Xi’an, China, 13 October 2015 – Xian-Janssen reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the Chinese Government and invest in healthcare innovation in China during a ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of its establishment.
The event also marked the parallel 30 year anniversary of ‘sister city’ status between the Shaanxi and Antwerp provincial governments. Speaking in Xi’an, Vice Governor Yao Yinliang of Shaanxi and Governor Cathy Berx of Antwerp spoke to the importance of the relationship and the sizeable benefits reaped by both provinces.
Also attending the ceremony were Janssen Asia Pacific Company Group Chairman Kris Sterkens, Xian Janssen President Cesar Rodriguez and Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Group Chairman Zan Ansheng.
“Over the past three decades, as the Chinese healthcare system has undergone rapid transformation, Xian Janssen has collaborated across China to deliver innovative medicines that have had a profound impact on the lives of millions of people,” said Mr Sterkens.
“We are privileged to have served patients and contributed to China's healthcare sector through access to high quality pharmaceuticals, increased disease awareness and investment in local R&D and talent development,” he said.
“In the last five years alone, we have launched 14 new products and indications in China across a range of disease areas, from HIV and cancer to psoriasis and schizophrenia.”
Founded by Dr Paul Janssen in 1985, Xian Janssen was one of the first pharmaceutical joint ventures established in China. Today, it is one of the country’s largest pharmaceutical companies, employing approximately 2,500 people in 29 offices.
“As we celebrate our rich heritage in China, our focus on innovation, social responsibility and business integrity remains unwavering. So too does our commitment to working in partnership with the Chinese Government,” said Mr Sterkens.
In recent years, Janssen and its parent company Johnson & Johnson have made significant investments in China. One of these projects involves the construction of a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Xi’an, which will be operational in 2018. The state-of-the-art facility will be the largest-capacity manufacturing site of its kind in the world and feature world-class technologies and quality assurance systems.
Janssen is also committed to drawing on local R&D expertise to create innovative therapies that help address significant public health needs. In 2014, J&J launched its Shanghai-based Asia Pacific Pharmaceuticals Innovation Center, which collaborates with local science and technology leaders to invest in the development of promising early-stage therapies.
Xian Janssen plans to introduce 10 innovative medicines in China by 2020. The company is currently preparing for the launch of ZYTIGA®, a breakthrough treatment for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Reflecting on the past achievements and future plans for Xian Janssen, Cesar Rodriguez said: “Xian Janssen has accomplished so much and helped so many people since 1985. However, our journey in this great country is just beginning.”
“We remain focused on delivering for patients and addressing unmet medical need. We will continue to deepen our roots here in Xi’an and work with trusted partners, including the Chinese Government, medical experts and business leaders, to develop innovative therapies, enhance patient access to these medicines and support the community,” Mr Rodriguez said.
Media Contact:
Maggie Sun
Communications and Public Affairs, Xian Janssen
Email: ysun31@its.jnj.com
Tele: +86 10 5821 8458