When debating global launch strategies, North America remains the obvious choice for commercial reasons but it’s not always the best for clinical data.
The panel at a recent CCO round table, discussed how European countries like Spain, France, and Belgium offer superior environments for clinical trials, particularly in oncology and autoimmune disease.
Other emerging launch markets include the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Saudi Arabia, and Japan. However, these regions often require localisation, regulatory adaptation, and strategic partnerships to navigate cultural and legal landscapes.
China, while commercially significant, presents unique hurdles. Although it’s now AstraZeneca’s second-largest market, country-specific trials are mandatory, and geopolitical uncertainty can introduce substantial risk. As one participant shared, their company chose a European manufacturer over a Chinese one due to biosecurity concerns, a decision that cost €10 million but potentially saved the company.
“Geopolitical uncertainty can introduce substantial risk.”
Strategic thinking about launch geography is more critical than ever. Companies must weigh regulatory speed, data quality, market size, and political stability before making their move.
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