Coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing are symptoms that may indicate a problem with your bronchial tree.

If abnormalities occur within this intricate network, is there a quick, visual method for doctors to locate lesions and perform biopsies?

One device caught the attention of numerous attendees at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE).

With just a roller and a trackball, the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy effortlessly navigates through the maze-like bronchial network with a catheter that measures only 3.5 mm wide.

As the world’s only bronchial navigation control system employing shape sensing technology via natural passages, Ion features an intuitive design that allows doctors to easily control the robotic control of the catheter by using just the roller and trackball. The ultra-thin catheter, only 3.5 mm in diameter, can bend 180° in all directions, allowing it to smoothly traverse the complex bronchial network and reach deeper areas of the lungs that conventional technology cannot reach.

A rising star at the CIIE transforms from "exhibit" to "product"

In fact, Ion made its debut as an "exhibit" at the CIIE back in 2019. This year transformed from an "exhibit" to a "local product."

This transformation was made possible by the company, Intuitive Fosun.

Another well-known product from Intuitive Fosun is the da Vinci Surgical System, which is also a popular exhibit at the CIIE.

Seven years ago, at the first China International Import Expo, the da Vinci Surgical System made a remarkable debut with its precise and rapid incision technique. It was introduced to the CIIE by Intuitive Fosun, a joint venture between Fosun Pharma and the US company, Intuitive Surgical.

Fosun showcases its global innovations at every CIIE

Since its establishment in 2017, Intuitive Fosun has been working on localizing the da Vinci Surgical System. In 2023, the first domestically manufactured da Vinci Xi Surgical System was installed, marking a significant milestone in localization in China.

This year, the Intuitive Fosun’s headquarters industrial base officially opened. It is not only the second research and manufacturing hub for the da Vinci Surgical System outside of Silicon Valley, the US, but also serves as an integrated center for research, manufacturing, and training. This facility provides training for medical professionals on the da Vinci Surgical System and Ion Bronchial Navigation Operation Control System, supporting local innovation.

This is undoubtedly a prime example of Fosun's integrated innovation.As Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, stated,"Global technological collaboration is a shared endeavor. By leveraging advantages, we can create the best products together. Participating in global tech collaborations also helps companies share the costs of innovation."

The Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy successfully replicated the "da Vinci model," and this successful approach was also applied to the Magnetic Resonance Image-guided Focused Ultrasound Brain Therapy System (i.e. MRgFUS brain therapy system, Exablate Neuro).

At the 6th CIIE, Exablate Neuro made its debut and quickly drew attention from the industry.

Exablate Neuro can precisely target treatment areas and use high-intensity focused ultrasound to ablate lesions. This efficient, non-invasive brain surgery takes just 2-3 hours and can provide immediate relief for tremor symptoms, with results lasting up to five years. It presents a new treatment option for patients with drug-resistant tremors and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease.

In the following year, Fosun Pharma and Insightec established a joint venture, Fosun Insightec,Fosun Pharma with a controlling stake, to commercialize Exablate Neuro in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR, focusing on commercialization, clinical applications and research. At this year’s CIIE, Fosun Insightec presented the new V2 model of the Exablate Neuro FUS system, which has been submitted for the NMPA’s approval.

Fosun has consistently participated in the CIIE, showcasing new innovations each year. "As you can see, we’ve participated in every CIIE, introducing something new each year," said Chairman Guo Guang Chang.

Integrated innovation, the strategic advantage for multinational pharmaceutical companies

Whether through Intuitive Fosun or Fosun Insightec, Fosun has consistently selected partners who uphold the principle of "technological leadership" while pursuing local innovation with a global perspective.

Guo Guangchang explained the rationale behind this approach: "Investing in technology and innovation requires not only funding but also time and patience. Collaborating with global partners in innovation has proven to be a successful strategy for Fosun."

It’s worth noting that many well-known multinational pharmaceutical companies have spent over a century building strong research and innovation capabilities. To achieve rapid growth, Chinese pharmaceutical companies must integrate global resources rather than worked behind closed doors.

"In cutting-edge areas of healthcare, Fosun has achieved breakthroughs and rapid development through an open innovation ecosystem involving independent research and development (R&D), collaborative development, licensing, and industry investment, all underpinned by Fosun's strong globalization capabilities.

In Fosun's global organization and local innovation efforts, the introduction and export of products are just one aspect. More importantly, Fosun focuses on building a comprehensive globalization capability around regional strengths and local R&D, enabling us to showcase new products that lead industry transformations at every CIIE. Fosun hopes that this capability will not only serve our own needs but also contribute to the entire pharmaceutical and healthcare industry in China.” said Chen Qiyu, Co-CEO of Fosun International.

As a seven-time attendee of the CIIE, Fosun has been not just a participant and witness but also a beneficiary of the CIIE. Leveraging the global platform, Fosun has converted overseas partners from "exhibitors" into "investors" and has transformed cutting-edge innovations from "exhibits" into "products" through integrated innovation.Globalizationhas significantly enhanced the value of innovation, laying a solid foundation for Fosun to achieve its leading industrial goals.