Guideline speeds access to drugs

Drugs developed in other countries are expected to be available for use on the Chinese mainland more quickly under a new guideline released by the central government.

Authorities in China will now accept data collected from clinical trials conducted outside the mainland for applications to register drugs and medical equipment, according to the guideline on reforming approval procedures, which was released by the State Council on Sunday.

The data must be collected from clinical trials conducted at more than one center and must meet Chinese regulations for registration of drugs and medical equipment, the guideline said.