequently pursued a regulatory pathway for BNT162b2 and arranged a supply partnership for Hong Kong and Macau. In 2021 Fosun Pharma partnered with Insilico Medicine to help the company enter the Chinese market. Across its history, Fosun Pharma has therefore evolved from a Shanghai-based listed industrial enterprise into a diversified pharmaceutical and healthcare group. Its current model combines drug research and manufacturing with biologics, diagnostics, devices, healthcare services, international subsidiaries, licensing, and strategic investments.

2021
Insilico Medicine partnership
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Fosun Pharma partnered with Insilico Medicine to facilitate its entry into the Chinese market.
2020
BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine collaboration
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Fosun invested in BioNTech and obtained China-related rights for the company's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine program.
2017
Gland Pharma transaction completed
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
The acquisition of approximately 74% of Gland Pharma was completed in October.
2017
Sisram Medical spin-off
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Sisram Medical was separated and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
2017
Tridem Pharma acquisition
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Fosun subsidiaries acquired the Africa-focused French drug distributor Tridem Pharma.
2016
Agreement to acquire Gland Pharma
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Fosun Pharma agreed to acquire approximately 74% of India's Gland Pharma, subject to regulatory processes.
2012
Hong Kong listing
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Fosun Pharma completed its H-share listing in Hong Kong.
2003
Sinopharm investment
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Fosun Pharma acquired a 49% stake in Sinopharm Group.
1998
A-share listing
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
The listed company was incorporated under its earlier English identity and began its A-share initial public offering.
1994
Predecessor established
[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Shanghai Fortune Industrial Company, the predecessor of Fosun Pharma, was incorporated in January.

Products and positioning

An innovation-oriented and increasingly international Chinese pharmaceutical and healthcare group combining in-house development, manufacturing, commercialization, strategic investment, and partnerships.

Antimalarial medicines
Artesunate-based antimalarial products
Fosun Pharma has been associated with the development and commercialization of artesunate-based antimalarial medicines. These products represent the company's longstanding pharmaceutical manufacturing and international public-health orientation, particularly in markets where malaria treatment is a major healthcare need.
Biosimilar medicine
Han Li Kang
Han Li Kang is Fosun Pharma's rituximab biosimilar and is part of the company's biologics portfolio. It illustrates Fosun's strategy of combining domestic development and manufacturing with broader access to established biologic therapies.
Cell therapy
Fosun Kite CAR-T therapies
Fosun Kite is the cell-therapy platform associated with Fosun Pharma's CAR-T activities. The platform reflects the group's move into advanced oncology treatments and its use of international partnerships to develop and commercialize innovative therapies.
Vaccine · 2020
BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine program
Through its agreement with BioNTech, Fosun Pharma obtained development and commercialization rights for the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine program in mainland China and pursued related regulatory and supply activities. The arrangement made Fosun a regional partner rather than the global developer of the vaccine.
In-vitro diagnostics · 2020
PCR nucleic-acid detection kit
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fosun Pharma developed a 2019-nCoV nucleic-acid detection kit based on PCR technology. Public reference material states that the product received Chinese approval, US emergency authorization, and European CE certification as an in-vitro diagnostic reagent.

Controversies

2021
BioNTech vaccine batch paused in Hong Kong and Macau after vial-cap defect
BioNTech notified Fosun Pharma of a vial-cap defect in BNT162b2 batch 210102 supplied to Hong Kong and Macau. BioNTech and Fosun Pharma began investigating the cause, and the batch was paused for vaccination until the investigation ends; Fosun Pharma also said batch 210104 intended for Hong Kong would be stored and not sent to vaccination sites pending further notice.
Source
2020
Source 1 Source 2
2020
Pfizer responds to controversy over China’s exclusion from vaccine collaboration
In March 2020, Pfizer addressed controversy over the exclusion of China from its COVID-19 vaccine collaboration with BioNTech. Pfizer stated that the collaboration did not include China because BioNTech had already partnered with Fosun Pharma for the Chinese market. Pfizer said it was working to resolve details and was committed to access to medicines and vaccines for patients in China and globally.
Source
2018
Source

