Best Traditional Pharmaceuticals Companies in China
The 219 best Traditional Pharmaceuticals companies in China in 2026, ranked by funding and momentum. Funding, investors, founders, valuation, tech stack and live signals. Top: Huadong Medicine.
China's Traditional Pharmaceuticals sector is bigger than most people realize, and this directory ranks 219 tracked companies by disclosed equity funding and recent momentum. Total disclosed funding hits $2.4B across the cohort, with Huadong Medicine ($532M) and Shanghai Henlius Biotech ($347M) doing most of the heavy lifting at the top.
The global market sits at roughly $180B in 2025, forecasted to nearly double to $359.4B by 2032 at a 7.7% CAGR, driven by consumer appetite for natural therapies and the cost advantage traditional treatments hold over synthetic alternatives. So where does that leave mid-tier players? BrightGene ($80M) and Lynkpharma ($78M) show you don't need unicorn status to attract serious capital, and active backers like OrbiMed, CDH and Cowin Capital are clearly not sitting this cycle out. I'd watch generic drug approval pipelines closely this quarter, since regulatory tailwinds there are reshaping which companies clear the funding bar next. The 28% median install growth across 69 pharma apps year-over-year signals that digital patient engagement is now part of the competitive calculus, not a side project.
- Coherent Market Insights
Our analysis of 50 Traditional Pharmaceuticals companies
$3.2b in tracked funding; 51% of the stack-profiled cohort runs cloud-native; funding activity peaked in 2016.
Ranked: Best Traditional Pharmaceuticals companies in China
| # | Company | Disclosed funding | Last round | Employees | Founded | Founder | Tech stack | Patents & IP focus | Recent signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huadong Medicine Manufacturer of pharmaceutical products | $532M | 124 mo ago | 14,061 | 1993 | Liang Lu CEO | — | 17 patents Oral anti-diabetic drugs and formulations, including acarbose and combination therapies | — |
| 2 | Shanghai Henlius Biotech Biotech arm of Fosun with a focus of Monoclonal Antibodies | $347M | 95 mo ago | 3,602 | 2010 | — | Microsoft ASP.NETBootstrapTengine+2 | 283 patents Immuno‑oncology biologics and antibody‑drug conjugates targeting PD‑1/PD‑L1 and OX40. | 1 partnership |
| 3 | Luoxin Pharmaceutical Group Developer and manufacturer of pharmaceutical products | $301M | — | 6,000 | 2006 | — | Apple iCloud MailWindows ServerMicrosoft ASP.NET+3 | — | — |
| 4 | Luye Pharma Developer of innovative pharmaceutical products and treatments | $161M | 64 mo ago | 1 | 1994 | — | BootstrapSwiperjQuery+2 | — | — |
| 5 | Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Integrated pharmaceutical production and distribution company | $160M | 64 mo ago | 42,236 | 1994 | Man Cho CEO & President | BootstrapHandlebarsjQuery+1 | 231 patents Design and synthesis of nitrogen‑heterocyclic pharmaceuticals and immunotherapy CAR‑T agents | — |
| 6 | BrightGene Manufacturer of pharmaceutical formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and veterinary drugs | $80M | 3 mo ago | 559 | 2001 | — | — | — | — |
| 7 | lynkpharma.com Limited information available | $78M | 32 mo ago | 40 | 2017 | — | — | — | — |
| 8 | Zion Pharma Manufacturer of anticancer focused drugs | $75M | 58 mo ago | 15 | 2018 | Ding Zhou Founder | — | — | — |
| 9 | Henan Lingrui Pharmaceutical Diversified pharma company making OTC medicines | $73M | 121 mo ago | 2,524 | 1992 | — | — | — | — |
| 10 | China Medicine Corporation Developer and distributor of prescription and OTC drugs | $70M | 197 mo ago | — | 2005 | Senshan Yang CEO | — | — | — |
| 11 | Waterstone Pharmaceuticals Manufacturer of generic formulations | $65M | 69 mo ago | 288 | 2008 | Faming Zhang CEO | — | 78 patents Patents concentrated in health & consumer products | — |
| 12 | Jacobson Pharma Provider of generic and specialized formulation products | $64M | 104 mo ago | 1,789 | 1998 | Kwong Yip Sum CEO | PHPApache HTTP ServerGoDaddy | — | — |
| 13 | Water Stone Provider of residential and outpatient behavioral treatment for at-risk youth | $61M | 69 mo ago | — | 2010 | Zhang Xingwen Founder | — | — | — |
| 14 | China NT Pharma Provider of pharmaceutical distribution, bone health services, and investment platforms | $60M | — | 124 | 1995 | Wu Tie Chairman & CEO | — | 847 patents Small-molecule therapeutic agents targeting protein inhibition and disease-modifying pathways | — |
| 15 | Eddingpharm Provider of biopharmaceutical products for critical illnesses | $56M | 103 mo ago | 1,314 | 2001 | — | Animate.cssMicrosoft ASP.NETTengine+4 | — | — |
