Competition pushes pharma firms toward differentiation

Market saturation is forcing Chinese API and peptide producers to pursue technology-led  innovations.

Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturers are navigating one of their most competitive periods, with saturated API and intermediate markets putting pressure on margins and forcing firms to differentiate quickly.

Speaking at API China 2025, Maggie Liu, Sales Director of Sichuan Dingke Pharmaceutical, said the crowded landscape shapes nearly every strategic decision the company makes. “There are too many competitors, especially in China… there are some products that really companies cannot make any profit,” she said.

For Sichuan Dingke, the response is a deliberate shift toward specialised, higher-value products. Liu said that growing demand for anti-aging and peptide-based solutions further supports this shift.

Liu emphasised that the company’s strategy relies on disciplined market analysis, including prioritising products with fewer than 10 manufacturers and long patent horizons extending to 2030 and beyond.

To sustain growth, Sichuan Dingke is also widening its global reach. Liu said the firm will continue joining major industry exhibitions, noting strong customer interest from recent events in Bangkok and Frankfurt.