2020COVID-19 response and medical-supply donations
China
Fosun Pharma supported epidemic-control efforts by developing a PCR diagnostic kit and donating masks, protective clothing, ventilators, negative-pressure ambulances, and other medical supplies to affected areas. The reported value of donated supplies exceeded RMB 30 million by August 2020.
Outcome. Expanded the company's public-health role during the pandemic and supported diagnostic and emergency-response capacity.
Source
2020BioNTech vaccine development and commercialization partnership
Mainland China · Hong Kong · Macau
Fosun Pharma invested in BioNTech and obtained China-related rights for its COVID-19 mRNA vaccine program. It initially tested BNT162b1, later shifted its focus to BNT162b2, and agreed with Jacobson Pharma to supply doses to Hong Kong and Macau.
Outcome. Established Fosun as BioNTech's China partner for the vaccine program, although mainland commercialization remained dependent on Chinese regulatory approval.
Source

Brand decisions

2020
Invest in BioNTech and secure China vaccine rightsOther
Background
Fosun Pharma sought access to an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during the early global pandemic.
Action taken
Fosun invested US$135 million in BioNTech in exchange for approximately 1.58 million BioNTech shares and future development and marketing rights for the vaccine in China.
Aftermath
Fosun became BioNTech's China partner and redirected its Chinese clinical and regulatory strategy from BNT162b1 toward BNT162b2.
Strategic investment. US$135 million (17 March 2020)
Source
2020
Shift from BNT162b1 to BNT162b2Generation change
Background
Early clinical testing in China had focused on BNT162b1, while broader trials indicated that BNT162b2 had a more favorable safety profile.
Action taken
Fosun stopped further trials of BNT162b1 and concentrated on seeking Chinese approval for BNT162b2.
Aftermath
The company's vaccine strategy moved toward a bridge-study and regulatory approach based on the larger international BNT162b2 evidence base.
Source
2017
Acquire Tridem PharmaM&A
Background
Fosun Pharma pursued international distribution capabilities, with particular interest in African pharmaceutical markets.
Action taken
Fosun subsidiaries Fosun Pharma A.G. and Fosun Industrial acquired the French distributor Tridem Pharma.
Aftermath
The transaction added an Africa-focused distribution business to Fosun Pharma's international network.
Maximum stated consideration. Up to EUR 63 million (2017)
Source
2016
Acquire approximately 74% of Gland PharmaM&A
Background
Fosun Pharma sought an international manufacturing and commercial platform in India, particularly in injectable and generic medicines.
Action taken
It agreed to acquire approximately 74% of Gland Pharma, with the transaction subject to regulatory review and later completion.
Aftermath
The acquisition was completed in October 2017 and became one of Fosun Pharma's most significant overseas transactions.
Maximum stated consideration. Up to US$1,091.30 million, including up to US$25 million in contingent consideration linked to US enoxaparin sales (2016 agreement; completed October 2017)
Source

Recent events

2021
Fosun Pharma partners with Insilico Medicine[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Other
Fosun Pharma entered a partnership with Insilico Medicine to support the latter's entry into the Chinese market.
2020
Fosun invests in BioNTech and obtains China vaccine rights[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Other · Product launch
Fosun invested in BioNTech and secured development and commercialization rights for the company's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in mainland China.
2020
Fosun stops further Chinese testing of BNT162b1[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Product generation · Regulation
After comparing international and Chinese trial information, Fosun ended further testing of BNT162b1 and shifted attention toward BNT162b2, which had shown a more favorable safety profile.
2017
Fosun Pharma acquires a major stake in Gland Pharma[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Fosun Pharma completed the acquisition of approximately 74% of Indian pharmaceutical company Gland Pharma after the transaction was revised and subjected to Indian regulatory review.
2017
Sisram Medical is spun off and listed in Hong Kong[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Fosun Pharma separated Sisram Medical, the parent of Alma Lasers, as a separately listed Hong Kong company while retaining a majority interest at the end of 2017.
2017
Fosun Pharma acquires Tridem Pharma[1]Fosun Pharma - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Through subsidiaries, Fosun Pharma acquired the Africa-focused French pharmaceutical distributor Tridem Pharma.

Sources19 sources

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