| 16 | Gan & Lee Pharmaceutical Developer and commercializer of insulin analogs and medical devices | $46M | 181 mo ago | 4,057 | 1988 | Zhongru Gan Founder | LayuiNginxSwiper+4 | — | 1 expansion |
| 17 | Zhuhai Ruisi Puli Bio-Pharmaceutical Manufacturer of generic drugs & biological antibodies and equipment | $38M | 64 mo ago | — | 2018 | Cambridge Haigui Founder | — | — | — |
| 18 | First Pharmaceutical Holdings Manufacturer of oncology drugs | $29M | 83 mo ago | 167 | 2016 | — | — | — | — |
| 19 | Rezubio Manufacturer of generic drugs | $20M | 6 mo ago | 5 | 2019 | Yusheng Xiong CEO | — | — | — |
| 20 | NovaMed Pharmaceuticals Developer of therapies for oncology, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system | $20M | 220 mo ago | 90 | 2005 | — | — | — | — |
| 21 | GC-Rise Provider of financial market data and information | $20M | 141 mo ago | 500 | 2008 | — | — | — | — |
| 22 | Tibet Nuodikang Pharmaceutical Manufacturer of generic and alternative therapy drugs | $16M | 76 mo ago | 615 | 1999 | Yuan Guo CEO | — | — | — |
| 23 | Profex Chinese Pharmaceutical Company | $16M | 213 mo ago | 500 | 2001 | Philip Xiao CEO | — | — | — |
| 24 | Lead Biopharmaceuticals | $14M | 19 mo ago | — | 2019 | Yan Feng Founder & CEO | — | — | — |
| 25 | Jiangsu Huatai Chenguang Pharmaceutical Developer and manufacturer of APIs as well as finished dosage forms | $9M | 69 mo ago | 100 | 2009 | — | — | — | — |
| 26 | Aoxing Pharma Manufacturer and distributor of narcotics and pain management products | $5M | 196 mo ago | 346 | 1997 | — | — | — | — |
| 27 | Zhongyi Anke Biotechnology Limited information available | $4M | 83 mo ago | 126 | 2001 | — | — | — | — |
| 28 | Biostar Pharmaceuticals Developer of AI-powered search, productivity, and creative tools | $4M | 199 mo ago | 200 | 2007 | — | — | 40 patents Novel epothilone (utidelone) anti‑cancer formulations and production methods | — |
| 29 | Hangzhou Songyang Biological Technology Manufacturer of stretch mark repair and prevention products | $2M | 77 mo ago | — | 2014 | Chen Jianguo Founder | — | — | — |
Top 12 Traditional Pharmaceuticals companies in China
#1
Series C · Suzhou, Jiangsu · founded 2001 · 559 employees$80Mraised▾
Manufacturer of pharmaceutical formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and veterinary drugs. The company develops and produces a range of pharmaceutical products, including formulations for human use and active pharmaceutical ingredients. It also offers products related to veterinary medicine. A robust research and development system supports innovation and quality control throughout the production process. The company maintains comprehensive production and quality systems.
- Mar 2026Series C—
- Jan 2019Series C$80M
#2
Series A · Zhuhai, Guangdong Province · founded 2019 · 5 employees$20Mraised▾
Manufacturer of generic drugs
- Dec 2025Series A$20M
- Feb 2023Seed—
#3
Series A · Shanghai, Shanghai Shi · founded 2019$13.8Mraised▾
- Nov 2024Series A$13.8M
#4
Series C · Zhejiang · founded 2017 · 40 employees$78.2Mraised▾
Limited information available
- Sep 2023Series C—
- May 2023Series C$28.2M
- Aug 2021Series B$50M
- Mar 2020Series A—
#5
Public · Hangzhou, Zhejiang · founded 1993 · 14061 employees$532Mraised▾
Huadong Medicine is engaged in the pharmaceutical manufacturing. The Company operates its principal business through manufacture of medicines as well as trading of medicines. The Company’s products consist of Chinese medicine products, immunosuppressive preparations, diabetes drugs, drugs for digestive system diseases, blood drugs, drugs for bone injuries and active pharmaceutical ingredients, among others. The Company also involves in the medical equipment business. It markets its products in domestic and overseas markets.
- Feb 2016Post IPO$532M
#6
Public · Xuhui, Shanghai · founded 2010 · 3602 employees$347Mraised▾
Shanghai Henlius Biotech is the biotech arm of Fosun Pharmaceuticals. It was formed as a joint venture company by Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceuticals and Henlius Biopharmaceuticals. The company develops, produces, and commercializes monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs. The company focuses on developing mAb-based therapeutics, including mAb biosimilar, biobetters, mAb, bispecific antibody drugs, and antibody drug conjugates, etc. Products currently in development cover a variety of therapeutic areas including oncology and autoimmune diseases. As of July 2017, they have completed the IND submissions of 8 products for 13 indications. The first 5 of them HLX01 to HLX05 are biosimilars of global blockbuster drugs. HLX07 is their biobetter candidate targeting colorectal cancer, head, and neck cancer and is currently undergoing clinical trials in China and Taiwan.
