Clinical trials are increasingly conducted globally, with China emerging as a major hub for early-phase and proof-of-concept trials due to faster regulatory timelines, large patient pools, and state-backed investments.2
China has transitioned from a low-cost execution market to a global engine for clinical innovation, influencing development pathways such as early trials in China, mid-phase in Asia-Pacific, and registrational trials in the US and EU.2
Geographical shifts in clinical trial activity are a continuing trend, as highlighted in global R&D reports, contributing to broader globalization of research efforts.5
Sources:
2. https://cromospharma.com/clinical-research-in-2026-what-changed-and-why-it-matters/
5. https://www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports-and-publications/reports/global-trends-in-r-and-d-2025