C20a. Unlocking opportunities for Australia−China collaboration in clinical trials
Tracks
Clinical Research
| Thursday, June 5, 2025 |
| 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM |
| C2.2+C2.3 |
Chair & Speakers
Dr Amanda Mao
Managing Director
ACURIT MEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS
C20a. Unlocking opportunities for Australia−China collaboration in clinical trials
Abstract
Collaborative opportunities between Australia and China in the clinical trials sector are bidirectional, encompassing both inbound activity to Australia and outbound activity to China.
Australia is uniquely positioned to support Chinese biotech companies in their global expansion, particularly through clinical trials. Australia’s key advantages—fast start-up times, globally recognized data quality, R&D tax incentives, complementary seasons, and time zone compatibility—make it an attractive destination for Chinese-sponsored clinical trials. Chinese companies, in fact, regard Australia as one of the top two global destinations for clinical trials.
China ranks among the top three countries—alongside the U.S. and South Korea—conducting early-phase trials in Australia. These trials often focus on oncology, aligning well with Australian expertise. Oncology remains the most frequently studied therapeutic area in Australian trials.
For outbound collaboration, China’s large patient pool, improved regulatory environment, and cost efficiencies offer significant opportunities for Australian companies conducting trials in areas such as immuno-oncology and CAR-T therapies.
There is also growing interest from Australian sponsors in conducting consumer health trials in China. In 2022, Australia ranked as the second-largest exporter of health supplements to China, after the U.S. Such nutrition trials aim to generate scientific data for publication in peer-reviewed journals, addressing the needs of Chinese consumers and thought leaders seeking scientifically validated nutrition claims.
However, cross-border collaboration is not without challenges. This presentation will address key considerations, including proactive communication, conducting due diligence on Chinese partners, and navigating differing cultural and workplace norms. The presenter will also engage the audience through the conference’s polling tool to explore perceived challenges and opportunities in this area.
The rise of clinical trials from China-headquartered companies demonstrates how rapidly China is emerging as a global clinical trial powerhouse. It is high time for Australian companies to seize this opportunity and engage with China’s evolving life sciences market.
Australia is uniquely positioned to support Chinese biotech companies in their global expansion, particularly through clinical trials. Australia’s key advantages—fast start-up times, globally recognized data quality, R&D tax incentives, complementary seasons, and time zone compatibility—make it an attractive destination for Chinese-sponsored clinical trials. Chinese companies, in fact, regard Australia as one of the top two global destinations for clinical trials.
China ranks among the top three countries—alongside the U.S. and South Korea—conducting early-phase trials in Australia. These trials often focus on oncology, aligning well with Australian expertise. Oncology remains the most frequently studied therapeutic area in Australian trials.
For outbound collaboration, China’s large patient pool, improved regulatory environment, and cost efficiencies offer significant opportunities for Australian companies conducting trials in areas such as immuno-oncology and CAR-T therapies.
There is also growing interest from Australian sponsors in conducting consumer health trials in China. In 2022, Australia ranked as the second-largest exporter of health supplements to China, after the U.S. Such nutrition trials aim to generate scientific data for publication in peer-reviewed journals, addressing the needs of Chinese consumers and thought leaders seeking scientifically validated nutrition claims.
However, cross-border collaboration is not without challenges. This presentation will address key considerations, including proactive communication, conducting due diligence on Chinese partners, and navigating differing cultural and workplace norms. The presenter will also engage the audience through the conference’s polling tool to explore perceived challenges and opportunities in this area.
The rise of clinical trials from China-headquartered companies demonstrates how rapidly China is emerging as a global clinical trial powerhouse. It is high time for Australian companies to seize this opportunity and engage with China’s evolving life sciences market.
Biography
Dr Amanda Xiaoqing Mao, PhD
As an experienced professional in international business development and clinical project management, Dr Mao’s skills encompass the entire clinical trial journey.
Specifically, Dr Mao is a bridge between Australia & China in clinical research. Having an extensive professional network in China, Dr Mao helps Australian CROs develop strong relationships with as well as carry out clinical trials for Chinese biotech companies/sponsors. Dr Mao has a wealth of experience in planning and managing end-to-end international clinical projects from commencement to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget.
With over 15 years of career history in the pharmaceutical and nutrition industries across China and Australia, Dr Mao’s experience covers broad therapeutic areas such as oncology, rare disease, immunology, paediatrics, gastroenterology, metabolic disorders, and neurology.
Dr Mao is Founder, Director, and Principal Consultant at Acurit Medical Communications. Her other experiences include Alliance and Project Management Lead at Keros Therapeutics, USA; Scientific Project Director – China at Edanz Inc., Japan; and Senior Medical Affairs Manager, Asia Pacific at Pfizer, China.
Dr Mao is a member of the Health and Medical Research Working Group at Australia China Business Council (ACBC), Victoria branch. She has been invited multiple times to present about cross-border clinical trials between Australia and China.
Dr Mao received her PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Missouri – Columbia in the US, and her Bachelor's and Master’s in life sciences in China.