- Jul 2018Series B$157M
- Jan 2018Series A$190M
- Aug 2014Seed—
#7
Public · Shanghai, Shanghai · founded 1994 · 42236 employees$159.9Mraised▾
Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Group is the only integrated pharmaceutical company in the PRC that has leading positions in both pharmaceutical product and distribution markets. It was China'ssecond-largest pharmaceutical distributor and third-largest pharmaceutical producer. The Group adopts an integrated vertical business model and provides solutions in pharmaceutical manufacturing, distribution, logistics storage and retail. The Group currently offers more than 400 pharmaceutical products as well as pharmaceutical distribution and supply chain solutions to more than 7,600 hospitals and medical institutions in China. The Group also operates approximately 1,700 self-operated and franchise stores nationwide. In 2022, the company recorded annual revenues of $35.1B and a net profit of $0.87B.
- Feb 2021Series B$159.9M
#8
Public · Shanghai, Shanghai · founded 1994 · 1 employees$161.2Mraised▾
Developer of innovative pharmaceutical products and treatments. This company focuses on the research, development, manufacturing, and sale of medicines. Their portfolio includes treatments for various conditions, with a focus on bringing new therapies to market. The company has a global presence and is committed to advancing healthcare through pharmaceutical innovation. They maintain a strong emphasis on research and development to create effective and safe medications.
- Jan 2021Post IPO$161.2M
- Mar 2012PE—
#9
Series B · Shanghai, Shanghai · founded 2018 · 15 employees$75Mraised▾
Manufacturer of anticancer focused drugs
- Jul 2021Series B$40M
- Aug 2020Series A$20M
- 2019Series A$12M
- 2018Seed$3M
#10
Acquired · Linyi, Shandong · founded 2006 · 6000 employees$301Mraised▾
Developer and manufacturer of pharmaceutical products. This entity engages in the research, development, production, and distribution of a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical products across various therapeutic areas, including gastroenterology, pediatrics, respiratory, oncology, and more. The company operates a robust research and development platform, focusing on both innovative and established drug formulations. It maintains a network for sales and distribution, ensuring market access for its products. The organization also has a dedicated focus on maintaining high standards in drug safety and vigilance.
#11
Series C · Wuhan, Hubei · founded 2008 · 288 employees$64.7Mraised▾
Waterstone Pharmaceuticals is a generic company with research, development and manufacturing capabilities in Wuhan, China. Waterstone Pharmaceuticals engages in activities ranging from drug discovery of proprietary new chemical entities, custom development and manufacturing services, and generic drug development and manufacturing. It is focussed on development and commercialization of innovative drugs for the treatment of liver and gastrointestinal diseases.
- Sep 2020Series C$61.3M
- Sep 2012Conventional Debt$19M
- Aug 2012Series A$3.4M
#12
Deadpooled · Wuhan, Hubei · founded 2010$61.3Mraised▾
Provider of residential and outpatient behavioral treatment for at-risk youth. It offers treatment programs utilizing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Services include individual, group, and family therapy, supportive counseling, and crisis management. The programs aim to aid in the development of healthy life skills and positive behavioral changes. They also provide services for youth with sexual offenses, including diversion, probation supervision, and post-residential aftercare.
- Sep 2020Series C$61.3M
Funding & investor landscape
Notable founders
How research on Drug Discovery is moving in China
A read on the academic research around Drug Discovery — which themes are gaining ground, the institutions and researchers driving them, and how the tone is shifting. Based on 6,747 China-affiliated papers.
- Chinese Academy of Sciences485
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College292
- Zhejiang University229
- China Pharmaceutical University220
- Sichuan University214
- Computational biology40→481
- Virtual screening8→319
- Docking (animal)6→183
- Bioinformatics4→177
- Chemical space5→172
- Computational biology27→453
- Virtual screening7→334
- Docking (animal)6→295
- Pharmacology10→215
- Drug development4→198
- Drug development3→135
- Computational biology10→122
- Disease1→65
- Bioinformatics3→56
- Pharmacology8→57
Where drug discovery is researched across China
Location clusters by institution affiliation — each city's volume, stance tone, and a quick read on its hot topic, what's advancing, the opening opportunity, and the main concern.
Who's filing drug discovery patents in China
China drug discovery patent filing is accelerating — 117,304 filings from 8,000 assignees (2016–2025), led by Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical, CHIA TAI Tianqing Pharmaceutical; annual filings 4734→18315.
- Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine2974
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical2302
- CHIA TAI Tianqing Pharmaceutical2252
- Medshine Discovery1550
- Sunshine LAKE Pharma1429
- Shanghai INST Materia Medica CAS1426
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals1323
- Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Gr920
Common questions
Rohit lives in the feed. He covers what's moving right now — the funding rounds, launches and shifts breaking across the trade press — and ties them back to where the sector is heading.