The breakup of the Hisun-Pfizer JV typifies an unhappy marriage between Chinese and MNC pharma firms in the generics segment in recent years, although the two companies will continue to work as commercial partners under a new framework. Scrip delves into the reasons for the split and also outlines why, China is, nevertheless, expected to see more joint ventures for innovative drugs.

China's emerging role as a launch pad for global biotech ventures is slowly taking shape, fueled by ready venture capital funding and strong government support. Although capital outflow controls are tightening, the number of biotech deals will ratchet up, executives say.

Among the many challenges facing foreign generics firms operating in China, dealing with ever-tightening policies and regulations is probably the toughest, and has already forced several multinationals to quit the market. But one Indian joint venture is looking to effectively exploit targeted niche opportunities.

Among the many challenges facing foreign generics firms operating in China, dealing with ever-tightening policies and regulations is probably the toughest, and has already forced several multinationals to quit the market. But one Indian joint venture is looking to effectively exploit targeted niche opportunities.