#NewAseBioMember | "AseBio is a bridge to the European biotechnology ecosystem"

AseBio. What does your company's work bring to the table and what is its strength?

Zelin Zhang. Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (GPHL) is a leading integrated pharmaceutical enterprise in China, with a diverse portfolio spanning traditional Chinese medicine, chemical drugs, biological products and healthcare services. Our strength lies in our strong commitment to innovation, robust R&D capabilities, modern manufacturing facilities and a broad commercial network. We can also bring unique insights into China’s clinical practices, regulatory pathways and emerging therapeutic trends to support bilateral collaboration.

AseBio. What is AseBio for you?

Zelin Zhang. For GPHL, AseBio is a bridge to the European biotechnology ecosystem. It is a platform and community that connects research institutions, biotechnology companies and industry partners, and it offers us valuable opportunities for collaboration, regulatory learning, and access to the Spanish and European markets.

AseBio. When did you first hear about AseBio?

Zelin Zhang. We first heard about AseBio in April this year, when a delegation led by GPHL’s senior leadership visited Spain. During that visit, we were introduced to AseBio and learned about its role in connecting Spain’s biotechnology ecosystem. That was our first encounter with the association, and it sparked our interest in exploring membership.

Asebio. What do you expect from being part of an association like AseBio?

Zelin Zhang. We expect to deepen our engagement with the European biotechnology ecosystem, particularly in Spain. We hope to explore out-licensing and in-licensing opportunities, clinical trial collaborations, and co-development of small-molecule or antibody-based drug candidates in oncology with Spanish institutions. We also expect to learn about EMA guidelines, clinical trial requirements and market access strategies, and to actively participate in working groups, events and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

AseBio. What is the biggest challenge facing the biotech sector or your company?

Zelin Zhang. Our biggest challenge is twofold. First, GPHL is undergoing an innovation-driven transformation—from a traditional pharmaceutical company to an innovative biopharma company—which requires significant reform and change across R&D, culture and business models. Second, we are pursuing internationalization, or “going global,” which means adapting to different regulatory systems, building overseas partnerships and entering international markets. Internationalization is especially relevant to AseBio because Spain and Europe are important to our global strategy.