Hong Kong has many long-established and reputable proprietary Chinese medicine brands. With the transitional registration system for proprietary Chinese medicines ending in late June, the regulatory framework for Chinese medicine has entered a new phase. Additionally, the Mainland has implemented simplified approval procedures for the market registration of traditional proprietary Chinese medicines registered in Hong Kong, facilitating Hong Kong businesses in expanding into the Mainland market. These developments are expected to have a positive impact on Hong Kong’s proprietary Chinese medicine industry.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a temporary order adopting import and export restrictions on certain benzimidazole-opioid substances.

The Administrative Committee of the Guangzhou Development District and the People’s Government of the Huangpu District of Guangzhou Municipality recently issued a notice outlining certain measures to promote high-quality development in the biomedicine industry (Sui Pu Fu Gui No. 9 [2025]). These measures, collectively referred to as the “Biomedicine 3.0” policy, apply to enterprises, institutions, unincorporated organisations and other entities in the biomedicine industry, as well as individuals working in such entities, in the Guangzhou Development District and industry parks under its management (together referred to as “the District”) in compliance with relevant regulations. The measures took effect on 23 July 2025 and will remain in force for three years.

Lack of familiarity, a reluctance to experiment and even widespread mistrust are hindering the take-up of AI-enabled tech by the elderly.