Bridge to innovation

While Zai Lab Ltd. has joined the ranks of Chinese biotechs making a splash on NASDAQ, less noticed may be the first wave of China-based players moving into Boston to jump-start their push into novel drug development.

This year has seen Chinese pharmas like Qilu Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Luye Pharma Group Ltd. open R&D operations in the East Coast life sciences hub, viewing the city as a gateway to top-tier translational science and scientific talent as well as potential partners. ...