Core Viewpoint - The pursuit of "health and longevity" is becoming a central goal in modern society, moving beyond mere longevity to maintaining quality of life over an extended lifespan. This shift is supported by a collaborative ecosystem of scientists, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, healthcare providers, and health service payers, driving the "big health" industry forward [1][2][7]. Group 1: Overview of the Big Health Industry - Well Equity Partners focuses on the health and longevity sector, backed by Walgreens Boots Alliance, a long-standing member of the Fortune Global 500 list [2]. - The collaboration between Fortune magazine and Well Equity Partners has identified 23 noteworthy companies in the big health sector, showcasing both established giants and emerging startups [2][3]. - The selected companies share a common trait: their business strategies and core operations align with the goals of promoting health and longevity [3][7]. Group 2: Key Companies in the Big Health Sector - Notable companies include UnitedHealth Group, Elevance Health, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, HCA Healthcare, Bayer, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, China National Pharmaceutical Group, and others, all of which are recognized in the Fortune Global 500 [5][6]. - Emerging companies such as Shanghai Ladder Medical Technology and Quantum Life Limited are also highlighted for their innovative contributions to the health and longevity landscape [6][7]. Group 3: Innovations in Disease Management - The focus on transforming severe diseases into manageable chronic conditions is crucial for achieving health and longevity. Companies are innovating in drug development and medical devices to address high-prevalence diseases like metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders [14][24]. - Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are leading in the diabetes treatment space with their GLP-1 drugs, which have opened new avenues for managing metabolic diseases [16][17]. - Bayer is pioneering cell and gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease, showcasing advancements in treatment methodologies [19][20]. Group 4: Preventive Health and Early Diagnosis - The emphasis on early detection and diagnosis is vital for intercepting health issues before they escalate. Companies are developing portable and efficient diagnostic tools to enhance accessibility and accuracy in healthcare [26][27]. - Innovations in functional foods and lifestyle management are gaining traction, aligning with the "Food as Medicine" philosophy to prevent diseases through dietary interventions [31][32]. Group 5: Health Services and Insurance Models - Companies like UnitedHealth Group and Elevance Health are creating integrated ecosystems that encompass health insurance, medical services, and health information technology, optimizing patient care and cost efficiency [39][40]. - In China, Taikang Insurance Group is building a comprehensive health ecosystem that connects insurance, asset management, and healthcare services, addressing the needs of various demographics [40]. Group 6: Future Directions and Ecosystem Development - The evolution of the health and longevity sector is marked by a shift towards a more integrated approach, where scientific research, innovative products, and supportive payment mechanisms converge to enhance public health outcomes [44][46]. - The ongoing development of technologies and services aims to make health and longevity accessible to a broader population, moving from niche offerings to mainstream solutions [43][46].

Core Insights - The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in China is projected to maintain stable revenue in 2024, with total revenue reaching 25,298.5 billion yuan, while total profit is expected to decline by 1.1% to 3,420.7 billion yuan [1] - The global biopharmaceutical sector is facing increasing pressure, with nearly half of executives reporting failure to meet revenue and profit targets, and 60% indicating unmet market share expansion goals [1][2] - Despite significant advancements in innovative fields such as cell and gene therapy, the market performance has not kept pace with scientific breakthroughs, leading to concerns over market share loss [1][2] Industry Performance - In 2024, two-thirds of the top 20 global biopharmaceutical companies experienced a decline in market value, while only three companies achieved over 10% growth [2] - The Chinese market has seen a surge in innovative drug approvals, with 22 new biopharmaceutical products and 48 innovative drugs approved in 2024, reflecting China's position as a leading source of drug development [2][3] Investment Trends - The first three quarters of 2025 have shown a significant potential for domestic innovative drugs, with total licensing-out amounts reaching 92.03 billion USD, surpassing 100 billion USD with additional transactions [3] - The innovation drug sector has rebounded strongly, with the China Innovation Drug Index rising over 13% in the first half of the year, significantly outperforming the broader market [3] Market Environment - The industry is currently in a phase of "innovation explosion" coupled with "commercialization challenges," with China contributing nearly 30% of the global innovative pipeline [4] - The shift from "single-point innovation" to "system capability co-construction" is evident, as Chinese pharmaceutical companies engage in a record number of global collaborations [4] Future Trends - The biopharmaceutical industry is expected to focus on chronic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare genetic diseases, with AI and digital technologies becoming integral to the drug development process [5] - Chinese companies are transitioning from "technology introduction" to "technology output," with a need to enhance global clinical development and compliance capabilities [5][6] Challenges and Recommendations - The industry faces challenges such as a lack of high-quality collaborative institutions, talent shortages in new therapies, regulatory inconsistencies, and supply chain vulnerabilities due to geopolitical factors [6][7] - To overcome these challenges, companies should enhance collaboration across disciplines, improve regulatory interactions, and focus on talent development [7][8] - Specific recommendations include establishing global standards for CMC capabilities, creating comprehensive CMC data packages, and collaborating with compliant global suppliers to mitigate risks [8][9]

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the increasing recognition of Shanghai as a new innovation hub alongside traditional centers like Boston and San Diego [3][94]. - It emphasizes the strategic focus of Novartis under CEO Vasant Narasimhan, who has transformed the company into a pure-play innovative drug firm, significantly increasing its market valuation [4][14]. - The role of AI in drug discovery is underscored, with Novartis collaborating with Google’s DeepMind to enhance drug development processes [5][55]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Performance - Novartis, valued at approximately $233 billion, has seen its core valuation rise from about $210 billion since Vasant Narasimhan took over in 2018, with a potential total value of around $330 billion if spun-off businesses are included [4][14]. - The company has shifted its focus from a diversified business model to a concentrated strategy on innovative pharmaceuticals, divesting non-core assets like Alcon and Sandoz [12][14]. - This strategic pivot has resulted in a market capitalization increase to $235 billion, demonstrating the value released through this focus [14]. Group 2: AI and Innovation - AI is viewed as a critical tool for identifying new drug targets and optimizing molecular structures, with Novartis actively engaging in partnerships to leverage AI in drug discovery [5][55]. - The company is exploring the potential of AI to significantly reduce the time required for early-stage drug development, potentially saving years in the process [56][57]. - Novartis is also investing in cutting-edge technology platforms, positioning itself as a leader in areas such as radioligand therapy and gene therapy [19][20]. Group 3: Global Market Dynamics - The article highlights the challenges faced by the European pharmaceutical market, which is becoming increasingly constrained due to government policies that limit the commercialization of innovations [64][65]. - In contrast, the U.S. and China are rapidly expanding their pharmaceutical markets, with China emerging as the second-largest market globally, growing at a double-digit rate [67][93]. - The article notes that many new drugs are now launched first in the U.S. and China, with Europe losing its competitive edge in drug approvals and market access [71][72]. Group 4: Future Directions and Challenges - The future of the pharmaceutical industry is expected to be shaped by advancements in early intervention strategies, gene therapy, and RNA therapies, which could revolutionize treatment paradigms [32][33][37]. - The potential fragmentation of global clinical trial data between the U.S. and China poses a significant risk to drug development, emphasizing the need for collaboration in clinical research [95][96]. - The article concludes with a call for European leaders to take decisive action to revitalize the pharmaceutical sector and ensure that innovation is not stifled by restrictive policies [68][70].