2019 was the year that China approved the first new drug for Alzheimer's in nearly two decades and for the first US approval of an original cancer drug from China. While the simmering US trade war has been addressed by a phase one agreement to be signed, other uncertainties marked a year dominated by a large vaccine scandal and resulting bankruptcy, and increasing calls to include China in global clinical development plans.

Much anticipated legislation signals flexibility over online sales of pharma products and definition of counterfeits, but the law also falls short on key elements of pharmaceutical innovation and intellectual property rights protection, says one legal expert.

Record-breaking fine slapped on scandal-hit domestic vaccine maker in China has some wondering if the tide of opinion may be turning against private companies.