Pharma firms step into cosmetics industry

Low R&D expenses and high profit margins make it an attractive transition option for traditional drug enterprises

"When I heard about lipsticks produced by a company that makes dermatitis cream, I thought it was funny. What does the lipstick smell like? I think I will definitely buy one when it comes out."

This was the response from Shen Li, a 22-year-old student in Shanghai, when she heard 999pyp, a brand under Chinese pharmaceutical giant CR Sanjiu famous for producing Compound Dex, was about to introduce a set of lipsticks.