As citizens in China grapple with the virtual end of pandemic restrictions and rush for medicines from cold remedies to traditional options, even some prescription antivirals such as Paxlovid are appearing online, while cheaper but unauthorized Indian generic versions have quickly sold out. Meanwhile, a renewed vaccination effort is targeting high-risk individuals and second booster shots as the country faces a huge surge in cases.

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.

China's latest proposed rules governing the overseas transfer of personal data may allow pharma, biotech and digital health companies to avoid regulatory security reviews and formal standard contracts, as well as personal information protection certification, but key definitions of “important data” and “negative list” items remain to be clarified.