From Command-Control to Lifecycle Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Safety in China’s Pharmaceutical Legislation

Abstract

Background: China’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework is undergoing a pivotal shift from a traditional “command-control” model to a “lifecycle regulation” approach, aiming to balance drug safety, innovation, and accessibility. This study systematically examines the evolution, achievements, and challenges of China’s regulatory reforms, offering insights for global pharmaceutical governance. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach integrating historical analysis, policy text mining, and case studies, we reviewed the pharmaceutical laws and regulations enacted since 1949, supplemented by case studies (e.g., COVID-19 vaccine emergency approvals) and a comparative analysis with international models (e.g., U.S. FDA and EU EMA frameworks). The data were sourced from authoritative platforms such as the PKULAW database, criminal law amendments, and international regulatory texts. Results: China’s regulatory evolution is categorized into four phases: Emergence (1949–1984), Foundational (1985–2000), Deepening Reform (2001–2018), and Lifecycle Regulation (2019–present). The revised Drug Administration Law (2019) institutionalized risk management, dynamic GMP inspections, and post-market surveillance, marking a transition to holistic lifecycle oversight. Key milestones include the introduction of the Vaccine Management Law (2019) and stricter penalties under the Criminal Law Amendment (XI) (2020). Conclusions: China’s lifecycle regulation model demonstrates potential to harmonize safety and innovation, evidenced by improved API export compliance (e.g., 15% increase in international certifications by 2023) and accelerated approvals for breakthrough therapies (e.g., domestically developed PD-1 inhibitors). However, challenges persist, including uneven enforcement capacities, tensions between conditional approvals and risk mitigation, and reliance on global supply chains. These findings provide critical lessons for developing countries navigating similar regulatory dilemmas.