Global Experts Gather in Boao, China, to Advance Medical Innovation

International leaders in healthcare convened in Boao Lecheng, China, from November 21 to 23, 2025, for the inaugural Global Innovative Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Expo, alongside the 4th International Conference on Real-World Studies of Medical Products. The events highlighted over 100 cutting-edge pharmaceuticals and medical devices, attracting approximately 1,000 professionals from government, industry, academia, and research.

As a designated “medical special zone,” Boao Lecheng is focused on pioneering medical treatments and fostering international collaboration. To date, the zone has welcomed over 30 medical institutions and introduced more than 520 advanced medical products, benefiting over 200,000 patients. The Hainan Free Trade Port aims to enhance accessibility for innovative medical solutions and facilitate global partnerships as it prepares for comprehensive customs operations across the island.

Key Discussions and Innovations

During the expo, prominent medical figures, including Zheng Shusen, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Wei Yuquan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Tan Huay Cheem, Chairman of the Singapore Heart Foundation, delved into pressing issues such as breakthroughs in therapies for rare diseases and the integration of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics.

Notable innovations showcased included novel treatments for small cell lung cancer and the introduction of the world’s first intelligent cochlear implant system. These advancements underscore the conference’s focus on pioneering technologies that span oncology, AI-assisted diagnosis, and cell therapy.

“Lecheng has built a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing the entire chain of international innovative pharmaceuticals and medical devices,” said Fu Sheng, Director of the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone Administration Bureau. He emphasized the expo’s role in providing Chinese doctors with direct access to global medical advances and addressing complex patient needs.

Real-World Data and Future Prospects

Lecheng is also recognized as China’s first pilot zone for real-world data applications, which plays a vital role in expediting the introduction of international medical products into the Chinese market. To date, the zone has facilitated the approval of 21 innovative drugs and medical devices and has seen three products included in the national medical insurance catalog. This progress reflects the significant contributions of the “Lecheng model” to global regulatory reforms in the healthcare sector.

At the International Conference on Real-World Studies, representatives from international organizations, regulatory bodies, and research institutions, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, engaged in discussions about accelerating the adoption of innovative medical products in China.

“The real-world data provided by Lecheng has been invaluable in supporting our product development,” stated Brendan Murray, Vice President of Cochlear Implant Product Portfolio and Strategy for Asia Pacific and Latin America. His comments reflect the growing reputation of Lecheng as a key player in the global medical tourism and technology innovation landscape.

Zhou Changqiang, secretary of the Qionghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, highlighted that with the full operational status of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Lecheng is poised to redefine medical services worldwide. He expressed optimism about showcasing China’s commitment to opening up the health sector through innovative practices.

The expo and conference signify a pivotal step towards fostering international cooperation in healthcare, enhancing patient access to groundbreaking treatments, and positioning Lecheng as a leader in the global medical landscape.