China has joined the ICH as its eighth regulatory member, pledging to gradually transform its pharmaceutical regulatory authorities, industry and research institutions to implement the international coalition’s technical standards and guidelines.

The Chinese State Food and Drug Administration said it also plans to actively promote the faster entry of international drugs into the Chinese market, as well as support the innovation and competitiveness of its domestic pharmaceutical industry.

The acceptance of the CFDA, approved by the ICH Assembly at its meeting in Montreal earlier this month, brings the group’s total number of members to 14. The CFDA also joined the ICH’s Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme as an observer. — Conor Hale