In what appears to be a step towards a gradual shift away from its strict "COVID Zero" policies, China is poised to approve its first mRNA vaccine - in this case developed domestically - and will accelerate the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccinations in general to seniors over 80.

Shanghai’s biopharma sector has started to regain momentum and is beginning to see its innovation bets paying off, with support from the local government.

New planned changes around vaccine approvals and other COVID-19 measures signal China is preparing for a gradual reopening amid its strict policies, but the process could take months.

Recent visits by foreign dignitaries and progress with local mRNA vaccines and antivirals appear to be helping some slight relaxations in China's strict COVID policies, but some experts predict it may still take months for further steps.