Beijing, Feb 11, 2025 — The R&D-based Pharmaceutical Association Committee (RDPAC) is pleased to announce the addition of a new member to its 2024-2025 Executive Committee. Former AstraZeneca China General Manager Michael Lai has taken on new responsibilities within AstraZeneca and will no longer be able to serve on the RDPAC Executive Committee. RDPAC welcomes Shirley Zhao, President of Astellas China, as a new member of 2024-2025 Executive Committee, effective January 17, 2025.
Shirley Zhao
Member of RDPAC 2024-2025 Executive Committee
President of Astellas China
Shirley Zhao expressed, “I am honored to join the RDPAC 2024-2025 Executive Committee. As China’s pharmaceutical innovation enters a critical stage of quality upgrade, joining RDPAC represents both an honor and a responsibility. I look forward to collaborating with fellow EC members, RDPAC member companies, and all stakeholders to continuously support the development of China’s pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem, drive high-quality industry development, and contribute to achieving the ‘Healthy China 2030’ goal, ensuring that global innovations benefit more patients in China.”
The RDPAC Executive Committee highly appreciates and commends Michael Lai for his leadership and invaluable contributions during his tenure, particularly his commitment and tireless efforts in advancing RDPAC’s market access initiatives. We wish him continued success in his new roles.
RDPAC Executive Committee remains dedicated to guiding RDPAC’s mission in China. This entails collaborative efforts with key stakeholders to foster international cooperation, bridge communication between the government and the industry, and advocate for sustainable policies that incentivize pharmaceutical innovation. The ultimate goal is to ensure that innovative medicines benefit Chinese patients as early and as extensively as possible. Simultaneously, RDPAC remains committed to elevating China's pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem, fostering higher-quality industry development, and contributing to the ‘Healthy China’ initiative, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of the people in China.
